Position and Poker

Position gives you information in a game of Poker. By being last to act you can see how other players react and use this information to base your decisions.

Your position at the table is in relation to the dealer (also referred to as the button). The button is the most advantageous position at the table, as you get to see how all the other players at the table react before making your own decision.

The first player to act pre-flop is the player to the left of the Big Blind. This player is in a very bad position which is often referred to as “being under the gun”, “under the gun” or just UTG.
A player UTG and other early seated players should only play premium hands since they have no idea of what kind of action they can expect from the rest of the table. Calling a Six, Seven suited UTG might cost you four small bets if you encounter significant action from behind you.

Being in a late position is preferable, and will not only give your information, but also help you extract more money from the other players when you hit the board. After all other players have bet, a raise from late position could potentially double the money put into the pot on a betting round. If a player have already committed to one bet, it's easier to commit to a second.

In general you should play only very strong hands from early position and loosen up your hand selection as you move closer to the button.