ranges

Simple Guide: Poker Positions and Ranges

Introduction

When beginners start playing poker, they often look only at their cards. If you have an Ace and King, it seems like a strong hand. If the cards are low, you want to fold immediately. But poker is not just about your hand. Positions and ranges are extremely important.

Simply put, positions show where you sit at the table and when you act. Ranges show which hands are reasonable to play from that position. Understanding these two concepts will make your game much stronger and increase your chances of winning.

What Are Positions

Position refers to where a player sits relative to the dealer button. In poker, information is power. The later you act, the more information you have about your opponents’ moves.

Main Positions

  • Early Position (EP) — players immediately after the blinds. This is the toughest spot because you act first and have no info about others. Play only the strongest hands here.
  • Middle Position (MP) — safer than early. You see what early players did and can play slightly wider, but still need to be cautious.
  • Late Position (LP) — cut-off (CO) and dealer/button (BTN). The most advantageous spots. You can play a wider range, bluff, and control the pot since you act last.
  • Blinds (SB and BB) — mandatory bets. Playing from blinds is difficult because you’re often out of position after the flop.

📌 Key rule: the later your position, the easier and more profitable it is to play.

What Are Ranges

A range is not a single hand but a set of hands that it makes sense to play in a particular situation.

For example, if an opponent raises from early position, their range usually contains very strong hands: AA, KK, QQ, or AK. From the button, the player may include weaker hands because the position is advantageous.

A range helps determine which hands to play depending on your position and your opponent’s tendencies.

Types of Ranges

  • Tight (narrow) — only strong hands, cautious play.
  • Loose (wide) — includes medium and speculative hands.
  • Aggressive — frequent bets and raises, applying pressure.
  • Passive — mostly calls and checks, minimal aggression.

How Positions and Ranges Are Connected

The earlier your position, the tighter your range should be. The later you act, the wider your range can be.

Example for a 6-max table:

  • Early Position — only top hands: AA, KK, QQ, AK.
  • Middle Position — add AQ, JJ, TT.
  • Cut-off — include AJ, KQ, medium pairs.
  • Button — can play weaker aces, suited connectors like 7-6.
  • Blinds — range depends on the situation but be careful acting first on later streets.

    ranges expand depending on your style of playing cash. this opening is more suitable for tournaments.

Tips for using the table:

  1. Don’t try to play all hands at once. Start with the top hands in your position.
  2. Observe opponents and widen your range when everyone folds before you.
  3. Remember: the later your position, the wider your range and the more options for play.

Why This Matters

Understanding positions and ranges gives you:

  1. Fewer mistakes when choosing hands.
  2. Ability to read opponents and evaluate their strength.
  3. Better bankroll management — avoid playing weak hands.
  4. Control of the game, especially from late positions.

Tips for Beginners

  • Start with a simple rule: early position = strong hands only; late position = wider range.
  • Watch opponents and note which hands they play from different positions.
  • Use colors or notes: strong hands — red, medium — yellow, speculative — green.
  • Remember: poker is a game against people, not just cards.

Common Beginner Mistakes

  1. Playing the same range from all positions.
  2. Overvaluing hands like K-Q offsuit in early position.
  3. Frequently entering pots with weak hands.
  4. Ignoring opponents’ ranges and position strength.

Main Takeaway

Positions and ranges are the foundation of a strong poker strategy.

  • Position determines how much information you have before acting.
  • Range shows which hands are appropriate to play from that spot.

Key rule: early position = caution, late position = more freedom and opportunities.


So, when you consider not only your cards, but also your position and the correct range, your game becomes much smarter, more stable, and more profitable.