[A Beginner's Guide to Poker] Poker positions explained in simple terms!
![[A Beginner's Guide to Poker] Poker positions explained in simple terms!](/static/bfcda181fc622d8e681e7e70dc5b3204/f3c14/header.avif)
Table of Contents
About Position
Position refers to the location where a player sits at the table. In a 6-player poker game, the names of each position are as follows:
| Position Name | Description |
|---|---|
| BB (Big Blind) | The position to the left of the SB, paying a mandatory fee |
| SB (Small Blind) | The position to the left of the button, paying half the fee of the BB |
| UTG (Under The Gun) | The position that acts first in pre-flop |
| HJ (Hijack) | The position to the left of the UTG |
| CO (Cutoff) | The second most advantageous position, next to the BTN |
| BTN (Button) | The player who acts last in the round, the most advantageous position |
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Positions
Position is extremely important in playing poker.
The reason why position is important is that it determines the order of actions. Being able to act later allows you to make decisions after observing your opponents’ actions, which is advantageous. Poker is a game of incomplete information, so any information you can gather from opponents is precious.
Next, let’s look at the order of actions.
The order of actions in pre-flop is:
UTG > HJ > CO > BTN > SB > BB
The order of actions in flop, turn, and river is:
SB > BB > UTG > HJ > CO > BTN
This means, in pre-flop,
UTG is the weakest position.
In flop, turn, and river,
SB is the weakest position.
The last to act is the BTN, so,
BTN is the strongest position.
It’s important to participate in strong positions and avoid playing in weak positions as much as possible.
Now, let’s look at a specific example.
For instance, you are in the BTN position.
In pre-flop, you called a raise from CO and joined the pot. After the flop is revealed, suppose CO checks.
At this point,
- From CO’s perspective
・BTN called pre-flop
- From BTN’s perspective
・CO raised pre-flop
・CO checked post-flop
This creates an imbalance in the amount of information, allowing BTN to act.
This imbalance continues from pre-flop to river, demonstrating that being in a later position is extremely advantageous.
Summary
Position is crucial in poker as it determines the order of actions. Acting later allows you to observe your opponent’s actions and strategize advantageously, so engage in the pot when your position is favorable.