Table position can be the difference between a triumphant victory and a crushing defeat in poker. So any seasoned player knows that poker position tactics are crucial to your success.
Understand how to leverage your position and soon you’re be able to dominate the table from any seat.
Poker position tactics
Early position
When you find yourself in an early position, it’s important to be cautious. In some ways, this is when you should pay closest attention to poker position tactics. Because most of the players on the table haven’t acted yet, you have limited information about their hands. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to only play premium hands like Aces, Kings or Queens. Strong hands increase your chances of dominating the pot and lowers the risk of getting outplayed by those later position players.
Middle position
Move to middle positions and your advantage significantly increases. You now have more information, having seen how the early position players are reacting. And this means that you can widen your range of playable hands. With that in mind, suited connectors and medium pairs are valuable weapons in your arsenal. These hands give you great potential for drawing strong combinations in your mid table position.
Late position
More commonly known as the cutoff and button, late positions are great. This is where you have the biggest advantage over your opponents. You know how the other players have acted, so now you can make more informed decisions. That means you can widen your range even more, now including small pairs and even weaker aces. As well as that, it’s an excellent spot to steal pots with a bluff when your fellow players are looking weak.
Defending blinds
If you’re a small or big blind, you’ve got something to think about. You’ve already got some skin in the game, so some people feel like they need to defend those chips. However, you should always think about the strength of your hand when you’re facing a raise. And, of course, your opponent’s playing style. You might be itching to defend with a wide range, but you’ve got to be aware of the risks, especially in your vulnerable table position. Keep those poker position tactics in mind, focus on playing stronger hands and avoid getting trapped in costly situations. In other words, know when to fold ’em.
Table dynamics
Whatever your position, you need to adapt how you play to suit the dynamics of the table. Take a look at the tendencies of your opponents and adjust your strategy accordingly. Are early position players playing conservatively? Then seize the opportunity to assert dominance when you’re in a later position. But at the same time, if the table is aggressive, you’ve got exercise caution. Wait for premium hands before you strike back.
Your key to success in poker, whatever your position, lies in striking a balance between aggression and caution. Be too aggressive in early positions and it can be disastrous. Similarly, when you’re too passive in late positions, your opponents might zero in on that and exploit your weakness.
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