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Poker Position Chart: Table Positions and Position Strategy

Updated 30 October 2026 · 5 min read

In poker, where you sit relative to the dealer button decides how many hands you should play and how you play them. Learn the table positions once and your results improve immediately.

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Table positions

Position	Seat	Notes
SB	Small blind	Worst postflop position, acts first after the flop.
BB	Big blind	Gets a discount to see the flop; last to act preflop.
UTG	Under the gun	First to act preflop. Play the tightest range.
UTG+1 / MP	Early and middle	Add a few more hands.
HJ	Hijack	Two seats right of the button.
CO	Cutoff	One seat right of the button. Good for stealing blinds.
BTN	Button	Best seat. Acts last on every street after the flop.

A 6-max table has UTG, HJ, CO, BTN, SB and BB. A 9-max table adds three more early and middle positions.

Why position matters

Acting last lets you see what your opponents do before you decide. You can bet bigger when they check, check back to control the pot size, and fold cheaply when they show strength. Players in position win more over time than those out of position with the same cards.

Position strategy tips

Open more hands from the cutoff and button, such as suited connectors and suited aces.
Tighten up from early position: premium pairs, strong aces and suited broadways only.
Steal the blinds from late position when the players in the blinds are tight.
Avoid calling raises out of position with marginal hands.
Defend the big blind with hands that have good equity against a late-position raise.

Seat selection at an online poker table

When you choose your seat, avoid sitting directly to the left of very aggressive players, because they act right before you. Prefer to have them on your right so that you act after them. On a private table you can pick your seat before the game starts.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best position in poker?

The button (dealer seat) because you act last on every postflop betting round.

What does UTG mean in poker?

UTG means under the gun: the first player to act preflop, who needs the strongest hands.

What is the cutoff in poker?

The cutoff is the seat one to the right of the dealer button, the second-best position.