How to maximize wins and minimize losses in poker Part 1: Position

When it comes to generalizations in poker none ring truer than “You want to maximize your wins and minimize your losses”, but the practical application of this concept often escapes people. Whether your goal is to maximize or minimize, the methods are the same, and involve three key concepts:

• 1. Utilizing position
• 2. Pot control
• 3. Isolating weak opponents/avoiding strong opponents

In this series I will take a look at each concept and how it applies to the concept of maximizing your wins and minimizing your losses. First up in the series: Utilizing position.

Position

Position is crucial to your success in poker, and most people equate it with being able to take down pots when everyone -including you-misses; the ability to make better decisions because you have more information; and the capability of employing all the plays in your arsenal, such as semi-bluffs, free-cards, and so on. But what many people fail to realize is that being in position is the #1 factor when it comes to maximizing your wins and minimizing your losses.

Here is a simple example of this: Suppose you have pocket Aces in first position, get one caller, and flop a set: Perfect situation, right? Well, it’s a good situation to be in, but how do you proceed? Do you fire a continuation bet, or slow-play your monster? Often times a continuation bet will end the hand right there -unless your opponent is unfortunate enough to hold the case-Ace-and slow-playing not only rings of strength since you raised pre-flop, but also gives free-cards and keeps the pot small.

On the other hand if you are in position with your set of Aces you’ll have a much better idea of the strength of your opponent’s hand. Often times you’ll be checked to; bet your hand; and take down the pot, but in position you’ll avoid giving free cards throughout the hand, and will be in control of the pot size -which will be discussed in part 2 of this series!

On the flip side, being out of position can also cost you more money when you’re second-best, because it’s your opponent that has not only the advantage in hand strength, but also a tactical edge. Let’s continue with our AA theme for this example, only this time it’s your opponent who flops a set against your AA. In position you’ll likely make your continuation bet, get called, and will probably be checked to a second time on the turn, at which point you can either continue your aggression -most likely getting check-raised-or decide to slow down and control the size of the pot, which causes your opponent to not only miss a bet on the turn, but makes the river bet much smaller as well.

Out of position is a different story, since your opponent will never miss a bet with his set, and more importantly his hand is better disguised, since he is not check-calling out of position -typically a sign of strength-but is simply calling on the flop -perhaps raising-which is anal to common play nowadays with good hands, or total air.

So when it comes to maximizing your wins and minimizing your losses position is crucial: You’ll still play the same hands either way, but if you were to look at your stats when you have position with AA and when you are out of position you’ll see just how important it is; especially when it comes to cutting your losses. Without position it’s far more likely you will miss bets, and fall victim to more questionable calls.