Poker Positions Made Simple for Beginners

Learning poker positions will stand you in good stead as you begin your journey playing cash and tournament poker. Understanding these basic concepts is important to be successful at the tables.

This is exactly what our poker experts have covered in this guide. After reading this, you’ll understand all 6-handed and 9-handed table strategies. We’ll explain and give answers to some burning questions, so ante up and dive into this poker strategy guide.

What Are the Best Poker Positions When Playing Texas Hold’em?

Poker table positions can be challenging to understand, and even more difficult to master when starting with the most popular form of poker, Texas Hold’em. The same goes for Omaha and any other type of poker.

To simplify this, we’ve prepared a range of images and explanations covering various positions in poker and which ones are higher up in the game’s hierarchy. We’ll explain every essential position in the paragraphs below and tell when it’s used in 9-handed or 6-handed poker table formats.

The Button (Dealer)

The button position is the game’s dealer in every format and typically has a white button in front of them, hence the name. The BTN (button) is often considered the best position to be in, as you get to see what the first three positions will do, so you can adjust your poker strategy accordingly. You are also the last to act after the flop.

In Texas Hold’em, for example, players on the button can expect to win more hands than they would from other positions. While specific win rates can vary, a competent player might expect to win approximately 18-30% of hands from the button over the long term in a full-ring game.

The Small Blind

The Small Blind (SB) is the position in poker that plays straight after the button and is occupied by the player sitting to the left of them. This gives the player the privilege of seeing what others do before them, but it’s still not a very good position, as you have to act immediately after the flop.

A typical win rate might be around 8-15% of hands over the long term for a skilled player. This is considerably lower than the win rate from the button position. Players need to employ a more conservative strategy when playing from the small blind, focusing on strong starting hands like AA, KK, or AK suited, and being cautious with speculative hands due to the positional disadvantage.

The Big Blind

The Big Blind position comes after the small blind and is the one that has to put the big blind in, i.e., double the money put up by SB. Again, it exists in both formats.

This is generally considered the worst position in poker, as you can’t see your cards and must put the most money in initially. On top of that, you are the second player to act after the flop.

The success rate in this position usually falls between 10% and 20% over the long term. This is generally higher than the win rate from the small blind, primarily because the big blind can see more of the pre-flop action and sometimes defend their blind much more effectively.

Under the Gun

Under the Gun is the player coming after the Big Blind in a typical poker table order. It’s also one of the least favorable positions overall and the worst position preflop because you have the least info on which to act, i.e., only your cards. It exists in both 9-handed and 6-handed poker.

Players in the UTG position need to be more selective with their starting hands, often choosing to play stronger hands that can withstand action from the rest of the table. A decent quality player should expect to win between 10 – 15% of hands from this position if going in pre-flop with a strong pair or suited combo. The key to improving win rates from this position is to understand hand strength, table dynamics, and opponent tendencies.

Under the Gun + 1

One of the 9-handed poker positions, under the gun +1 (UTG+1), is the player coming right after UTG. With only one player before you acting after the flop, you don’t get much to act on after the flop. You’ll find this position in 9-handed poker but not 6-handed poker.

With as many as seven players left to act after you, the win percentage from the UTG+1 position will be slightly better than from UTG, as you have a little more information based on the UTG player’s action. Specific win rates can vary significantly based on the skill level of the player, the type of game (Texas Hold’em or Omaha), and the dynamics at the table, a competent player might expect to win around 12-18% of hands from the UTG+1 position over the long term in a full-ring game.

Under The Gun +2 (Middle Position)

We are already halfway in the poker player positions, but Under the Gun + 2 (UTG+2) or Middle Position (MP) is the first middle position in a 9-handed poker game and the second in 6-handed poker. The MP sits to the left of UTG+1 and gets to act after them.

The expected win percentage from the UTG+2 position is higher than from UTG and UTG+1, but still lower than the strong middle and late positions. While win rates can vary based on factors such as player skill, game dynamics, and table composition, a good poker player can expect to win approximately 14-20% of hands from the UTG+2 position over the long term in a full-ring game.

