The hijack is the position two seats to the right of the button in poker, sitting between middle position and the cutoff. Named for its ability to “hijack” the button’s stealing opportunities, this seat offers a sweet spot between early position tightness and late position aggression.
In a full 9-handed table, the hijack sits in the 7th position to act preflop and acts fourth or fifth postflop, depending on blind play. The position strikes a balance between having enough information from earlier actions while maintaining positional advantage over half the table. Modern poker theory recognizes the hijack as the first true stealing position, where opening ranges can widen significantly compared to earlier seats.
The hijack’s strategic value comes from its dual nature. Against the three early positions and blinds, you have position postflop. Against the cutoff and button, you’re out of position but close enough to contest their stealing attempts. This creates unique dynamics where the hijack must play both defensively against late position aggression and offensively against the blinds.
Where Is the Hijack at the Table?
The hijack sits exactly two seats to the right of the dealer button. In a clockwise direction from the button, you’ll find: button → cutoff (one to the right) → hijack (two to the right). In a 9-handed game, this makes the hijack the 7th player to act preflop after the blinds and early positions.
Physically at the table, if you’re in the hijack, you’ll have the cutoff on your immediate left and a middle position player on your right. After the flop, you’ll act relatively late, only the cutoff and button act after you among the non-blind positions. This gives you position on 6 out of 8 opponents at a full table.
The name “hijack” emerged because this position can “hijack” the button’s stealing opportunities by opening first. When the hijack opens, it often forces the cutoff and button to play more honestly, preventing them from opening their widest ranges.
Hijack vs Cutoff: what’s the difference?
The cutoff sits one seat closer to the button than the hijack, acting immediately after. While both are late position stealing seats, the cutoff opens about 5-7% wider than the hijack. The hijack typically opens 18-22% of hands, while the cutoff opens 25-30%. The cutoff also has position on the hijack postflop, making it a more powerful seat overall.
Key Facts
| Aspect | Hijack Details |
|---|---|
| Position from button | 2 seats to the right |
| Preflop action order | 7th (after BB, SB, UTG, UTG+1, MP, MP2) |
| Postflop action order | 4th or 5th (before CO and BTN) |
| Typical opening range | 18-22% of hands |
| Position advantage | Has position on 6/8 opponents |
| Common stack depth | 100bb in cash, varies in tournaments |
Hear It at the Table
Key Takeaway
The hijack is poker’s first true stealing position, sitting two seats from the button with a 18-22% opening range. While not as powerful as the cutoff or button, the hijack offers enough positional advantage to play aggressively against the blinds while respecting the two positions behind. Understanding when to open, when to fold, and when to 3-bet from the hijack is crucial for winning poker.
