The button is the dealer position in poker, marked by a round disc that rotates clockwise after each hand. This position acts last on every postflop betting round, giving it the most information and strategic advantage at the table.
In modern poker rooms and online games, a professional dealer handles the cards, but the button still determines the dealing and betting order. The player on the button posts no blind, acts last preflop (after the blinds), and maintains position throughout the hand. This positional advantage makes the button the most profitable seat, where skilled players win at their highest rate. Studies show that winning players typically earn 70-100% of their total profit from the button and cutoff positions combined. The button’s power comes from seeing all opponents act first, allowing for more accurate decisions and profitable bluffs.
Where Is the Button at the Table?
The button sits immediately to the right of the small blind and two seats right of the big blind. In a 9-handed game starting from the small blind and moving clockwise, the positions are: SB, BB, UTG, UTG+1, MP, MP+1, HJ, CO, BTN.
After each hand, the button moves one seat clockwise. If a player busts out, the button skips their empty seat and continues its rotation. When a new player joins, they typically wait for the big blind or post a blind equal to the big blind to play immediately.
The physical button itself is usually a white disc marked “DEALER” or “BTN.” In home games without a dedicated dealer, the button player actually deals the cards. Online, the button appears as a “D” symbol at the player’s seat.
Button vs Cutoff: What’s the Difference?
The button acts after the cutoff on every street, making it strictly superior. While both are late positions with profitable stealing opportunities, the button has position on the cutoff, who must act first postflop when both players see the flop.
This positional edge is massive, the button can call the cutoff’s opens much wider, knowing they’ll have position postflop. The cutoff must open tighter than the button because they risk being called or 3-bet by the best position at the table.
Why Is the Button So Powerful?
Information Advantage
Acting last means seeing every opponent’s action before deciding. You know who’s shown strength, who’s shown weakness, and who’s still in the pot. This information edge compounds on each street.
Stealing Opportunities
From the button, only two players (the blinds) remain to act preflop. This makes stealing the blinds profitable with a wide range. Most buttons can profitably open 40-50% of hands or more.
Pot Control
Position allows you to control the pot size. You can check back to see free cards with draws, value bet thinly with marginal hands, or apply maximum pressure with big bets when opponents show weakness.
Bluffing Efficiency
Bluffs work better from position because you act last and can accurately gauge opponent strength. A button player can float the flop and bluff when the opponent checks the turn, a play that’s much harder out of position.
Key Takeaway
The button is poker’s most profitable position because you act last postflop with maximum information. Smart players loosen their starting requirements on the button, play more hands, and apply aggressive pressure. If you’re not playing at least 40% of your buttons, you’re leaving money on the table. Position is power, and the button is the throne.
