(ab)using position

I'm looking for some good, detailed thoughts on positional play. There's the obvious advantage both pre and postflop of being able to see what your opponent does before you act, however I'm hoping to find more.

Coming from a tournament background, I've always felt that first-in equity can do a lot to counter the benefits of position. In my head, I know that this isn't as true as I *feel* but I'd like more information to convince myself and to learn how to play a good lag via position.

I'll be updating this thread with links I find on the subject. I'd love to hear opinions as well.

One thing i love doing is taking advantage of players when they don't c-bet. I know plenty of regs who almost always c/f if they check the flop as the PFR, and it takes them sooo long to realize you're taking the pot from them.

In general, you can;t be creative deep OOP with big hands, because youi don't want to miss an oppurtunity to build a pot. This makes your hand a lot more face up OOP, another reason why position is very important.

Originally Posted by Massimo

One thing i love doing is taking advantage of players when they don't c-bet. I know plenty of regs who almost always c/f if they check the flop as the PFR, and it takes them sooo long to realize you're taking the pot from them.

Isn't that pretty standard "exploit weakness" play? How is it any better than betting into them from OOP? The OOP play should look stronger, as they haven't shown weakness...

Originally Posted by Massimo

In general, you can;t be creative deep OOP with big hands, because youi don't want to miss an oppurtunity to build a pot. This makes your hand a lot more face up OOP, another reason why position is very important.

I think this is along the right line for the real benefit. I'd argue that you can still build a pot nearly as easily (either you're playing an aggressive player who will call/raise your bets or you're not), however you can't play a small pot OOP nearly as easily, ultimately making the pots you lose potentially cost a lot more.

*Credit where due: That's coming out of a conversation I had with StinkyBeaver yesterday.