Position in poker refers to where a player sits in reference to the other players. If someone says "I've got position on you", it means he's sitting to your left, and will always act after you. Most often, position is used to define where a player sits relative to the dealer and whether you'll be first or last to act in a round of betting.
Your position at the table is always relative to the dealer for that hand's position. That's one of the reasons the deal rotates around the table in poker, so that everyone gets equal time in every position.
So we’ve defined position, but what is the best action to take depending on your position at the table? Below is a list compiled by position of starting hands. This is not absolute, just intended to give the beginning player a starting point. It is also important to keep in mind the type of players at your table and your stack size.
Early Position – In a table of nine to ten players you are in early position when you are sitting up to three seats left of the dealer. Considered the worst position in poker, it’s a good idea to only play the best of your hands here since you don’t get a lot of information on the other players.
High Pairs: AA, KK, QQ, JJ High Suited Cards: AK, AQ, KQ, AJ, KJ, QJ and J-10 High Unsuited Cards: AK, AQ, KQ
Middle Position – In a table of nine to ten players you are in middle position when you are sitting up to four to six seats left of the dealer. You can play a bit looser, but you should still be cautious.
- High Suited Cards: A-10, K-10, Q-10
- High Unsuited Cards: AJ, A-10, KJ, etc.
- Middle Pairs: TT, 9-9, 8-8
Late Position – The best position in poker and defined as the 1-2 players sitting just right of the dealer. You have more information as you’ve seen how the other players have chosen to act before you have to make your own choice of whether to call, bet, raise or fold.
- Suited Connectors: 9-10, 7-8, etc.
- Small pairs all the way down to 2-2’s
- Ace-smalls such as A-9 thru A-6
Understanding Position at the Tables
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