Here are some tips to increase win rates from this position, players should focus on:

1. Strong Starting Hands: Continue to play a tight range, focusing on premium hands that can hold up against multiple opponents.
2. Positional Awareness: Be aware of the actions of players in later positions and adjust your strategy accordingly.
3. Opponent Tendencies: Pay attention to how players behind you are reacting, allowing you to make more informed decisions.
4. Post-Flop Strategy: Be prepared to play post-flop from out of position against several opponents, which requires solid post-flop skills and the ability to read the board and adjust to opponents’ actions.

Lojack

The Lojack (LJ) is seated to the left of the MP and is effectively in the same position as UTG in 6-handed poker. After this position comes the Hijack and the Cutoff, so it’s relatively close to the end, at least in 9-handed poker, as you won’t find it in 6-handed poker.

Here are a few things to consider when playing the Lojack position

1. Tighter Hand Range: Players in the Lojack position should typically play a tighter range of hands compared to later positions. This means focusing on strong starting hands like high pairs (e.g., AA, KK, QQ), high suited connectors (e.g., AKs, AQs), and other high-value hands.
2. Expected Win Rate: In terms of win rates, players in early positions like the Lojack typically have lower win rates per 100 hands than those in later positions. This is because they have less information about other players’ actions and need to act earlier in the betting rounds.
3. Strategic Adjustments: Skilled players can still achieve positive win rates from the Lojack by employing a strong, aggressive strategy, making well-timed bluffs, and carefully observing the tendencies of their opponents.
4. Statistical Data: Specific win rates can vary, but a rough estimate for a solid player might be a win rate in the range of 0 to 3 big blinds per 100 hands from the Lojack. This is a general guideline and can vary widely based on the factors mentioned above.

It’s important to note that poker is a game of skill, however, many players use poker tracking software to analyze their own statistics and adjust their strategies accordingly.

Hijack

In Texas Hold’em, the Hijack position is one seat to the right of the Cutoff and is considered a middle-to-late position on a full-ring table. This position offers many more opportunities than earlier positions.

Players in the Hijack position can open up their hand range more than in earlier positions. This might include strong hands like high pairs (e.g., AA, KK, QQ), broadway hands (e.g., AK, AQ, AJ), suited connectors (e.g., JTs, T9s), and some lower pairs (e.g., 77, 66).

Typically, players in the Hijack position can expect a better win rate (16-18%) compared to earlier positions like Under the Gun or Lojack, due to having fewer players left to act behind them and thus more information and control over the hand. Players can employ a more aggressive strategy, especially if the players to their left (Cutoff, Button, and Blinds) are relatively tight or passive. This position allows for more opportunities to steal blinds and apply pressure.

Poker is a game of variance. When starting out playing poker, it is important to realise that you will need to play hundreds or even thousands of hands to develop a strategy you are comfortable with.

The Cutoff

The Cutoff position is considered by pro players as one of the strongest positions at the poker table, second only to the Button. It’s located directly to the right of the Button and offers several strategic advantages that can lead to higher win rates.

Advantages of the Cutoff Position:

1. Late Position Advantage: Being in the Cutoff means you are one of the last players to act in each betting round, giving you considerable information about how opponents are playing their hands.

2. Increased Bluffing Opportunities: The ability to act later allows for more effective bluffing and semi-bluffing, as you can better gauge the strength of your opponents’ hands.

3. Stealing Blinds: The Cutoff is an excellent position for attempting to steal the blinds, especially if the Button, Small Blind, and Big Blind are tight or passive players.

4. Control Over the Pot: Having position allows you to control the size of the pot more effectively, deciding when to apply pressure or when to keep the pot small.

5. Wider Opening Range: Players in the Cutoff can play a wider range of hands profitably compared to earlier positions. This might include not only strong hands but also suited connectors, weaker broadway cards, and small pairs.

Expected Win Rate:

Win Rate Per 100 Hands: Players in the Cutoff position generally experience higher win rates than those in earlier positions due to the strategic advantages mentioned above. A solid player might achieve a win rate ranging from 3 to 7 big blinds per 100 hands, although this can vary widely based on the player’s skill level, table dynamics, and opponent tendencies.

Lewis Humphries

Sports Betting Expert

• 

Play Tight or Loose?

