Starting Hands & Position
Understand why your range widens from early to late position.
Why Position Matters Pre-Flop
Position is the single most important factor in pre-flop hand selection. Here is why:
Players left to act — When you sit in early position at a 9-player table, there are 8 players behind you who might have a strong hand. The probability that at least one of them holds a premium hand is significant. When you are on the Button, only the two blinds remain, and the odds of running into a monster drop dramatically.
This is pure math. Any single player has roughly a 0.9% chance of holding AA or KK (only 12 combinations out of 1,326 possible hands). Facing 8 players, there is roughly a 7% chance at least one of them has one of those hands. Facing only 2 players? Under 2%.
Post-flop advantage — Even more importantly, position gives you information after the flop. When you act last, you see what everyone else does before making your decision. Did they check (showing weakness) or bet (showing strength)? This information lets you make better decisions on every street.
How Your Range Widens
Think of your playable range as a slider that moves based on position:
UTG (tightest) — Play roughly the top 10-12% of hands. Mostly big pairs (AA-TT), big suited broadways (AKs-AJs, KQs), and AKo.
Middle Position — Expand to about 15-18%. Add medium pairs (99-77), more suited broadways (KJs, QJs), and AQo.
Cutoff — Around 25%. Add small pairs (66-22), suited connectors (87s, 76s), suited Aces (A5s-A2s), and more offsuit broadways.
Button — 35-45% of hands. This is where you can open with a very wide range. Hands like K-8 suited, Q-9 suited, J-T offsuit, and even some suited gappers become profitable because of your massive positional advantage.
Small Blind — Tighten up slightly from BTN range. You are getting a discount (only half a bet to call) but you will be out of position for the entire hand.
Big Blind — Defend wide against late position raises (you already have money in) but be cautious against early position raises (they have a strong range).
The concept of "players left to act" drives all of this. Fewer opponents behind you means less risk of running into a strong hand, and more likelihood you can take down the pot.
Example: Same Hand, Different Position
You hold Q♥ J♥. Under the Gun at a 9-player table, this hand is a fold — too many players behind you. On the Button with folds to you, it is a clear raise.
Q-J suited: a fold UTG but a raise on the Button. Your range should widen as position improves.