Hijack poker position

You shouldn’t confuse hijack with some more sinister. Rather, the hijack in poker is one of those more prominent positions around the poker table.

This guide will explain the prominence in Texas Hold’Em and outline a few useful strategy tips.

WHAT DOES HIJACK MEAN IN POKER?

The hijack in poker is quite simply one of the positions that players will take at tables. It is just one seat that can be occupied in the game.

Here are the others:

• Small blind
• Big blind
• Under the gun (UTG)
• UTG+1
• Middle position
• Hijack
• Cutoff
• The dealer or the dealer button

More specifically, the hijack in poker occupies one of the later poker positions in a betting round, and typically, it will occur when players pre-flop and post-flop at the poker table.

Now, you have seen the role hijack poker assumes, it’s time to see how players can take advantage, and use it to free themselves from any pressure they might come under from other players.

ADVANTAGES OF HIJACK POSITION

Being one of the late positions on the poker table, the hijack throws up plenty of opportunities. Here are the advantages that any given player can capitalise on.

More bluffing opportunities

You may think you have a strong hand compared to your opponents, albeit in reality, it could be quite weak.

Being in the hijack can help you determine when to make raises, and you could force other players to fold.

Do note that you are better off being in a strong position in the later streets, such as the river.

Greater access to the pot

If you can act decisively in poker, then it can be the difference between winning and losing. After all, poker is a zero-sum game.

But you can add value to your game, especially if you last to play on the blinds, whether it be the small blind or big blind.

And if you wish to stay in the hunt for the main pot, if you can maintain composure in a late position, then you should take every opportunity. There is no guarantee that the others playing will call against you if you are the player sitting in the hijack chair.

Can detect player weaknesses

While you won’t know what cards you will be dealt, you may be able to spot some flaws in other players. Of course, you should look out for the fish, who can generally be prone to act in a frenzied manner.

If you are switched on, you will be aware of what is going on at the table, and you may be able to detect when a player is trying to bluff you and steal from you.

DISADVANTAGES OF THE HIJACK POSITION

Not a good position to steal from

You should be playing within a tight range when in this position. Attempting to play too loose can be costly.

Indeed, you may find a player in the cutoff spot that could join in and pull off a steal late on.

Can be caught out

If you are not close enough to the dealer button, then it seems likely you won’t land your expected hands, and this is something that those players fail to take into account.

HIJACK STRATEGY

You may be after a solid hijack strategy to help you become a better player. You can check them out below and use them to your advantage if you are within two seats or more of the button.

Widen your starting hands

If the action has been quiet, then you should take advantage and widen your starting hands, so you can take down any blinds and antes that you might face from others at the table.

Think about when to open raise

If you are considering an open raise, you need to work out if your hand can withstand the force when another player chooses to act.

If a player from the blinds raises when the button is folded, you will be able to take up a late position, and it could be a world of joy!

Fold average hands

If a play looks like it will follow a particular pattern in the blinds, then you should throw cards into the muck and fold. Otherwise, a player sitting to the immediate right of the dealer could call you out later on.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM PLAYERS IN THE HIJACK POSITION?

For those players sitting in the hijack position, you may expect more raising, but they may also be more versatile players.

If strong in a late position, then they could well go in for the kill, and they will have all the tools at their disposal to claim a winning hand when they raise.

A player sitting in the hijack chair should never be underestimated, as they could pull off more bluffs against players in other seats, and win more from the pot.

BEST PRE-FLOPS FOR THE CUTOFF HIJACK

Ideally, for those players in this seat, the best pre-flop action would be to be aggressive with their hands. These are the sorts of hands that should be taken into account.

1. J9s
2. A6s
3. 98s
4. QJs
5. 88

SUMMARY

The hijack is one of those treasured two seats in poker and it is great for those players who know how to raise effectively in the later streets.

If you can take on board our advice, then you may be able to withstand any pressure faced during blinds and antes.