The Importance of Poker Position

Texas Holdem is all about people and position. All rounded holdem players agree that position in no limit texas holdem is fundamentally important. Playing your hole cards in late position can be much more profitable than in early poker position. The reason because much more information is gathered before acting. For example, I was playing a $1-$2 no limit cash game at a local spot. I limped in with 2, 9 unsuited (a terrible hand) on the dealer button, just to see some action. Flop came down A-A-4. A player in early position made a $15 bet. Two players fold and it was my turn to act. I should have folded, but his play seemed a bit off. I identified this player as a weak-tight player earlier, and typically if he had the best hand he would just check. I thought, ‘if he held trips, why would he raise so early instead of checking and try to trap other players.’ I didn’t put him on an Ace this time, so I called. The turn came down with a 7, making it A-A-4-7. My opponent made another bet of $20. I hesitated a bit, but made a split decision to reraise another $30 on top of his $20. He folds and I take the pot down.

Playing late position gives you an idea where you stand by observing how players react and bet. On the other hand, players at early position may us their poker position to check-raise the late positioned aggressors and trap them later at the end. In Texas Holdem, both ends, late and early should be played cautiously regardless.

Lesson One:
Texas Holdem Image and Poker Personality
Profiling your opponents style of play

Lesson Two:
Factors of a Texas Holdem Game
Points to consider when entering a table

Lesson Three:
The First Five Minutes
Pinpoint the sucker and avoid being the sucker

Lesson Four:
Poker Position
NL texas holdem is all about people and position

Lesson Five:
How to Bet
The different styles of betting in texas holdem

Lesson Six:
Bluffing 101
When to bluff and how to bluff properly

Lesson Seven:
Poker Tells
The ability to read your opponents

Lesson Eight:
Choosing Your Hand Preflop
Recommended hands for you to play preflop