Online Poker

The Importance of Table Positions in Poker

Don’t think that your initial hand strength is enough to determine your chances of winning a big pot. Think again. In online poker, your position relative to the action is crucial, and Texas Hold’em is no exception.

Late Position

Being in a later position (typically the last or one of the last to act in the betting sequence) gives you the advantage of observing the actions of others before making your decision. By this time, a significant portion of the players at the table may have already folded or simply called. When you are the last to act, consider leveraging this passive playstyle to make a raise.

In later positions, prioritize playing strong hands but also consider incorporating marginal hands like Q-10, J-9, and A-9 in unraised pots. Additionally, an aggressive pre-flop strategy can enhance the credibility of any strong moves you intend to make in subsequent rounds, especially when the flop appears unfavorable and you plan to bluff. However, be prepared to fold if faced with intense action and a threatening flop.

Early Position

On the other hand, when you are in an early position, such as after the big blind or in adjacent spots (commonly referred to as “under the gun” or UTG+1), it is advisable to stick to playing strong hands that can withstand potential raises. While raising with hands like A-10 UTG may seem appealing, consider how you would respond if players in later positions re-raise you. If you choose to call, you’ll be the first to act post-flop, leaving you without any insight into the actions of players behind you.

Some players even suggest completely folding any hands in early positions. However, if you choose to play, be sure to select high-quality hands.

Effective Poker Bankroll Management

Whether in online poker or live cash games, ensuring proper bankroll management is crucial. It’s essential to manage your funds effectively before starting real money games.

While the allure of a $50 tournament or a $5/$10 cash game may be tempting, if your bankroll is insufficient, diving in could deplete your funds quickly.

A prudent approach is to allocate a specific amount of funds for betting. If you encounter losses, consider lowering your stakes to gradually rebuild your bankroll before moving up to higher levels.

As a general guideline, your bankroll for cash games should be maintained at 20-30 buy-ins, especially when multitabling. For tournaments, it’s advisable to keep a bankroll at 50 buy-ins, allowing you to handle potential fluctuations and rebuys with ease.