Table position is one of the most overlooked and underestimated parts of texas hold'em poker. I was stunned at the difference in my play when I first started taking position into account. Table position is basically where in the order of play your turn is. Why is it so important? Well one of the most basic examples of the importance of position comes in the game of baseball. The home team always has the advantage because they get to bat last.

Poker is no different. The later you are to act in the hand the more of an advantage you have because, you already know how most of the players at the table have acted, whether they have called, raised, or folded. Playing position can literally take you from a losing player to a marginally winning player, it is THAT IMPORTANT

Poker Starting Hand

The most important aspect of your position is in choosing your starting hands. When in early position you really want to be careful about the hands you get involved in, while in late position you can play a wider range of hands, and make more lucrative calls. Now your position is determined by your spot in relation to the dealer. Play goes clockwise from the dealer, so if you are 1 or 2 seats to the left of the dealer(the blinds), this is considered early position. If you are 1 or 2 seats to the right of the dealer, you are one of the last players to act, and thus are considered late position. Everything in between is considered middle position.

Opponent's Player Position Matters

Keeping track of a players position is very important when playing at online poker sites because you don't have facial expressions and other tells to factor into your decision on what your oppenent may have. It is important to note that before the flop, play actually starts with the player to the left of the big blind, and then after the flop starts with the small blind. Don't get confused, the small blind is in first position or worst position even though he is second to last to act before the flop.

Premium Poker Hands

In early position you want to stick to premium hands only, these hands include pocket aces, pocket kings, pocket queens, and ace king. Unless you are experienced, you do not want to get involved with hands outside these four, because if you get raised or re-raised, there is a good chance you are beat and at a great disadvantage.

Marginal Poker Hands

In medium position you can get involved in more marginal hands, such as medium pairs, or Ace Queen, Ace Jack, Ace ten. Middle position is a great place to raise, or to try to steal the blinds, especially when everyone folds before you. The flipside is also true, when everyone calls before you, it can be a good place to call and see a cheap flop, because people are less likely to raise with many people in the pot.

Late Position Poker Hands

In late position you can really start to open your hands up, playing any pocket pair, blackjack hands(any combination of A, K, Q, J, 10), or suited connectors(QJ suited, 87 suited, etc). Late position is also a great place for you to call raises. Generally you do not want to become a calling station in poker, with the exception of late position. The reason is when you call a raise in late position, then the raiser is forced to make a decision after the flop. Without knowing whether you hit the flop or not, he has to check raise small or raise big.... This gives you a huge advantae.

Try incorporating table position in your next game and see if it doesn't make a huge difference!

If you would like to find out more poker strategy check out the free poker school at Poker Splendor. Also, always read poker room reviews before you start playing online!