Do you play tight or loose? Playing tight means playing fewer hands but of more strength like AA or AKs. Playing loose means taking more risk with hands like A10 off suit or even a low pair like 66.

9-Handed Poker Seat Positions

Nine-handed poker is a game format with nine hands or nine positions. In plain words, avoiding the sometimes confusing poker terms, it’s the format with nine players. This is full-ring poker, and it’s ideal for beginners because the game is slower, and you have enough time to think before the action reaches you.

Early Positions

Early 9-handed poker positions at a table are left of the dealer, and they get to play first after the dealer places the hole cards for everyone to see. Here’s what these positions are in 9-handed poker:

• Small Blind—The SB is seated to the left of the BTN and must place the Small Blind.
• Big Blind — The BB is seated to the left of the SB and has to place the Big Blind.
• Under the Gun — The UTG position is left of the BB and must act before the flop.
• Under the Gun +1 — The UTG+1 comes after the UTG and has to act based on only one player’s actions before them.

Calculating the exact probability of winning a poker hand with a specific starting hand like Ace-Jack suited (AJs) from various positions at a 9-seat table involves several variables. You have to take into account the actions of other players, community cards, and post-flop dynamics. However, let’s look at general expectations and strategic considerations for AJs from these low positions:

General Strength of AJs

AJs is considered a strong starting hand, especially in a full-ring game. It has good potential for making top pair with a strong kicker, as well as flush and straight possibilities.

Win Probability and Strategy in Early Table Positions

1. Small Blind (SB)

Win Probability: AJs in the SB can be strong, but you’re at a positional disadvantage post-flop. You’ll be first to act in every subsequent betting round. It will be difficult to extract value or control the pot size.

Strategy: Consider raising to build the pot if the action folds to you from previous players, but be cautious of players in the Big Blind who may defend. If facing a raise, consider the raiser’s tendencies before calling or re-raising.

2. Big Blind (BB)

Win Probability: Similar to the SB, but you have the advantage of seeing what all other players do before you act pre-flop.

Strategy: Defend against steals from late-position players. You can call or 3-bet depending on the aggressiveness of the raiser and your post-flop skills.

3. Under the Gun (UTG)

Win Probability: AJs is a decent hand in this position, but you must be cautious due to several players left to act.

Strategy: Open with a raise if the table is not overly aggressive, but be prepared to fold to significant re-raising from tighter opponents, as they may have stronger pre-flop hands.

4. Under the Gun +1 (UTG+1)

Win Probability: Slightly better than UTG due to having one less player to act after you, but similar considerations apply.

Strategy: Open with a raise if the table dynamics allow, and be aware of players who might be looking to 3-bet light.

General Probability of Early Poker Positions

Pre-Flop Equity: AJs generally have around 18-25% equity in a 9-handed game pre-flop, assuming all players are dealt random hands. This is a broad estimate and varies greatly with the number of players seeing the flop and their hand ranges.

Middle Positions

Middle 9-handed poker positions on the table are players sitting between the early and late 9-handed poker positions, specifically between UTG+1 and hijack. In other words, this includes two positions:

• Under the Gun +2 (Middle Position) — The UTG+2 or MP acts after UTG+1.
• Lojack — The LJ plays after MP and is essentially in the same position as UTG in 6-handed poker.

Calculating the probability of winning a hand with a hole card hand like Ace-King suited (AKs) from various positions at a 9-seat table involves variables linked to community cards and other post-flop variables. Let’s investigate the general and strategic considerations for AKs from the two middle positions:

General Strength of AKs in Middle Positions

AKs is one of the most powerful starting hands in Texas Hold’em. It has excellent potential for making top pair with the best kicker and can form a nut flush.

Position-Specific Considerations

1. Under the Gun +2 (Middle Position)

Win Probability: AKs is very strong in this position. While exact probabilities depend on opponents’ hand ranges, AKs generally have good equity against random hands.

Strategy: Open with a raise to build the pot and apply pressure, especially if the players behind are not overly aggressive. Be prepared to 3-bet if facing a re-raise and assess opponents’ tendencies post-flop.

2. Lojack (LJ)

Win Probability: AKs is equally strong in the Lojack position. You are in a slightly later position than UTG+2, which typically increases your strategic advantage.

