Help me understand positions

Z

Ziggletooth

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I haven't started playing poker yet, I'm the kind to learn theory before practice (which makes sense because you don't want to fall into the trap of playing based on short term results). I am new to this so sorry to sound stupid.

anyway my question. these are the positions in a 6 seated table of texas holdem.

utg (under the gun)
utg+1 (under the gun plus 1)
co (cut off)
bu (button)
sb (small blind)
bb (big blind)

now I understand after the flop it becomes

sb
bb
utg
utg+1
co
bu

and here lies the confusion... I'm looking at different ranges but get confused about what position they are talking about.

for example here is one range
UTG and UTG+1 AKos, AQs, JJ+
CO AJs, KQs, AQos, 99+
BU ATs, KQs, AJos, KQos, 77+

now, how would you apply this considering they have missed two positions. In other words where would the SB and BB fit in?

Is SB and BB grouped with the BU range because they are last to bet preflop? or

do you group those positions with UTG because they are first after flop? or

do you play them as BU range preflop then UTG post flop?

basically. where does SB and BB fit in and how would you play them with this range strategy?

and any additional information you have on how to play position and what exactly position means would be very welcome, thanks guys.
 
S

sonic0691

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Small Blind and Big Blind is always to the left of the dealer who is identified by a chip with a D in it to identify the dealer. UTG 1 is next and as you stated the positions continue until the player who is on the right of the dealer, the cut off.

Go to pokerstars and sign up for their school. You can use play money to get a feel for the game and also see the different positions and how they change every hand.
 
triplesyxx

triplesyxx

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a basic rule of thumb when it comes to ranges, the earlier you have to act, the tighter your range should be, and vice versa. Try not to break it down into an exact science, like "if i'm CO i will ALWAYS raise 4.5X the BB with AKs AKo 10+." poker is situational, yes ranges are important, but theres a TON of other things going on as well.
 
dj11

dj11

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Really? Haven't started playing yet? Interesting at least.

Since the blinds are already invested (they have equity) in a hand, and they are invested with ATC (any 2 cards), and they usually are getting interesting if not favorable odds to call any previous bets, ranges on the blinds usually have to be widened, a lot.

Conventional wisdom tells us that the blinds are losing positions. IMHO, it is because in a limped, family pot, the SB will sometimes be getting 4-1 or better odds to see the flop. Better usually happens at full tables (9 or 10 seats). Often those odds can get inflated with min raises, and when the blind sees suited connectors they get enticed into playing what will seldom fit into a standard 'range/position' chart, which I believe is at the crux of your question.
 
T

tcummo

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Having 'position' means you act AFTER your opponent, it's easier to control the pot, keep it small or create a big pot.
Look for some examples of playing the SAME hand 'in' and 'out' of position.
Big hand, big pot - small hand, small pot.
gl m8..
 
J

jcla6985

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learning positions is important. its mostly been said above
 
DevilMe03

DevilMe03

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BB and SB are early positions and they have to put mandatory blinds in the pot.
BB and SB are first to act after flop and every other round henceforth so there range should be tighter like UTG and UTG+1. So if you want to raise from BB or SB preflop you could group it with UTG.
Position is to poker what location is to real estate. If you have position it means you act after your opponents and you have all the information of their action and your opponents are uncertain of your actions. You have arsenal of plays when you are in position.
Try to learn more about position from various sources as it is a vast topic.
 
NvrBlufn

NvrBlufn

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One more thing I could possible add that I have read somewhere (and found this is pretty wise advice for all of us at different levels) is that you should not seriously fret over your blinds.
They are important and defending them will become important as well, but choose your battles wisely!

It is best to remain calm when you play which can be difficult and cause you to make mistakes if you are stressing out over your blinds every time. Remember they go around the table so they aren't just some penalty chips YOU alone have to throw out there, everybody does it. Also, it isn't "your MONEY" it just belongs to the pot and the pot does not belong to you unless you win it. Good words I don't remember which book they came from.

Like this other player said, you don't want to make position hand analysis an exact science because it isn't. There will be times when it is right to play differently. The rule of thumb is to treat the blinds like early position if you want to save chips, and to play your premium range hands the earlier your position in the hand. Don't get too attached to your blinds because you will give up a ton of them in your quest to win big money.
 
DevilMe03

DevilMe03

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I make decision of whether to defend blind or not based on who opened the action. If someone in early positions raises my range is much tighter. But when players raises from late position their range is wider and so you can widen your ranges. Also consider if the raiser is tight or aggressive.
 
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