Poker is all about position!

Every detail counts in Texas Hold'em. One's position at the table and whether one is the first or the last player to speak dramatically changes one's game and strategy. Read on for an explanation.

All players know that their position around a poker table is crucial for deciding whether to raise or not or to bluff or not and for analysing the enthusiasm of other players. One understands the term “position” as a player’s place in relation to the button, i.e. the dealer. Players measure their position by the people on their right, for example, those on their left have a better position than them. In hold’em poker the player who speaks last has the best position, because he has time to analyse what is going on around him and to make his decision and adapt his strategy after everyone has had their go. The player who has to go first has the worst position, because he has to make his decision with no information.

In poker, although a risk may pay out, it can also be one’s downfall

The reason that the majority of players like to be one of the last to speak, is because these positions allow them to collect as much information as possible on their opponents, their game and their tactics. In this case, it is always easier to play an intermediate hand like for example. The player can either take a chance at winning the pot by raising, or call hoping to improve his hand from the table. On the other hand, if the player finds himself in the first position with same hand and his 7 opponents are behind him, he must absolutely realise that there are 7 potential threats likely to raise or even go all in. In poker, although a risk may pay out, it can also be one’s downfall. So the first to speak must, generally speaking, only play when he has a strong hand at the risk of loosing his chips. His scope for manoeuvre is therefore limited.

Drawing is best for players

Of course everything is relative, and everything depends on the context. If the first player to speak raises by a lot, although he shouldn’t as the first, everyone will think that he has a good hand. This is why it is harder to work out if he is bluffing or not. Another important factor is one’s the position relative to certain players. If one finds an aggressive player to one’s left, raising will not pressure or scare him into a battle for the strongest hand. It is the same for players who are too cautious, who, impressed by your zeal, will have a tendency to fold two out of three times.

The importance of one’s position is therefore crucial. A good position allows players to know their opponents, their game tactics and their strategy at specific moments. In poker it is better to know before thinking.