Poker Table Position Names Explained
Published May 19, 2026 • 6 min read • Beginner
Position is one of the most powerful advantages in poker. Knowing the poker table position names — and what each position means strategically — will immediately improve your game.
The Positions at a 9-Handed Table
At a full ring (9-player) Texas Hold’em table, positions from left of the dealer button going clockwise are:
| Abbreviation | Full Name | Category |
|---|---|---|
| UTG | Under the Gun | Early |
| UTG+1 | Under the Gun +1 | Early |
| UTG+2 / MP | Middle Position | Middle |
| LJ | Lojack | Middle |
| HJ | Hijack | Middle/Late |
| CO | Cutoff | Late |
| BTN | Button (Dealer) | Late |
| SB | Small Blind | Blind |
| BB | Big Blind | Blind |
Early Position (EP): UTG & UTG+1
Early position players act first pre-flop — the worst spot at the table. You have no information on how anyone behind you will act. Play a tight, premium range from UTG: pairs from 77+ and strong broadway hands. Limping in early position is a common mistake that players exploit heavily.
Middle Position (MP): LJ & HJ
Middle position players have seen a few players act, but still have several behind them. You can widen your range slightly compared to UTG. The Hijack is sometimes treated as a semi-late position in 6-handed games where it sits two seats from the button.
Late Position: Cutoff (CO) & Button (BTN)
The Cutoff and Button are the most profitable positions in poker.
The Button acts last on every post-flop street, giving you maximum information before you commit chips. You can profitably open a wide range from the BTN (around 40-50% of hands in many solver solutions), steal blinds frequently, and realise equity cheaply with speculative hands.
The Cutoff is one step to the right of the button. When the BTN folds, the CO becomes effectively last to act. It is the second-best seat and allows for wide opening ranges and frequent steal attempts.
The Blinds: SB & BB
The small blind and big blind act last pre-flop (an advantage) but are first to act on every post-flop street (a major disadvantage). Despite posting forced bets, the blinds are losing positions in the long run for most players because of the out-of-position disadvantage post-flop.
Key tip for the small blind: Unless you have a strong hand or a clear steal opportunity, lean towards folding marginal hands rather than completing. Calling out of position with weak holdings is a costly leak for beginners.
6-Max vs. Full Ring Position Names
In 6-max games (6 players maximum), early position is effectively removed. Positions become: UTG (EP), HJ (MP), CO, BTN, SB, BB. The same strategic logic applies — late position is still king.
Why Position Changes Everything
Studies show that players who consistently play in position win significantly more money per hand than out-of-position players, even with identical cards. Position gives you:
- More information before acting
- The ability to control pot size (check back vs. bet)
- Easier bluffing opportunities
- Cheaper calls with drawing hands
For a deeper dive, read our full poker position strategy guide.
Related: Poker Position Strategy Explained • Poker Hand Rankings for Beginners • Micro Stakes Poker Strategy