Poker positions explained: button, blinds, UTG and more
Your position is where you sit relative to the dealer button, and it decides when you act. Acting later is a big advantage because you see what others do first. The button is the best seat, because it acts last on every street after the flop; the blinds and under the gun (UTG) are the hardest.
The positions at a 6-player table
Section titled “The positions at a 6-player table”| Seat | Name | Acts before the flop | Acts after the flop |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UTG (under the gun) | First | Early |
| 2 | HJ (hijack) | Second | Middle |
| 3 | CO (cutoff) | Third | Late |
| 4 | BTN (button) | Fourth | Last |
| 5 | SB (small blind) | Fifth | First |
| 6 | BB (big blind) | Last | Second |
At a 9-player table there are extra early and middle seats between UTG and the hijack (UTG+1, UTG+2 and the lojack), but the idea is the same.
Why late position is better
Section titled “Why late position is better”- You see what everyone else did before you decide.
- You can steal the blinds more often when players before you fold.
- After the flop you control the size of the pot and get to check behind when you want a free card.
How to adjust as a beginner
Section titled “How to adjust as a beginner”- Early position (UTG): play only strong hands, for example big pairs and A-K, A-Q.
- Middle position: add a few more hands, like medium pairs and A-J.
- Late position (cutoff, button): you can open more hands, including suited connectors and weaker aces, especially if the players behind you fold a lot.
- Blinds: you are out of position after the flop, so avoid calling raises with weak hands just because you already paid the blind.
A quick example
Section titled “A quick example”You hold K♠10♠. Under the gun this is usually a fold: eight players act after you and someone may have a better hand. On the button, if everyone folds to you, it is a good hand to raise and try to win the blinds.
What is the best position in poker?
Section titled “What is the best position in poker?”The button. It acts last on every street after the flop, so you always see what your opponents do first.
What does UTG mean in poker?
Section titled “What does UTG mean in poker?”Under the gun: the first player to act before the flop, sitting directly left of the big blind.
Why are the blinds a bad position?
Section titled “Why are the blinds a bad position?”You put money in without seeing your cards, and after the flop you act first, without knowing what others will do.
What is the cutoff?
Section titled “What is the cutoff?”The seat directly to the right of the button, the second-best position at the table.