Poker Position in Various Poker Games

The value of a poker position varies per poker variant we play.

When we're talking of Texas Holdem, positioning is very basic. Late positioning is often the best. This is truer when only two bettors are left in the pot. However, when we're in early or second position and there's a maniac bettor before or after us we may also gain some positional edge. But mostly, merely occupying late position is already a big advantage in itself. This is the reason why many would opt for multi-hand plays in late position than in early position.

When we're playing 7-card stud or stud high and low, positioning tends to assume different roles. For instance, a K high wagers first on fourth street and another bettor might try to act first on fifth street if the bettor gets an ace or perhaps pairs of deuces. In this case, we still have an edge over the first bettor to our right, yet positionally this becomes more complex in a stud game.

When we assume a non-high position certain hands become more feasible. Representing hands assume a more vital role when we act first. Some hands are possible for an aggressive play when the opponent has a king or perhaps an ace. This means the player is apt to act first in the entire hand. But it's another story when we're talking of Omaha HiLo as against Holdem. Poker positions become more complex. Being in late position is still desirable but we have to be careful with some disadvantages. For instance, bluffing from this position is simply foolish when we're dealing against good players.

In Holdem, mid-position allows very few opportunities for bluffing so that the option often is late positioning. But in Omaha, mid-position is best for bluffing rather than late positioning. But when we're talking of sharing pots in Omaha HiLo mid-position has several disadvantages we have got to watch our for. If, say, we have the nut and one coming from an early position wagers another nut, mid-position may become difficult to handle.

Our hope is for the player to prove to be a weak one---which is likely. Poor players often raise with their nut high, knocking off opponents behind. They would then decide on splitting or sharing the pot with the first player who had a low bet. The player should have merely called the low bettor.

Poker position assumes different roles in different poker variants. Understanding their roles would help us in our winning odds.