Starting Hand Charts by Position
Knowing which hands to play from each position is a fundamental skill in Texas Hold'em. These charts provide a general guideline for 9-handed cash games. Keep in mind that these recommendations should be adjusted based on your opponents, stack sizes, and table dynamics.
How to Use These Charts
Each chart shows which hands to play from a specific position. The colors indicate the recommended action:
- Green (Premium): Raise in any position, consider 3-betting/4-betting
- Blue (Strong): Raise first in, call a single raise
- Yellow (Playable): Raise first in from later positions, call in position
- Orange (Marginal): Play cautiously, mainly from late position or in favorable situations
- Red (Fold): Hands to fold in most situations
Select a position below to see the recommended starting hands:
Position-Based Hand Selection
Early Position (UTG, UTG+1)
In early position, you should play a tight range of premium hands. You're first to act and will be out of position against most of the table for the entire hand.
Key Strategy: Play only your strongest hands, and be prepared to fold if faced with aggression from later position players.
Middle Position (MP)
Middle position allows for a slightly wider range than early position. You have more information from early position players and will have position on them post-flop.
Key Strategy: Add some strong suited connectors and more Broadway hands to your range. Still be cautious when faced with raises from later positions.
Cutoff (CO)
The cutoff is the second-best position at the table. You can play a considerably wider range, especially if the button is tight.
Key Strategy: Look for opportunities to steal the blinds. Include more speculative hands with playability like suited connectors and suited aces.
Button (BTN)
The button is the most profitable position in poker. You act last on every post-flop street, giving you maximum information.
Key Strategy: Play your widest range from the button. Look to steal blinds frequently, but be ready to adjust if the blinds are defending aggressively.
Small Blind (SB)
The small blind is a challenging position because you've already invested money but will act first post-flop.
Key Strategy: Play a tighter range than the button despite already having money in the pot. Consider completing with some speculative hands when folded to you.
Big Blind (BB)
From the big blind, you already have a full big blind invested and are getting better pot odds to call.
Key Strategy: Defend your big blind more widely, especially against late position raises. Look for spots to check-raise and represent strong holdings.
Adjusting Your Range
These charts provide a solid starting point, but successful poker requires constant adjustments:
- Against tight tables: Widen your ranges and steal more often
- Against loose tables: Tighten up and value bet more strongly
- Against aggressive players: Be ready to trap with strong hands
- In tournaments: Consider ICM implications as you approach the bubble
- With short stacks: Focus on high card value hands that play well all-in
- With deep stacks: Add more suited connectors and small pairs that can make big hands
Remember that position is just as important as your actual cards. A marginal hand in position is often more playable than a stronger hand out of position.