Texas Hold'em Position Guide: Names, Order, and Why It Matters
Position is where you sit relative to the dealer button on this hand. It decides whether you act early or late. Late position sees more information — that is why the button is the best seat and early seats play tighter.
What position means
The dealer button marks the dealer for that hand. The seat left of the button posts the small blind; the next seat posts the big blind. After each hand the button moves clockwise, so your label (UTG, CO, BTN…) changes every deal.
- Preflop: First to act is UTG (left of the big blind); the big blind acts last.
- Flop, turn, river: First active player left of the button acts first; the button acts last.
6-max positions
| Seat | Abbrev | Preflop order | Postflop order | Band |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Button | BTN | 4th | Last | Late |
| Small blind | SB | 5th | 1st | Blinds |
| Big blind | BB | Last | 2nd | Blinds |
| Under the gun | UTG | 1st | 3rd | Early |
| Middle | MP | 2nd | 4th | Middle |
| Cutoff | CO | 3rd | 5th | Late |
CC Poker private rooms support 2-, 6-, and 9-player tables — 6-max is the most common online home-game size.
9-max: more early seats
Extra seats sit between the big blind and the cutoff: UTG, UTG+1, MP, LJ, HJ, then CO and BTN, plus SB/BB. Naming of middle seats varies by region — count how many players still act behind you instead of memorizing every acronym.
Why late position is stronger
- You see folds, calls, and raises before you decide.
- You can take pots more often when everyone checks to you.
- You control pot size with better information on later streets.
Early seats (especially UTG) should open a tighter range. The small blind is awkward: money is already in, but you act first after the flop.
FAQ
What is the best position?
The button (BTN). After the flop you act last every street, so you see everyone else act first.
What do UTG, CO, and BTN mean?
UTG = Under the Gun (first to act preflop). CO = Cutoff (seat right of the button). BTN = Button (dealer).
Does position change every hand?
Yes. The button moves one seat clockwise after each hand, so everyone rotates through early and late seats.