How to Play the Button in Poker

Playing from the button in poker—also known as the dealer position—gives you the most powerful positional advantage at the table. If you’ve ever wondered why the button is the best position in poker, the answer is simple: information. When you act last on every postflop street, you get to see how other poker players behave before you make a decision.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll break down how to play the button in poker the right way—covering preflop ranges, raise sizing, postflop tactics, and adjustments for cash games and poker tournaments.

Whether you’re new to the game or refining a winning poker button strategy, this article explains exactly how to turn position into profit.

Poker Position Explained: Why the Button Matters

At a standard poker table, positions rotate clockwise around the dealer button. The player to the left posts the small blind, followed by the big blind, and action proceeds clockwise.

The key advantage of the button is that the button acts last after the flop, turn, and river. That means:

• You see how opponents in early position and middle position act

• You control pot size more easily

• You can bluff more effectively

• You extract more value with strong hands

This is why experienced players often say the button is the best position in all of playing poker.

Preflop Strategy: Playing More Hands on the Button

Because you have position, you can open a wider range of hands from the button than from any other position at the poker table.

Opening Ranges on the Button

When action folds to you on the button, you should be raising with:

• All pocket pairs

• All suited aces

• Most offsuit aces

• Suited connectors and one-gappers

• Broadways like KQ, KJ, QJ

Compared to early position, your range can easily be 40–50% of hands in many cash games.

Raise Sizing from the Button

Good raise sizing is critical. In most games:

• Open to 2x–2.5x the big blind in cash games

• Adjust larger if blinds call too often

• Size smaller in tournaments to preserve chips

Your goal is to steal blinds efficiently without bloating the pot unnecessarily.

Stealing the Blinds: A Core Button Skill

One of the biggest sources of profit from the button is blind stealing. Since only the small blind and big blind are left to act, you’re attacking players with the worst position postflop.

Steal more often when:

• Blinds are tight or passive

• Stacks are deep

• Antes are in play (especially in poker tournaments)

If the player to the left defends too wide, tighten slightly and punish them postflop with position.

Postflop Play: Maximizing Positional Advantage

Once the flop is dealt, the button truly shines.

Continuation Betting in Position

When opponents check to you, you can:

• Bet small with range advantage

• Check back marginal hands

• Apply pressure on later streets

Being the last player to act allows you to make more informed bets and avoid costly mistakes.

Pot Control and Value Betting

Position lets you:

• Keep pots small with medium-strength hands

• Build big pots when you’re strong

• Choose optimal bluffing spots

A strong position player understands that not every hand needs aggression—sometimes checking back is the most profitable play.

Button Strategy in Cash Games vs Poker Tournaments

Cash Games

In cash games, you should:

• Play more hands from the button

• Use position to grind consistent profit

• Exploit weaker players repeatedly

Deep stacks make position even more valuable, allowing for creative lines and multi-street pressure.

Poker Tournaments

In tournaments:

• Stack depth matters more than hand strength

• Blind stealing is essential

• ICM considerations may reduce aggression near pay jumps

Still, the button remains your most profitable seat, especially when short-handed.

Common Mistakes Players Make on the Button

Even though it’s the best position, many players misplay the button by:

• Overplaying weak hands postflop

• Failing to steal blinds aggressively enough

• Using poor raise sizing

• Ignoring opponent tendencies

Remember: position gives you options, not automatic wins.

Advanced Tip: Observe Before You Act

Because the button acts last, use the time to observe betting patterns, timing tells, and bet sizes. Elite poker strategy isn’t just about cards—it’s about people.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how to play the button in poker is one of the fastest ways to improve your win rate. No other seat offers the same combination of information, control, and flexibility. By opening wider, stealing more often, and leveraging postflop position, you turn the button into a consistent money-maker.

If you’re serious about improving your results in cash games or poker tournaments, mastering button play is non-negotiable. Position isn’t everything—but on the button, it’s close.

FAQ: How to Play the Button in Poker

Why is the button the best position in poker?

Because you act last after the flop, turn, and river. This gives you maximum information and control.

Should I always raise on the button?

Not always, but you should raise far more often than from early or middle position.

Is the button equally powerful in tournaments?

Yes, though stack sizes and ICM can affect how aggressively you play.

How wide should I open from the button?

In many games, up to 50% of hands, depending on blind tendencies.