Poker Position — why it matters

Position is where you act in the betting order. Acting later is a big advantage because you get more information before you decide.

Two key terms:

• In position (IP) = you act after your opponent on postflop streets.
• Out of position (OOP) = you act before your opponent on postflop streets.

Why position is powerful

• You see what they do first. You can react instead of guessing.
• You control pot size. You can check back to keep pots small or bet to grow them.
• You realize equity better. Your draws and medium hands reach showdown more often.
• You bluff better. You choose better spots and apply pressure when they show weakness.
• You value bet thinner. You can bet more often with medium-strength hands.

IP vs OOP (simple heuristics)

In position (IP) rules of thumb

• Play more hands preflop than you would OOP.
• Use position to see a free card when you have a draw or a marginal hand.
• When they check, you often can bet small to win the pot or deny equity.
• Do more pot control with medium hands by checking back.
• Call more comfortably because you keep the final decision on later streets.

Out of position (OOP) rules of thumb

• Play tighter preflop than you would IP.
• Prefer hands that can make strong top pairs or big draws.
• Be careful with medium-strength hands that hate big pots.
• Check more often and use check-raise with strong hands and some bluffs.
• Expect to realize less equity because Villain can pressure you on later streets.

Position by seat (quick map)

In a typical 6-max game, position strength usually goes like this:

• Button (BTN) = best position
• Cutoff (CO)
• Hijack (HJ)
• Lojack (LJ) (or UTG in 6-max)
• Small Blind (SB) = worst position
• Big Blind (BB) (special: you invest preflop but play OOP a lot)

Common spots

Button vs Big Blind

BTN is IP postflop and usually has a wide range. BB defends wide but plays OOP and often has to fold more on later streets.

Small Blind vs Big Blind

SB is OOP postflop and also pays extra preflop. This is why SB usually plays tighter and often uses more raise-or-fold strategies in many formats.

In position in 3-bet pots

In 3-bet pots the pot is bigger, so decisions matter more. IP helps you avoid mistakes and apply pressure at the right time.

Mini checklist (use this every hand)

1. Am I IP or OOP?
2. Who has the range advantage? (who can have more strong hands?)
3. What is my plan for the next street?
4. Can I control the pot size?
5. Will I realize my equity? (can I get to showdown or keep applying pressure?)

Common mistakes

• Playing too many hands OOP. You get “outplayed” by position, not by talent.
• Building big pots with medium hands OOP. This creates tough river decisions.
• Auto-c-betting OOP. OOP bets get raised more and realize less value.
• Ignoring position in preflop choices. The same hand can be a raise on the Button and a fold UTG.

Next step: Position Quiz

Try the Position Quiz to practice IP vs OOP decisions and learn which hands perform best from each seat.