After understanding starting hands the next concept most beginning poker players master is that their position at the table affects which of those hands can be played. If several players have folded ahead of you then the number of playable hands increases when compared to acting first at a full table.



The most favourable position of all in the pre-flop betting round is that of the dealer button. You get seen almost all of the table act before you decide whether to play, and more importantly will be the last to act after the flop. This gives a huge advantage for no-limit texas holdem poker playing strategy - you get to see what all the other players in the hand do before you choose your action.









Where many players get into problems is that this is only one aspect of position strategy. While your absolute position may be favourable here the more important concept is known as 'relative position'.



To work out your relative position you must compare your position at the table relative to the pre-flop raiser. An example will illustrate this point:



You are on the button at a full table, the first player to act limps and a middle position player raises to 4 times the big blinds. You call the raise, the small blind folds and the big blind and original limper also call. Here you are last to act after the flop - however you are no longer last to act relative to the raiser.



If the big blind and early position limper check to the pre-flop raiser and he bets then you have to act before the other 2 players in the hand. Although your position pre-flop was good your relative position after the flop is actually unfavourable - you have to act without knowing whether the 2 others in the hand will re-raise you.



Being aware of the concept of relative position as part of your no limit holdem poker playing strategy can give you an advantage at the table. If you are last to act pre-flop but consider it likely that you will be in a bad position relative to the raiser after the flop then you can tighten up your starting hand requirements. The best hands to play would pairs here, it will be clear on the flop whether you have a set or an over-pair to the board. When your relative position is likely to be bad avoid drawing hands such as suited connectors and unpaired high cards.



GL at the tables, Mark

By: Mark Holland

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Mark Holland is a Pro Online Poker Player and regular contributor to high quality poker resources. For fantastic strategy insights that will give you an immediate $ edge visit Online Poker Tournament Strategy Tips today!