Tips on Playing Each Position in Texas Hold ‘em

Texas Hold ‘em is the most popular poker game in the world. If you are tempted to play it online, you need to understand that position at an internet poker table is just as important as it is in real life poker. Online players have to take turns, and obviously some must go before others. Read this guide to get an understanding of position importance when playing limit Texas Hold ‘em.

Early Position

The early position is always the least favorable condition. Since many decisions are based on the actions of other players, nobody really wants to go first. Therefore, if you end up in an early position, you should only play the best of hands. This is especially true if playing against a large number of opponents. If your hand is not the best, you can be sure that other players are probably going to raise the pot before the flop. Only stick around the game if you have a top ranking hand.

Middle Position

In a middle position, you can play a bit aggressively if you think you have a good enough hand. If you have medium pairs, you can try staying in the game if you play loosely. If, however, those in an early position seem to be playing aggressively so far, you should probably abandon the small or medium pairs before the flop.

Small pairs in particular are hard to play in middle position, so you should abandon them unless the players in an early position are limping. If they fold, however, you will have more room to work with. You will now only have to worry about those who go after you, and can therefore get away with playing a bit aggressively as long as you have decent cards.

Late Position

This is obviously the best position to be in. If you are a pretty good player, you can make a lot of money whenever you are in late position. You will have the advantage of watching your opponents' every move before having to act yourself. You can try working with all pairs, K-10, K-Q, A-10, and A-K, and suited aces. You may even be able to win with a small pair, although you should still show some caution.

Keep bluffing at a minimum. As long as there at least a few other people in the game, they can still call you on it. Since they are at a disadvantage with their positions, you can be sure that they will be keeping an eye on every single move you make. After all, they might not have much to lose by calling you bluff, so do not underestimate them.

Playing in the Blinds

This is completely different than being in the other positions. If you are in the big blind, you will have a huge disadvantage post-flop because you will be the second to act. Of course, if the small blind decides not to play, you will have to go first yourself! Obviously, this makes things tougher on you, and you will have a lot less to work with.

If you generally play well after the flop, you can get away with defending more hands. If the pot is raised, you need to decide whether your big blind is worth defending. You probably shouldn’t if you have unsuited hands such as A-9 or K-10. You can try calling out of the big blind if you have a suited hand such as A-8, but only do this if you expect the limpers to call. Even then, you should play very carefully.