Tip #44 - Don't play too passively from late position

Late position is one of your biggest advantages in poker, but many players fail to capitalize on it by playing too passively. When you have position on your opponents, you should be looking to take control of the pot and put pressure on earlier positions.

Advantages of late position:

• See opponents' actions before acting
• More accurate pot odds calculations
• Better bluffing opportunities
• Control over pot size
• More profitable stealing opportunities

Common passive mistakes in late position:

• Just calling with strong hands
• Not raising enough with marginal hands
• Missing steal opportunities
• Letting draws see cheap cards
• Not punishing limpers

Guidelines for aggressive late position play:

• Raise more hands than in early position
• Isolate loose limpers
• Continuation bet frequently
• Use position to control pot size
• Take advantage of fold equity

As Tom Dwan once said, "Position is power in poker - but only if you use it." Your late position advantage is wasted if you play passively. When you have position, you should be the one asking questions and putting your opponents to difficult decisions, not the other way around.