Position Abbreviations

Beginner

Definition

Standard position names and abbreviations used in different table formats.

6-Max Position Layout

        [SB]  [BB]
          \    /
    [BTN]--------[UTG]
          /    \
       [CO]   [HJ]
Position Abbreviation Description
Under the Gun UTG First to act preflop
Hijack HJ Two right of button
Cutoff CO One right of button
Button BTN Dealer, last to act postflop
Small Blind SB Posts small blind
Big Blind BB Posts big blind

9-Max (Full Ring) Positions

Position Abbreviation Notes
UTG UTG Earliest position
UTG+1 UTG+1 Second early position
UTG+2 UTG+2 Third early position
Middle Position 1 MP1/LJ Lojack
Middle Position 2 MP2/HJ Hijack
Cutoff CO Late position
Button BTN Best position
Small Blind SB Worst postflop position
Big Blind BB Closes preflop action

Position Categories

Category Positions Range Width
🔴 Early UTG, UTG+1, UTG+2 Tightest (10-15%)
🟡 Middle LJ, HJ Medium (18-25%)
🟢 Late CO, BTN Widest (28-45%)
🔵 Blinds SB, BB Forced investment

Position Advantage

Aspect In Position (IP) Out of Position (OOP)
Information See opponent act first Must act blind
Control Can close action Can be raised
Bluffing Easier Harder
Value Extract more Extract less
Win Rate Higher Lower

Heads-Up Positions

Position Preflop Postflop
BTN/SB Acts first Acts last ✓
BB Acts last Acts first ✗

💡 Key Takeaway: Understanding positions helps you know when to play wider or tighter, and whether you'll have positional advantage postflop.

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