Choosing your seat at a live poker table

In live cash games you often get to choose your seat when one opens, or ask for a seat change. It sounds like a small thing, but where you sit decides who acts before and after you in most hands.

The main rule: loose players on your right

You want loose and aggressive players on your right, so they act before you. You see what they do and can respond: re-raise with strong hands, fold weak ones.
You want tight, careful players on your left, so the players acting after you rarely punish you.

A big, wild stack directly on your left is the worst seat for a beginner: you act first and then face their aggression in almost every pot.

Other things to think about

Seeing the board: seats right next to the dealer (often seats 1 and 9/10) can make it harder to see the cards. Pick a seat where you can see everything comfortably.
Comfort: you’ll sit there for hours. Avoid draughty spots or seats where people keep walking behind you.
Stack sizes: sitting to the left of the biggest stack gives you position on the player who can hurt you most.

How to change seats

When a seat opens, ask the dealer for a seat change before the new player sits down. Rules on priority vary by room.
Ask for a table change at the desk if the whole table is tough. See waiting list and table change.
Moving seats is normal; nobody needs a reason.

Don’t overthink it

Seat selection helps, but playing tight and solid matters much more. Learn table selection, player types and live cash game strategy.

FAQ

Where should I sit at a poker table?

Ideally with loose and aggressive players on your right and tight players on your left.

Why do you want aggressive players on your right?

They act before you, so you see their action and can respond with position.

Can I change seats at a live poker table?

Yes. Ask the dealer for a seat change when a seat opens, or ask the desk for a table change.

Is seat selection important for beginners?

It helps, but solid fundamentals matter much more.