Poker is a popular card game that has been played for centuries. It involves strategy, skill and a bit of luck.
If you are new to the game, you may be wondering what the seats are called at a poker table. In this article, we will explore the different names for each seat and their significance in the game.
The first seat is called the ‘Dealer’ or ‘Button’. This is where the dealer sits and deals out the cards.
The dealer button rotates clockwise around the table after each hand, so every player gets to be in this position at some point during the game. The dealer also plays in the game, but has a slight advantage as they get to act last in each round of betting.
Next up is the ‘Small Blind’. This seat is to the left of the dealer button and requires a mandatory bet before any cards are dealt.
The amount of this bet is typically half of what the ‘Big Blind’ must put in (more on that later). This position can be advantageous as it allows you to act early in subsequent rounds of betting.
Following the ‘Small Blind’ is the ‘Big Blind’. This seat is located to the left of the small blind and requires a larger mandatory bet before any cards are dealt.
The amount of this bet is typically equal to one full minimum bet for that particular poker game. For example, if you were playing $1/$2 No Limit Hold’em, then your big blind would be $2.
Moving clockwise around the table from there we have:
– Under-the-Gun (UTG) – This position refers to being first to act after all cards have been dealt. – UTG+1 – The player sitting directly left of UTG. – UTG+2 – The player sitting directly left of UTG+1. – Middle Position (MP) – Refers to players who act after UTG+2 but before those sitting in later positions.
– Cutoff (CO) – The player sitting directly to the right of the dealer button. This is considered a powerful position as you get to act last before the blinds in each round of betting. – Hijack (HJ) – The player sitting two seats to the right of the dealer button, and one seat to the right of the CO.
– Button/Banker – This is where we started, but it’s worth noting that once all players have had a turn at being in this position, it returns to the first person on their left.
It’s important to note that depending on the number of players at a table, some positions may not be filled. For example, in a six-handed game, there may be no UTG+2 or HJ positions.
In conclusion, understanding and knowing the names of each seat at a poker table is an essential aspect of mastering the game. Knowing where you are positioned relative to other players can give you an advantage as you can tailor your strategy accordingly. Remember that every position has its strengths and weaknesses and with practice, you’ll be able to identify them and use them to your advantage.
