Why Position Matters in Poker
In poker, where you sit relative to the dealer button determines when you act. Acting last is a massive advantage — you see what everyone else does before you decide.
The Table Positions
A 6-player table has these seats (from weakest to strongest position):
- UTG (Under the Gun) — acts first before the flop
- MP (Middle Position) — acts second
- HJ (Hijack) — acts third
- CO (Cutoff) — acts second-to-last
- BTN (Button) — acts last every street after the flop 🏆
- SB/BB (Blinds) — post money blind, act last preflop, first after the flop
Remember: The Button is the best seat at the table. You always know what everyone else has done before you act.
Why Last = Best
When you act last, you have information your opponents don't:
- You know if they checked (weakness) or bet (strength)
- You can bluff more effectively after they show weakness
- You can value-bet confidently knowing nobody raises behind you
- You can take a "free card" by checking back a draw
This is why professionals play more hands from the Button than any other position.
Tighten Up Early, Open Up Late
Because position matters so much, play fewer hands early and more hands late:
- UTG: Only premium hands (AA, KK, QQ, AK, AQ)
- BTN: Many more hands — you'll always have position
A hand like J♥T♥ is marginal from UTG (often out of position) but excellent from the Button (in position, seeing everyone act first).
Remember: If you only remember one rule: play tighter early, looser late.