Lesson 1

The Poker Table Geography

It matters where you sit. Learn the names of every seat.

In poker, where you sit relative to the Dealer Button determines your "position". Positions are grouped into three categories:

Early Position (EP)

Act first. Simplest strategy involved. Must play very tight (only strong hands).

Middle Position (MP)

In between. Can open up a bit more, but still cautious.

Late Position (LP)

Act last. The best seats (CO, BTN). Play the most hands here.

The Button (BTN) is the king of the table. You always act last on every street post-flop.

Key Takeaways

• The table isn't just seats; it's a strategic map.
• Early Position = Play Tight.
• Late Position = Play Loose.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

• Playing weak hands from Early Position.
• Not realizing the Button guarantees you act last.

Worked Example

Your Hand

Ace-Jack Offsuit

In Early Position (UTG), this is often a FOLD because 8 players act after you. On the Button, this is usually a RAISE because few players are left.

Knowledge Check

Test your understanding to complete this lesson.

Question 1 of 3