Poker is a game that is all about making the right decisions, and the very first decision you make when you enter the game might be the most important one of all, namely picking where you sit.

How can choosing your seat be more important than making the correct decision on calling or folding a monster pot with a monster hand? The reason is because if you choose your seat wisely then you will be better positioned to make that call later in the game. If you end up in a bad seat, then some of the later decisions will already be made for you, which gives you no advantage at all.

When you play with an aggressive player you generally want him on your right, where you can see how he acts before you have to act. On your left this player can drag you into pots that are over your head.

When you play against a conservative player, sitting to their right is in your best interest. You know a conservative player will bow out when you threaten their blinds, and if they don’t bow out then you should, as they likely have a great hand.

The new player will make mistakes, and can be better manipulated by a pro such as yourself if they are seated to your right. However, an experienced player is more predictable; for the more aggressive ones the best spot is to your right. However, the conservative experienced players should go to your left.

You won’t always get the chance to pick your seat, or may not know the players well enough to determine who plays how in the beginning. If you play in a regular game, or have observed the play of your opponents, however, finding a nice, comfy spot in between the aggressive and the conservative players is best, with the aggressive one to your right.