Strategy: Similar to UTG+2, raise to build the pot. The Lojack allows for a wider opening range compared to earlier positions, but AKs is always a premium hand. Be ready to pressure opponents with a 3-bet if they show aggression.

General Probability of AKs in Middle Poker Positions

AK suited usually has around 20-30% equity in a 9-handed game pre-flop. AKs is a premium hand that performs well in both the UTG+2 and Lojack positions. An Ace and a King of the same suit is a hand that should be played aggressively. Leverage its strength to build pots and apply pressure to opponents.

Late Positions

The late poker table positions in a 9-handed format are those playing at the end and sitting right of the button. This includes the BTN position as well. Here’s all of them:

• Hijack — The HJ sits left of the LJ and is a good position to be in.
• Cutoff — The CO comes after the HJ and plays right before the BTN, making it an excellent position.
• The Button — The BTN is the dealer and represents the best position.

Pocket Aces (AA), often referred to as “Pocket Rockets,” is the strongest starting hand in Texas Hold’em. The probability of winning with AA is generally high across all positions due to its inherent strength. However, let’s talk about this hand if you have this in one of the late positions to bet.

Position-Specific Considerations

1. Hijack (HJ)

Win Probability: In the Hijack position, AA is extremely strong. While the exact win probability varies based on opponents’ hand ranges, AA typically has over 80% equity against random hands pre-flop.

Strategy: Open with a raise to build the pot. If facing a re-raise, consider 4-betting to maximize value. Be aware of stack sizes and opponents’ tendencies to adjust your play accordingly.

2. Cutoff (CO)

Win Probability: The Cutoff position allows for even more strategic flexibility with AA, maintaining its high win probability, typically over 80%.

Strategy: Raise to isolate opponents and build the pot. The Cutoff is a great position to apply pressure, especially if the Button and blinds are playing passively. Consider 3-betting or 4-betting if facing aggression.

3. Button (BTN)

Win Probability: The Button is the best position to have pocket Aces, offering the most control over the hand. The win probability remains exceptionally high, again typically over 80%.

Strategy: Raise or re-raise to maximize value. From the Button, you can manipulate the pot size and exploit positional advantage post-flop. This position allows you to see how opponents act before you commit more chips.

General Probability of AA in Late Positions

AA generally has around 85% equity against a single random hand. This equity decreases as more players enter the pot, but remains strong due to AA’s dominance. Pocket Aces is the best starting hand, especially in late 9-handed poker positions. Its strength is magnified in late positions like the Hijack, Cutoff, and Button. The key with AA is to maximize value by building the pot pre-flop and using your positional advantage to make informed decisions post-flop.

6 Handed Poker Positions

6-handed poker is a popular online poker format with six players. It effectively has the same poker seating positions as in 9-handed poker, minus UTG+1, Lojack, and Hijack. With that in mind, let’s round up all 6 handed poker positions to see where they fit in.

Early Positions

Just like in 9-handed poker, the 6-handed early positions are seated left of the dealer, and are reduced in number and cover only the two blinds:

• Small Blind — The SB is seated to the left of the BTN, plays after them, and places the small blind bet.
• Big Blind — After the SB comes the BB, whose job is to place the big blind bet.

Winning with a specific hand like Ace-Jack suited (AJs) in early positions on a 6-seat table involves several variables. However, AJs is generally a strong starting hand. The hand gives good potential for making top pair with a strong kicker, as well as a flush and straight draw possible. Let’s explore some playing strategies.

Position-Specific Considerations

1. Small Blind (SB)

Win Probability: AJs in the Small Blind can be strong, but you’re at a positional disadvantage post-flop. The win probability is generally lower than in later positions due to this disadvantage.

Strategy: Consider raising to isolate if the action folds to you, but be cautious of players in the Big Blind who may defend. If facing a raise, consider the raiser’s tendencies before calling or re-raising. Typically, AJs will have around 30-50% equity against a single opponent’s range.

2. Big Blind (BB)

Win Probability: Similar to the Small Blind, but you have the advantage of seeing what all other players do before you act pre-flop. AJs will generally have similar equity here, around 30-50% against an opponent’s range.

