Being Out of Position (OOP) means you must act before your opponent on postflop streets. This creates an informational disadvantage — you don’t know what your opponent will do, which limits your options and increases the risk of making mistakes.
Example:
You’re in the big blind with K♦T♦. The button raises, you call. The flop comes T♠7♣2♣ — top pair, nice. But now you must act first. Do you lead out and risk getting raised? Or check and potentially face a continuation bet (c-bet)?
That’s the essence of being OOP: acting without full information.
⚔️ Poker In Position (IP) vs. Out of Position (OOP)
Think of poker like a conversation. The one who speaks last has more information and control. That’s the advantage of being In Position (IP).
| Aspect | In Position (IP) | Out of Position (OOP) |
| Acts First Postflop | No | Yes |
| Information Advantage | Yes — sees opponent’s action before deciding | No — must act without knowing opponent’s move |
| Control | Can dictate the pace of the hand | Often reactive |
| Bluff Potential | High — can float, stab, or delay c-bet | Lower — harder to bluff without info |
| Fold Equity | Greater — opponents may fold more often | Less — they get more info before deciding |
| Ease of Play | Easier — more straightforward decisions | Harder — more guesswork involved |
🤔 Why Playing Out of Position Is Tough
Let’s revisit the earlier scenario:
You’re in the big blind. The button raises, you call with K♦T♦. The flop is T♠7♣2♣ — you hit top pair.
Now what?
- Lead out? You risk getting raised and playing a bloated pot while OOP.
- Check? You may face a c-bet and have to decide whether to call, check-raise, or fold — all without knowing villain’s intentions.
These unclear decisions add up over time — that’s the “OOP tax.”
💡 How to Play Out of Position Effectively
Here’s how to reduce the disadvantage:
1. Tighten Your Range
Play fewer, stronger hands when OOP — especially from the blinds. Hands like suited connectors, broadway cards, or pocket pairs are fine. Avoid weak, speculative holdings.
2. Use Check-Raises Strategically
A well-timed check-raise can apply pressure. Best spots include:
- Strong hands (sets, two pair)
- Semi-bluffs (flush/combo draws)
- Opponents with high c-bet frequency
But don’t check-raise just for the sake of it — always have a follow-up plan.
3. Avoid Auto-Leading Flops (Donk-Bets)
Leading into the preflop aggressor is generally suboptimal unless:
- The board strongly favors your range (e.g., small paired boards from BB vs. BTN)
- You have a strong value hand and expect villain to check back often
4. Control the Pot Size
When uncertain, keep the pot small. Favor checking and calling over bloating the pot with marginal hands. Fold early if the line looks strong.
5. Bluff Less Often
It’s harder to bluff from OOP. You’ll get called or raised more often due to your lack of initiative. Save advanced plays for when you have position.
🎯 When You Have to Play OOP
You can’t avoid playing OOP entirely — especially from the blinds.
Tips by position:
- Small Blind (SB): Consider 3-betting more often. It’s better to be the aggressor than to flat and play a guessing game postflop.
- Big Blind (BB): Defend wider than from the SB (due to better pot odds), but have a clear postflop plan — don’t call “just to see a flop.”
- Heads-up Pots: Learn which board textures favor your range. OOP doesn’t mean powerless — but it does require sharper decision-making.
📌 Conclusion: OOP Doesn’t Mean Out of Luck
Yes, being out of position is a strategic disadvantage — no denying it. But with discipline, awareness, and adjustment, you can minimize losses and even turn tough spots into wins.
Think of it like driving with a flat tire: harder, yes — but not impossible.
Even elite players face OOP spots — what separates them is how well they navigate them.
💬 FAQ
What is out of position in poker?
When you must act before your opponent on postflop streets. You lack the informational edge.
Why is playing OOP difficult?
Because you’re guessing, more often — you act without knowing what the other player will do.
Is it ever okay to play OOP?
Yes. Blinds force you into OOP situations. The key is adapting your ranges and approach.
What’s the best way to play OOP?
Play tight, plan your check-raises, avoid unnecessary bluffs, and control the pot size.