In poker, “position” refers to where you’re seated at the table in relation to the dealer button. It dictates the order of action and significantly impacts your strategic choices. Players in later positions have more information, making it easier to make better decisions. Understanding how to adjust your preflop play based on your position can greatly increase your chances of winning pots and improving your overall win rate.
This guide breaks down optimal preflop strategy by position, offering practical advice and example hands for beginners and experienced players alike.
Understanding Table Positions
Poker positions are typically grouped into four categories:
- Early Position (EP) – e.g., Under the Gun (UTG)
- Middle Position (MP) – e.g., MP1, MP2, Hijack (HJ)
- Late Position (LP) – e.g., Cutoff (CO), Button (BTN)
- Blinds – Small Blind (SB) and Big Blind (BB)
1. Early Position (EP) – UTG
Key Characteristics:
- Acts first preflop → least information.
- Vulnerable to raises from later positions.
- Requires a tight range to minimize risk.
Recommended Range:
- Premium hands: AA, KK, QQ, AKs
- Strong pairs: JJ, TT
- Suited broadways: AQs, AJs
Example Hand:
- Your hand: A♥ K♥
- Position: UTG
- Play: Open raise (2.5–3BB)
- Why: Strong hand worth building a pot and applying pressure. Be cautious against 3-bets.
2. Middle Position (MP)
Key Characteristics:
- More information than EP.
- Can expand range moderately.
Recommended Range:
- Premiums: AA–QQ, AKs
- Mid pairs: 99, 88, 77
- Suited connectors: JTs, T9s
- Offsuit broadways: AQo, AJo
Example Hand:
- Your hand: 9♠ 9♦
- Position: MP2
- Play: Open raise (2.5BB)
- Why: Solid hand. Prepare to fold if facing a strong 3-bet.
3. Late Position (LP) – CO & BTN
Key Characteristics:
- Acts last → maximum information.
- Ideal for stealing blinds and exploiting weak players.
- Can play a wider range, including bluff hands.
Recommended Range:
- Small pairs, suited connectors, and broadways.
- Bluffing hands: A2s–A5s, K9s, Q9s
Example Hand:
- Your hand: J♣ X♣
- Position: BTN
- Play: Open raise (2.2BB)
- Why: Late position allows you to steal blinds with a wide range.
4. Small Blind (SB)
Key Characteristics:
- Worst postflop position.
- Should either raise or fold—limping is discouraged.
Recommended Range:
- Premiums: AA, KK, AK
- Select suited hands: A5s, KQs
Example Hand:
- Your hand: A♠ Q♠
- Position: SB
- Play: Open raise
- Why: Strong enough to play aggressively. Watch for 3-bets from BB.
5. Big Blind (BB)
Key Characteristics:
- Acts last preflop.
- Excellent pot odds → can call wider.
- Defends against steals and adjusts to opener’s range.
Recommended Range:
- Broadway suited and strong non-premiums: KTs, QJs, J9s
Example Hand:
- Your hand: K♣ X♠
- Opponent: BTN open raises
- Position: BB
- Play: Call or consider 3-betting
- Why: Decent hand to defend against a wide steal range.
Key Strategy Takeaways by Position
Early Position (UTG)
- Play tight; focus on premium hands.
- Aggressively open strong hands to assert strength.
- Be cautious of reraises.
Middle Position (MP)
- Slightly wider range than EP.
- Still prioritize strong hands, but can introduce suited connectors and mid pairs.
- Consider opponent tendencies.
Late Position (CO/BTN)
- Most advantageous position.
- Play aggressively, including bluffs and steals.
- Use postflop position to control the action.
Small Blind (SB)
- Avoid limping.
- Raise with strong hands, fold the rest.
- Postflop strategy is difficult from here—act accordingly.
Big Blind (BB)
- Use pot odds to your advantage.
- Defend more often, but with calculated hands.
- Consider 3-betting versus frequent stealers.
Conclusion
Mastering preflop poker strategy by position is one of the most effective ways to boost your win rate. By playing tighter in early positions, expanding your range in late positions, and defending smartly from the blinds, you can make more profitable decisions in every hand you play. Use this guide as a reference at the tables, and adjust based on your opponents and stack sizes. Consistent, position-aware strategy is a cornerstone of winning poker.
