Position is power
The later you act, the more information you have before making your decision.
Tonight’s goal
Before looking at their cards, every player should be able to find the dealer button and know whether they are acting early or late.
Do not try to memorise every position name tonight. The important idea is:
Acting later is usually easier because you get to see what other players do first.
The ten-minute lesson
1 minute — ask
Ask everyone:
“Would you rather make your decision first, or watch everyone else decide before you?”
Let them answer, then explain that poker players call the order in which they act position.
2 minutes — find the button
Place the dealer button on the table.
Explain:
- The button moves one seat clockwise after every hand.
- The two players to its left post the small and big blinds.
- A player’s position changes every hand, even though their seat does not.
Move the button twice and ask each player to point to the new small blind and big blind.
3 minutes — demonstrate the advantage
Give everyone two face-down cards. The actual cards do not matter.
Ask the first player:
“Would you play this hand?”
They must answer without knowing what anyone else will do.
Now move around the table. Let the final player hear several pretend actions:
- One player folds.
- One player calls.
- One player raises.
Ask:
“Who had more information when making their decision?”
The player acting last knew far more. That extra information is why position has power.
2 minutes — use one simple rule
For tonight:
| Position | Simple approach |
|---|---|
| Acting early | Be patient and prefer stronger hands |
| Acting in the middle | Notice how many players still have decisions |
| Acting late | Use the extra information before choosing |
| On the button | Pause and look at every action before yours |
This is not permission to play every hand from the button. It means the button is the easiest place to make a well-informed decision.
1 minute — explain when action starts
- Before the flop: action begins to the left of the big blind.
- After the flop: action begins with the first active player to the left of the dealer button.
The button will therefore act last after the flop whenever they remain in the hand.
1 minute — set the challenge
Tonight’s mission: Before looking at your cards, find the button. When you are on the button, quietly say, “I have position.”
Award the Position Star for the player who remembers their position most consistently—not the player who wins the most pots.
During the game
Use short prompts without telling anyone what action to take:
- “Where is the button?”
- “How many players act after you?”
- “What have you learned from the actions before yours?”
- “Will you have position after the flop?”
Avoid saying “You should raise because you’re on the button.” The lesson is about noticing and using information, not automatically playing aggressively.
If a player folds a weak hand on the button, praise the decision. Having good position creates more options, but folding can still be the best one.
Hand of the night
After the tournament, ask:
- When did acting late make a decision easier?
- Did anyone notice a player showing strength before it was their turn?
- What felt different when acting first?
Finish with the phrase everyone should remember:
Position does not guarantee the best hand. It gives you the best view of the action.
Next time
Build on position with Starting Hands: Stronger Hands from Early Position. It connects tonight’s lesson to a practical choice before the flop.