Author -> Master-Texasholdem -> 27/10/07

The Basics Behind Texas Hold Em

So you know the rules but what is all this about Buttons, blinds and positioning. Well look no further. Master Texas Hold Em has provided you with all you need to know to get started in Texas Hold Em.

Buttons and the importance of position!

There is one saying that you will hear over and over again and the quicker you realise its importance the more successful you will become.

"Position is Key!"

The Button as its commonly known is the marker for who is the dealer. In casino games and online all dealing is done automatically and this button is to signify who would be the dealer. In home games where everyone deals this would signify who is dealing. This button moves round to the left after each hand. It is used to determine where the action in a hand will start and which players have to put there compulsory blinds in. (More Info on Blinds) During the first round before the flop the players on the blinds are the last to act, but in all other rounds they are first to act. Putting them at a significant disadvantage!
Now the person who is on the button is the last to act in the rounds of betting. This is classed as the best position on the table as you can see all the other players actions before you react!

Position will almost always play a part in how you will play the hand you have been dealt, for instance if you are holding a 9/10 suited and you are playing on the button and its cheap to get into the pot then it generally shows nobody is holding a monster hand on the table. But that same hand in early position is worth less as someone in a latter position has the potential to bet big with a good hand therefore putting you out of the hand and taking your chips as you would be unable to call a large bet.

A much used and sensible plan in early stages of a game/tournament is too only play monster hands when you are in the early positions. This will keep you in the game for much longer and allow you to play more aggressively when there are less people.

See the article Powerful or not? for more info on powerful hands!