Poker Table Positions Tutorial

What are positions in poker?

In poker, each players "position" refers to their position at the table relative to the dealer (BTN). Positions are key because they determine the order of action in each hand and, therefore, the strategic advantage.

Dealer (BTN)

BTN holds the dealer disk “D” and acts last postflop, giving the biggest informational advantage.

The Blinds

SB (Small Blind) — immediately left of BTN; posts a small forced bet. BB (Big Blind) — left of SB; posts the big forced bet.

Postflop, SB and BB act first — generally weaker seats compared to late position.

Early Positions (EP)

UTG — first to act preflop, immediately to the left of BB. In 9-max tables you may also see UTG+1 and UTG+2.

Tightest opening ranges: many players still to act behind you.

Middle Positions (MP)

Come after UTG. Slightly better than EP but still with players left to act.

Late Positions (LP)

HJ (Hijack) — two seats to the right of BTN. CO (Cutoff) — directly to the right of BTN. BTN — best seat; last to act postflop.

LP can open wider ranges and steal blinds more profitably.

Positions are arranged clockwise around the Dealer (BTN)

UTG

UTG+1

BTN

Strategic quick guide

BTN & COwidest openings; best steal spots. SB & BBdefend carefully; you act first postflop. UTGtightest openings; many players behind.

Shortcut: Find BTN → to the left: SB, then BB → keep going clockwise for UTG, MP, HJ, CO, back to BTN.

Ready to test your knowledge?

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Frequently Asked Questions about Positions

Yes. CO is immediately to the right of BTN, so it acts later than HJ and can open wider.

Because SB and BB act first after the flop, giving up information to others.

Names stay the same, but the BTN advantage is biggest postflop by acting last.