Strategy: Defend against steals from late-position players. You can call or 3-bet depending on the aggressiveness of the raiser and your post-flop skills. Post-flop play requires careful consideration, given that you’ll be out of position.

General Probability of Winning With AJs in an Early Position

Pre-Flop EquiAgainst a single random hand, AJs typically have around 60% equity. In a heads-up situation, AJs is a strong hand depending on how the cards are dealt on the flop.

Middle Positions

Same as in 9-handed poker, there are two middle positions in six-handed poker. However, UTG is now in a middle position while the MP is still there:

• Under the Gun — The UTG acts first after the flop and sits left of the BB.
• Middle Position — The MP is seated to the left of UTG and still has limited options.

Ace-King suited (AKs) is one of the most powerful starting hands in Texas Hold’em. It has significant strength across various table positions on a 6-seat table. Here’s a look at the expected probabilities and strategic considerations for AKs in these positions:

Position-Specific Considerations

1. Under the Gun (UTG)

Win Probability: While AKs is very strong, playing it from the UTG position means you have to act first post-flop, which can be a disadvantage. However, it still retains a high pre-flop equity, typically around 60-65% against a random hand.

Strategy: Open with a raise to build the pot and apply pressure. Be prepared to 3-bet or 4-bet if facing aggression, depending on your read of the opponents. Given the strength of AKs, you should be comfortable playing this hand aggressively.

2. Middle Position (MP)

Win Probability: In Middle Position, AKs remains a very strong hand with a similar win probability, typically around 60-65% against random hands. The position allows for slightly more flexibility compared to UTG.

Strategy: Raise to build the pot and potentially isolate opponents. You can also consider 3-betting if facing a raise, depending on your opponents’ tendencies. The position allows you to make more informed decisions as the hand progresses.

General Probability of AKs 

AKs generally has around 65% equity against any single random hand before the flop has taken place. This equity will decrease as more players contest the pot. But for sure, AKs is still one of the very best hands in any scenario. AKs is a dominant hand that should be leveraged for its strong pre-flop equity and post-flop potential.

Late Positions

There are only two late table positions in poker with six hands, and with hijack out of the picture, you can already guess the remaining two players:

• Cutoff — The CO is left of the MP and right of the BTN, making it a good position.
• The Button — The BTN is the dealer and again represents the best position at the table.

Pocket Aces (AA), referred to by poker professionals as “Pocket Rockets,” is the strongest starting hand. It is strong across all positions, including the middle and late positions on a 6-seat table. Let’s check the expected probabilities and strategic considerations for AA in these positions:

Position-Specific Considerations

1. Cutoff (CO)

Win Probability: In the Cutoff position, AA is extremely strong, with a high win probability typically around 85% against a single random hand. This position allows for aggressive play to build the pot.

Strategy: Raise to build the pot and isolate opponents. If facing a re-raise, consider 4-betting to maximize value. Use your position to control the action and extract value from weaker hands.

2. Button (BTN)

Win Probability: The Button is the best position to have Pocket Aces, offering the most control over the hand. The win probability remains very high, typically around 85% against a single random hand.

Strategy: Open with a raise or re-raise to maximize value. From the Button, you can manipulate the pot size and exploit your positional advantage post-flop, allowing you to make informed decisions and extract maximum value.

General Probability of AA (A pair of Aces) in Late Positions

AA generally has around 85% equity against a single random hand pre-flop. Of course, the equity decreases if more players remain in the game after the first round of betting. Poker software tools like PokerStove, Equilab, or others can help you gauge chances based on specific table dynamics. Having positional advantage on the button helps you make strong informed decisions both pre and post-flop.

Why Are Poker Seat Positions Important in 9-Hand and 6-Hand Poker?

Your poker positioning determines the strategy you’ll have to employ in the game. This largely stems from the fact that poker is primarily a game of skill, and based on the information you have at that stage of the game, you’ll have either an advantage or disadvantage over your opponents.

Early Position Poker Strategy

As you’ve seen from all the poker positions we’ve explained, the later you play in the game, the more advantage you have.

