How to Master Poker Table Positions

Posted on by Craig Martin

Understanding table position is one of the most underrated yet powerful ways to improve your poker game. Whether you’re playing cash games or tournaments, knowing how to leverage your position at the table can turn marginal hands into winning ones and save you chips in tough spots. In this guide, we’ll break down each poker position and show you how to use them to your advantage.

What Is Position in Poker?

In poker, “position” refers to where you sit relative to the dealer button and when you Master Poker Malaysia act during a hand. Players who act later in the betting round are said to be “in position,” while those who act earlier are “out of position.”

Acting last gives you more information about what your opponents intend to do, allowing you to make smarter decisions.

Types of Poker Positions

There are three main categories of position at a standard 9-handed poker table: early, middle, and late position.

Early Position (EP)

Includes the Under the Gun (UTG) and UTG+1 seats. These players act first post-flop, making this the weakest position.

Strategy Tips:

  • Play tight.

  • Stick to premium hands.

  • Avoid speculative hands like suited connectors.

Middle Position (MP)

Seats between early and late position, such as MP1 and MP2. Offers a bit more flexibility than early position.

Strategy Tips:

  • Loosen up slightly but still play cautiously.

  • Watch how early position players act before you enter the pot.

Late Position (LP)

Includes the Cutoff (CO) and Button (BTN). This is the most profitable area of the table.

Strategy Tips:

  • Open a wider range of hands.

  • Use position to bluff or steal pots.

  • Apply pressure on players with weaker hands.

The Blinds (SB and BB)

While technically not part of early/mid/late categories, the Small Blind (SB) and Big Blind (BB) are forced bets and act last pre-flop but first on later streets.

Strategy Tips:

  • Defend wisely, especially from the big blind.

  • Don’t overplay hands from the small blind—you’re out of position post-flop.

Why Position Matters in Poker

Being in position means you act after your opponents, which gives you a critical edge. Here’s why:

  • More Information: You get to see how others act before you make your move.

  • Pot Control: You can keep the pot small with marginal hands or build it with strong ones.

  • Bluff Effectiveness: Bluffs are more convincing when you’re the last to act.

Positional Awareness in Practice

Mastering position isn’t just about knowing where you sit—it’s about making consistent, disciplined decisions based on your spot at the table.

Key Habits to Build:

  • Track the dealer button every hand.

  • Adjust your opening ranges based on position.

  • Target players who play too many hands out of position.