Middle Position:
Poker players to the left of the early position are known to be the middle position which is considered both good and bad. The advantage of playing at this position is that the players can decide their game-play after the action of early position players. The disadvantage being the late position players who are going to make a bet after you. So, it depends on you whether to play loose or tight. But remember one thing, if all the opponents from the early position fold, you will have to take action on each round. Let’s check out the playable hands you need to consider in the middle position (seats six and seven).
TT, 99, AT, KJ, QJs:
These are drawing hands and will almost always need to improve in order to win. With these hands, you should hardly call a raise. The pairs like TT and 99 can raise a hope to flop a set (three of a kind using your two-hole card and one card on the board).
The hands AT, KJ, and QJs can and do win when the flop hits you, but even though after the flop you have the top pair, you might not have the top kicker. With these hands, you should bet after the flop. This is because if you do hit something, you can get an idea of where you are in hand. If you bet and are re-raised depending on the opponent, you will generally lose. Usually, this bet will win the hand after the flop, and even if it does not, it can create a bluffing chance on the turn.
If you are in the middle position, play aggressively to make the most profit. Also, make a strong bet when you have premium hands, to persuade the late position opponents to fold their hand.
You may also read about: Pro poker tips
Late Position:
The dealer (button) and the player to the right of the button (cut-off) is known as late position. This is the most profitable position as you get an opportunity to see how your opponent acted and can make your decision accordingly. Following are the playable hands in late position (seats eight, nine, and ten).
88, 77, 66, 55, 44, 33, 22:
I have listed all these pairs in the same group because each one has a high probability of flopping an overcard without flopping a set. The lower your pocket pair is, the more all caveats apply, and the luckier you have to get on the flop.
If you stay in, see the flop as modestly as you can. No law that says that you have to play the hand. I normally fold pockets 22, 33, 44, and 55 if it is raised preflop. In a late position, you can raise to steal the blinds with these hands in this position. But if you do so, your decision depends on your skill and the ability to read your opponent after the flop, if he calls.
KT, QJ:
Generally, these two hands need to end up being a part of two pairs, a straight, or trip in order to win a large pot. If there are many opponents in the pot and if you hit a pair on the flop, there is a great chance that you will be out-kicked (opponent has a higher kicker). So, for this reason, don’t rely solely on them just because they are face cards. So, if the action is raised and re-raised, it is better to fold them.
A9s, A8s, A7s, A6s, A5s, A4s, A3s, A2s, K9s, QTs, JTs:
If you are hoping to flop a flush or flush draw with these hands, rarely play these hands in any position except the button. Note that A9s through A6s are often not as powerful as A5s, A4s, A3s, and A2s which later may be a part of a straight.
Determining how and when to play the poker hands before the flop in the middle and the late position is an art, not a science. It will mainly depend on the opponent and situation, and much of it depends on online poker strategy and techniques to make those decisions which come only with experience. If you know how to play poker, use these lists and hone your poker game skills as you gain mastery in the game. You can also play online poker and watch other professional players in action. Sharpen your poker strategy and skills by playing on the Gamentio app and keep perfecting your game.