Being first in line doesn’t always guarantee success. In the world of card games, position is everything, and it can play a major part in the outcome of the hand. This principle is true for many options, but it’s more clearly underlined in competitive poker.
While individual players cannot dictate the order of play, they can each look to take advantage of their position at the table. In this scenario, being last offers a clear bonus.
Prepare to Succeed
Like any game, poker requires a thorough understanding of the mechanics. This is one of the more complex card games, and it’s essential to be fully conversant with the rules before taking a seat at the table.
Texas Hold’Em is the most popular form of online poker and the one that new players are most likely to get stuck into. Take some time to understand the ranking of hands and the method of dealing. Many operators also have free trial versions of the game, so you can take some time to develop your playing skills.
Among the many things you need to learn is the order of dealing, as this ties in with your position at the table.
Dealer’s Advantage
In social card games, one player always has to act as the dealer, and this is the best position to take up. The rules dictate that the dealer goes last, which means they can assess the quality of hands already on the table.
In friendly games of poker, the dealer’s advantage is in play, but in professional tournaments, the rules of Texas Hold’Em negate this. The dealer is merely the facilitator of the game, and the various players take their positions accordingly. Whatever version of poker you’re playing, that positioning remains important.
The Key Seats
In tournament play, the two seats directly to the right of the dealer are the best positions in the game. It’s all about watching the game develop and assessing strategy and whether to raise the stakes. To use the correct poker terminology, these are known as the ‘cutoff’ and the ‘hijack.’
Players in earlier positions may well fold after the hole cards have been dealt. Instantly, this takes away some of the competition and makes it a marginally easier contest for those yet to play.
The player in the cutoff seat sits directly to the right of the dealer, and they play last. From here, you will know exactly how others have played the round, and you can use your analytical skills to assess the strengths and weaknesses of each hand.
It’s also possible, if you wish, to be more aggressive from this position. You can raise the stakes or even go all in. Naturally, this is only advisable if you have a strong hand, but an aggressive approach can often force others to fold, and it’s best carried out from last place.
The hijack seat is directly to the right of the cutoff, and it was given its name as steals are common from here. A player in this seat can also assess most of the hands before it comes to their turn. Anyone from the hijack position may find it easier to steal blinds from those ahead of them.
The last two seats are, therefore, the most advantageous when it comes to poker play, but if you find yourself in another position, it doesn’t necessarily mean you are doomed to fail.
Battling Any Disadvantage
Those in first position have decisions to make. They won’t be able to assess other players and their actions, but it is possible to dictate the play. A common recommendation is to play a tight-aggressive game, which involves a specific approach to the round.
Under this system, being tight means you will play fewer hands. Be more prepared to fold when you have a weak or middling hand. When a strong set of hole cards appears, it’s now time to be more aggressive. When it is appropriate to raise, go in high. In general, it’s about being patient and waiting for the right time to strike.
While it won’t always be possible to dictate where you sit at the table, it’s important to know why positioning is so important in poker. If you have to bet, raise or fold first, you may be at a disadvantage, but at least you’ll be aware of your vulnerability.
Anyone who isn’t last in the line can, obviously, still win the round. They may have an unbeatable hand, or they may be able to bluff their way to the prize pot. The player in the final chair, however, has that advantage of being able to assess the size of the bet and the quality of other hands.
A win is never guaranteed, but when it comes to online poker, last can often come first.
