River NutsPoker positions: blinds, cutoff and button
Position is your seat at the table relative to the dealer button. It determines the order in which you act. Whoever acts later sees the opponents' decisions and has more information. That's why the same hand is played differently in different positions.
Positions at an 8-player table
Clockwise order from the button. The button moves one seat after each hand, so every player takes turns passing through all positions.
SB — small blind · Small Blind
Posts a mandatory half of the big blind before the deal. Acts first after the flop — the worst position at the table.
BB — big blind · Big Blind
Posts the full mandatory blind. Acts last preflop, but among the first after the flop.
UTG — "under the gun" · Under the Gun
The first to act preflop. All opponents are still behind, so only the strongest hands are played here.
UTG+1 · Early Position
The second early position. The hand range is only slightly wider than UTG's.
MP — middle position · Middle Position
Fewer players behind, so you can add medium pairs and strong suited cards.
HJ — hijack · Hijack
The position before the cutoff. From here a wider range is often opened with a raise.
CO — cutoff · Cutoff
The second-best position: only the button and blinds are behind. A great spot to attack the blinds.
BTN — button · Button
The dealer button. After the flop you always act last — the most profitable position in poker.
Why position matters so much
- Information: you see whether opponents checked, bet or raised before making your decision.
- Pot control: in position it's easier to take a free card with a check or reach showdown cheaply.
- Bluffing: after opponents check, a bet from a late position often takes the pot without a showdown.
- Value: with a strong hand in position you choose the bet size better.
Practical tips for beginners
- The earlier the position, the fewer hands you play. Weak hands from UTG are the most common beginner mistake.
- From the cutoff and button, open with a raise more widely, especially when everyone before you has folded.
- From the small blind, don't call "because I already invested": those chips are no longer yours, and after the flop you're out of position.
- Defend the big blind sensibly: you get a good price to call, but you play out of position.
Frequently asked questions about positions
What is the cutoff in poker?
The seat to the right of the button. The name comes from the player "cutting off" the button's chance to attack the blinds first.
Which position is the best?
The button: after the flop you act last in every betting round.
Why is it called UTG?
Under the Gun: the player acts first and doesn't yet know any opponent's decision.
Who acts first after the flop?
The first active player to the left of the button — usually the small blind.
Feel the position at the table
At the River Nuts training table the button moves every hand, and the AI coach explains how position changes decisions. Free, no real money.
Play a training handTexas Hold'em rules · Poker hand rankings guide · Starting hands
Educational poker trainer, no-money play, 18+. River Nuts does not organize gambling and does not accept bets.