Poker Positioning: Mastering Seat Selection and Table Dynamics Online

Throughout this article, we’re highlighting the power of positional play in online poker. We’ll also explore key strategies for each position to help you dominate the table.

Highlights

Master position to dominate the table
Explore early, middle and late position strategies

A Guide to Seat Selection and Table Dynamic when Playing Online Poker

In poker, table position plays a pivotal role in both the betting order and the strategic advantage players have. By leveraging your seat position effectively and taking the correct approach in terms of betting, you can gain the upper hand over your opponent. That’s why, throughout this article, we’re highlighting the power of positional play in online poker. We’ll also explore key strategies for each position to help you dominate the table.

The Importance of Position in Poker

Position, in poker, refers to where you’re seated in relation to the Button (The Dealer). The Button is considered highly advantageous as it’s the last to act after the flop. This means you can gain insight into the strength of your opponents before making your move. With each hand, the Button moves to the left and position changes until a full orbit is complete. So, it’s important to take advantage whenever you can.

Seating Positions

Button (Dealer)
Small Blind
Big Blind
Under the Gun (UTG)
Under the Gun +1 (UTG+1)
Middle Position (MP)
Middle Position +1 (LoJack)
HiJack (HJ)
Cutoff (CO)

Early Position: The Challenges of Frontline Play

Early position refers to players who are among the first to act in any betting round. This includes those seated to the immediate left of the big blind – UTG and UTG+1. These positions are typically considered disadvantageous as you’ll have no information about the strength of your opponent’s hands. As such, it’s advisable to play cautiously. Ideally, you’ll want to fold weaker hands and raise premiums to narrow the field. That way, you’ll hopefully gain an improved position for the next betting round.

Advantages	Disadvantages
✅ Early aggression can narrow the field	❌ At risk to middle/late position raises
✅ Can gain early pot control with strong hands	❌ Poor position post-flop
	❌ Must play with a tighter opening range

Middle Position: Balancing Aggression with Caution

Being in one of the Middle positions (MP, Lojack and HiJack) offers unique opportunities. Here, you can exploit any early positional weakness, while maintaining a balanced approach to aggressive and cautious play. Essentially, these positions offer much more flexibility in terms of playable hands.

Advantages	Disadvantages
✅ Flexibility of hand selection	❌ Vulnerable to late aggression
✅ Can gain information for early position players	❌ Can lead to tough decision-making
✅ Can put pressure on late positions

Late Position: Taking Advantage of the Power Seats

Late positions are considered the most advantageous in poker. Being in the Cutoff or on the Button gives you significant advantages, allowing you to potentially steal the blinds or set up strategies for post-flop play. You also have the most information of any players at the table. So, you have the opportunity to play any two cards (if that’s how you like to play) due to a better risk-versus-reward ratio. Plus, if you play post-flop, these positions allow you to get the best value from strong hands, while also potentially controlling the pot with weaker combinations.

Advantages	Disadvantages
✅ Best post-flop position	❌ Vulnerable to traps
✅ Offers the chance to steal the blinds	❌ A temptation to overplay weak hands
✅ Best risk-to-reward ratio