Position in the Poker Game

In Texas Holdem, position is very important. You should always consider your position when playing a hand. Position on poker table can be broken down in three parts. Usually the first three players to talk (to act, in order, clockwise after the button) are said to be in early position. If you're in early position, you are disadvantaged in the sense that the other players get to see you act before acting themselves, and can therefore pick up a hint as to the strength of your hand. It is usually recommended to only play strong hands in early position.

The next three players (assuming a table of nine players for this example) are said to be in middle position. In middle position, you had the chance to see some of your adversaries act, and you also know that there just a couple of players left to act. Players in middle position can allow themselves to play more than just strong hands.

Finally, the last set of players are said to be in late position. Players in late position, especially the player who is last to act, have a great advantage on their opponents. They get see who got involved in the hand and how. Players in late position can allow themselves to play a wide range of starting hand, using their position as an advantage. You might also hear the terms "in position" and "out of position". To be in position against another player is to act after that player. While being out of position is to act before that player. In Texas Holdem Poker, more often than not, it's all about position!