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Position in Poker
Sep 17th, 2007
Jason | 
Everyone has heard the talk about position and how important it is when playing the game of Poker. Many beginning players however underestimate the true value of position. In a game such as Hold 'em, especially NL, position can mean the difference between winning and losing a hand.
Good players are always trying to play pots in position. Your position at the table is dictated by where you sit in relation to the button. The closer you are to the button the bigger your advantage because of the number of opponents who have to act before you in every betting round. The advantage of seeing what your opponents have done before you have to act, allows you to formulate a strategy based on the information you've already been given.
The advantage of having position on your opponents is the reason you should be playing tight from up front. Hands such as suited connectors and small pairs should usually be folded pre-flop when in early position. The reason is that there are many players to act behind you, and these are hands with which you want to see a flop for as cheap as possible. You don't want to have to call a raise out of position with one of these hands because unless your opponent is in the blinds, he will have the advantage of acting after you in every round of betting.
It’s also very hard to play draws out of position. If you flop a flush draw and decide to lead out with it, what will you do if it doesn't come in on the turn? If the opponent who called your flop bet calls on the turn, what will you do if you're flush doesn't come in on the river? It’s much better to be in position when you have a draw because you have more options available to you such as the Free Card Play
Having position on your opponents can also win you some pots when you don't have a hand. Many NL hands will end up heads-up at some point. Many times the community cards don't help anyone in the hand. If you find yourself in a hand with a weak, predictable opponent, and they check, you should usually be betting whether you have a hand or not. Most predictable players check when they miss, and bet when they have a hand. This will allow to you to pick up some pots using your position instead of the cards you are holding.
Position may be the most important concept a new player could learn when starting out in Hold ‘em. In a game full of decisions, it is best to keep things as simple as possible. Playing in position makes the game easier, especially for a beginning player. Being able to act after your opponents gives you an incredible amount of flexibility in your decision-making at the table. Before you decide to play a hand, notice your position at the table and ask yourself these three questions:
1. Is this hand strong enough to raise with, in the position I am sitting in?
2. How many players are left to act behind me?
3. What will I do if I get re-raised?
Analyzing your current situation at all times, and always thinking a couple of steps ahead will have you becoming a winning poker player in no time.
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