How to Win at Poker: Positions on the Table
Using Placement to Read and Predict Betting
Sep 28, 2009
There are countless 'poker strategies' and myths of 'how to succeed in poker'. The truth is, there is no miraculous method, no hidden chalice allowing a player to drink deep from the wealth of the casino, no whispered wise words that only the champions have been blessed to hear. The only way to make an effort at succeeding in poker is to read advice and experience.
This article looks at using placement on the poker table to decide on betting and chances of success. There are four differing positions on a full poker table depending on where the dealer and blinds are set. This example will use the basis of a ten person table which is commonly found in the earliest rounds of many tournaments around the world, with the role of the dealer passing between players to the left.
Early Position
The early position is the weakest position in poker. This refers to the three players who are directly to the left of the dealer, the small blind, the big blind and the player to the left of him. In this position players have no relative knowledge of how the other players on the table are playing. They do not know whether another player is likely to make a large bet which will force them to fold, or if they can put in an intimating bet in order to chase away unsure peers.
Due to this disadvantage it is advised that while players are in this position they do not bet unless they have a very strong hand, such as high pairs (a double ace, king, queen or jack), a duo of suited high cards (such as a king and queen of hearts, or ace and jack of clubs), or unsuited cars with an ace and a picture (such as ace with king/queen/jack).
Middle Position
The players in the middle position are the three players that are to the left of the final player in early position (i.e. the 4th player from the dealer to the 6th). This position is the mid-way point for potential in poker. The player has knowledge of what the players in the early position are planning and betting, however still is not aware of what the final few to the left of him are doing.
This position gives the players a little more option in the hands they could play. Rather than strictly only playing the finest of hands they can perhaps play high suited cards (such as ace and a picture or 10), high unsuited cards (such as ace and jack and 10 and king) or middle ranked pairs (such as a pair of 10s to 7’s)
Late Position
The late position refers to the final three players to the right of the dealer. These players are in a very strong position. They are able to watch every player other than the dealer bet prior to them, this gives them great educated insight into potentially what the other players may have in their hands, therefore they can adjust their game accordingly.
In this position the player can afford to play somewhat lesser hands such as connecting suits (9 and 10 of hearts, or 7 and 8 or clubs), or ace and lesser cards (such as ace and a 6)
The Dealer Position
Although this gives the individual player obvious responsibility and a job to take his mind away from his cards, its is the strongest possible position to be in. Each of the other 9 players must cast bets and choose whether or not to play or fold before the dealer needs to act. This gives a great advantage, as he can witness each players decisions, and is therefore fully aware of the position he is in at the table.
This allows him to play potentially weaker hands such as the lesser pairs (such as a pair of twos or threes in hand) or single Kings and Aces in hand (with only small accompanying cards, such as twos and threes).
Conclusion
Counting position can help a player plan ahead in a game, this can give an advantage in controlling loses and understanding when to make winnings.
An interested reader may wish to view an article on how to read body language in poker
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