Early position is a term which is used to define the position at the poker table where the players make the decisions first on preflop and among the first on postflop.

At full-ring tables (9-max) early position is three players to the left of blind.

At shorthanded tables (6-max) early position includes for one player to the left of the big blind.

Early position is also called UTG (Under the gun).

Players in early position have the following names:

• UTG is the player to the left of BB
• UTG 1 is the player to the left of UTG.
• UTG 2 is the player to the left of UTG 1.

Being in early position, one should play tight as there are plenty of players making decisions after you.

Related terms:

• Late position

Related articles:

• Poker table positions