Definition
Position refers to where you sit relative to the dealer button. Your position determines when you act in a hand—and acting later is a massive advantage.
Position is power. Late position = More information = Better decisions.
The Position Map (9-Handed)
[SB] [BB]
[BTN] [UTG]
[CO] [UTG+1]
[HJ] [LJ] [MP]
Position Categories
| Position | Abbreviation | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Small Blind | SB | Left of button, posts small blind |
| Big Blind | BB | Left of SB, posts big blind |
| Under the Gun | UTG | First to act preflop |
| UTG+1 | UTG+1 | Second early position |
| Middle Position | MP | Middle of the table |
| Lojack | LJ | Two before button |
| Hijack | HJ | Three before button |
| Cutoff | CO | Directly before button |
| Button | BTN | Dealer position, acts last postflop |
Position Groups
🔴 Early Position (EP): UTG, UTG+1
- Act first, least information
- Play tight (fewer hands)
- Need strong hands
🟡 Middle Position (MP): MP, LJ, HJ
- Some information, still vulnerable
- Moderate hand selection
🟢 Late Position (LP): CO, BTN
- Act last, maximum information
- Play looser (more hands)
- Best positions at the table
🟠 Blinds: SB, BB
- Already have money in pot
- Act last preflop, first postflop
- Worst postflop position
Why Position Matters
| Advantage | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Information | See what others do before deciding |
| Pot control | Easier to manage pot size |
| Bluffing | More credible when you act last |
| Value extraction | Better sizing when you know they're weak |
Simple Analogy
Position is like bidding in an auction:
📢 Would you rather bid first, not knowing what others will do? Or bid last, knowing everyone else's offers?
Quick Reference: 6-Max Positions
| Position | Preflop Order | Postflop Order |
|---|---|---|
| UTG | 1st | 4th |
| HJ | 2nd | 5th |
| CO | 3rd | 6th (last if BTN folds) |
| BTN | 4th | Last |
| SB | 5th | 1st |
| BB | 6th (last preflop) | 2nd |
Key Takeaway
Play tighter in early position, looser in late position. The button is the most profitable seat at the table—you get to see what everyone does before you act.