Due to this, the strategy one can use while playing in one of the earlier positions is quite limited. In general, your opening ranges need to be tighter. Also, you can fold hands with small suited connectors and low pocket pairs.

Middle Poker Position Strategy

While playing one of the middle poker seating positions, your overall strategy should still be tighter, just as with the earlier positions. However, since you’re now in the middle and can see some of the action before acting, you can begin opening up your ranges of when to play tight or a little looser.

Additionally, when late-positioned players start folding pre-flop, you can start using more aggressive post-flop strategies.

Late Position Poker Strategy

Late positions are the best positions, and while playing these, you can finally begin to truly open up and play more aggressively.

Players in these positions, especially while playing as buttons, tend to open around 40% of their hands, which usually leads to both blinds folding their hands. If you’re an aggressive player, you can do that with over 40% of your hands, especially when playing with more passive players.

Which Seat Positions in Poker Have the Most Control Over the Pot?

If you’ve been following this guide closely, you might be able to guess the answer to the question of what is the position in poker has the most control over the pot. Yes, it’s the button or the dealer.

One could argue that the other late positions, notably the Cutoff, have good chances of getting the pot, but it’s usually the BTN who gets the pot, as they can see what others have done and have to be the last to act after the flop.

Which Poker Seating Positions Offer the Best Opportunity for Bluffing?

The cutoff has the best chances to bluff from all the other table positions. As CO, you have a lot of room to raise or call, giving you a good opportunity to bluff.

The later you are in the game, the more chances you’ll get for bluffing. That’s also why the CO and button are the top positions to be in if you want to try and bluff the other players.

How to Calculate Pot Odds Based on Your Poker Position

Learning the poker positions chart is important, but if you want to make a profit in the long run, you need to understand pot odds and how to calculate them. This is one of the most crucial mathematical concepts in poker, as it helps you decide whether to call a bet or raise.

First, start with the ratio of the entire pot and the current bet. Your playing position in poker doesn’t matter for this ratio, as it’s based only on the bets.

Let’s see this as an example. You’re playing a game where the pot holds $20. The opponent bets $10, and now you need to decide whether to call $10, as it’s your turn. There’s now $30 in the pot, so the ratio is 30:10 or 3:1.

Now, you need to turn this into a percentage to decide how much equity you need to profitably call the bet.

However, you must use the final pot for this, which is $40 (pot and your call). Then, divide the call size with the final pot, which is 10/40=0.25. In percentages, this is 0.25*100=25%. So, if you want to call, you need to win at least 25% of the time to profit.

The good news here is that you don’t always need to calculate the pot odds in the middle of the hand, as players typically tend to place bets that amount to specific pot percentages, meaning equity percentages repeat a lot. Here’s a table you can use as a cheat sheet:

Lewis Humphries

Sports Betting Expert

• 

Why are pot odds important?

Learning pot equity is a valuable skill when playing poker, as it alleviates guess work and risk. You can use a poker equity calculator or software to help you make decisions on playing specific hands.

Extracting Value From the Table Based on the Best Poker Positions

Extracting value from the table while playing in the best seat positions, like the button, is a vital strategy in both 6-handed and 9-handed poker games.

The goal is to deny opponents from extracting value while in a weaker position than you.

For instance, if the Big Blind manages to put money in the pot thinking they have the best hand, they usually won’t try to extract value because they are out of position. The button should take advantage of being in position, denying them that during the first round of betting by raising and extracting more value in the second hand.

What is the Best Site to Learn Texas Hold’em and Omaha Poker?

One of the top sites for learning the two most popular poker variants is CoinPoker. The poker site lets players enjoy online poker with crypto, but it’s also filled with strategy tutorials on the basics of poker, poker hands, poker variants, and much more.

You can visit CoinPoker to take advantage of their complimentary poker training.

Conclusion

As you can see, being in different positions on the poker table dramatically affects what you can and should do. Some positions, like the latter ones, are better than others, mainly because they give you more information on what the other players are doing.

Hopefully, this comprehensive guide on poker positions for 6-handed and 9-handed formats has helped you understand them better and what you need to do when playing each format.

Naturally, there’s a lot more critical info you need that can’t fit into one guide, so check our other poker guides below if you want to learn more.

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