UTG in poker – peculiarities of position and hand spectrum

A player’s position at the poker table is one of the most important aspects of poker strategy. UTG (Under the Gun) is an English expression that refers to the position of the first player sitting to the left of the dealer (Dealer Button). The UTG position in poker is one of the worst positions at the table, and understanding its features and requirements for the player’s hand spectrum is critical. Let’s look at its features and what strategy you should follow.

Features of the Under the Gun position

It doesn’t really matter whether you play at a real table or in an online casino for free, as the rules of poker are the same everywhere. Knowing the peculiarities of your position, its strengths and weaknesses is necessary to form a successful strategy and minimise risks. The Under the Gun position in poker is one of the most unfavourable and difficult to play. Now you know what UTG is, and it is also important to understand the features and challenges that such a poker player faces.

Let’s start with the main features.

1. A player in UTG position is the first to make his bets and decisions in the hand. This means that he has no information advantage over the actions of his opponents who move later. Therefore, being in this position, you need to be especially careful when choosing hands.
2. Due to the lack of information about the actions of the opponents, the player should act more conservatively. This means that his range of starting hands should be stronger than that of his colleagues in later positions. In Under the Gun, it is better to play those hands that have a good potential for improvement after the flop. Focus on strong starting hands, such as high pairs (JJ and higher) and strong aces (AK, AQ).
3. Since a person is in a weak position, it is recommended to make bigger initial bets. This helps to control the size of the pot and reduce the number of players who can join the pot, which makes it more profitable to play strong cards.
4. The way you behave at a particular table can affect your strategy. If the table is aggressive and players often make raises, you will have to narrow your range more and remain cautious.
5. Thanks to the position behind the board, you have a chance to build a big pot by attracting opponents with your bets. This can be useful if you have strong starting hands and want to get the most out of your hand.

The main thing to remember is that the main task is to minimise potential losses and increase profits by having strong cards and avoiding marginal decisions. A successful UTG game is an action that requires caution and strategic thinking.

Read also: Timing in poker – how to detect and avoid becoming a victim of cheating.

How to play UTG correctly

Playing in such a position in poker requires caution and a strategic approach, since you are the first to be dealt cards and have no information about the actions of other players.

1. You should narrow the range of hands and use only very strong starting hands. This includes high pairs (JJ and higher), strong aces (AK, AQ) and possibly Kings (KK). Avoid marginal, weak pairs and mismatched cards.
2. To keep your opponents at bay and create pressure on the table, make your initial bets bigger. This will help to avoid a large number of contenders for the pot and maximise bets with ‘monsters’.
3. Associate cards (AKs) are monsters, but they are quite dangerous. If you hold AKs in UTG, you can make a standard bet, but be prepared for raises from opponents behind you. If too many people have entered the pot, be prepared to play cautiously after the flop is dealt.
4. If the table is aggressive and players are raising frequently, you should strengthen your range of hands and play only with the strongest ones. If the table is more passive, you can consider expanding your range.
5. It is important not to come to the pot with very weak cards. If you don’t have a strong starting hand, be prepared to fold. Remember, a place at the table that implies UTG value is not suitable for experimenting with ‘garbage’.
6. Try to control the actions on the board. Don’t let your opponents see the free elements that can improve their position.
7. After the flop is dealt, be ready to adapt your strategy depending on the elements that have been revealed. If you haven’t improved your position, be ready to fold. If you have a strong hand, try to get the most out of your opponents.
8. Keep a close eye on your opponents on the table and analyse their playing style. This will help you make more informed decisions.

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Read also: The ABI indicator in poker.

When it makes sense to make a limp

A limp is a rather undesirable preflop action that consists of simply calling the minimum required bet instead of raising or folding. Usually, limp is associated with ‘garbage’ and passive style of play. However, there are situations when limping with ‘monsters’, such as a pair of aces or kings, can make sense.

• The presence of aggressive opponents. If the middle and late positions at the table are occupied by those who often make raises and re-raises, limping with strong cards can be a good tactic. In this case, the limp acts as a trap, attracting their aggression and forcing them to make big bets.
• If your opponents often isolate the limp (betting big after your limp), this can be a good time to do so. A limp with a strong hand can lead to isolation, and then you can re-raise, increasing the pot.
• If you have a reputation for being an aggressive player, limping with a monster can work as an unexpected move. Your opponents may not expect you to limp with strong cards and may not recognise your strength right away.

Remember that playing in the position denoted by the term UTG requires additional caution and strategic thinking. Your goal is to minimise potential losses and maximise profits. Finally, we would like to remind you that if you were looking for a casino with a deposit from 1 USD, please follow this link. Read more information about the gambling industry in our blog.

FAQ:UTG in poker – features of the position and range of hands