Middle Position Plus One

Overview

Middle Position Plus One (MP+1) is a seat designation used in full-ring poker games (typically 9 or 10 players). It refers to the position immediately after the first middle position (MP) and before the hijack (HJ) or late middle positions. In standard position numbering, MP+1 is the fourth or fifth player to act preflop, depending on the table size.

Position Hierarchy

For a 9-handed table, positions are often labeled:

• UTG (Under the Gun)
• UTG+1
• MP (Middle Position)
• MP+1 (Middle Position Plus One)
• HJ (Hijack)
• CO (Cutoff)
• BTN (Button)
• SB (Small Blind)
• BB (Big Blind)

Thus, MP+1 sits between MP and HJ. It is considered a middle position but slightly later than MP, giving it marginally more information than earlier seats.

Strategic Implications

Players in MP+1 have seen actions from UTG, UTG+1, and MP before making a decision. This allows for a tighter opening range compared to later positions but a wider range than early positions. Typical opening ranges for MP+1 in a full-ring cash game might include:

• Premium hands: AA, KK, QQ, AK, AQs
• Strong hands: JJ, TT, AQo, AJs, KQs
• Occasionally: 99, 88, ATs, KJs, QJs (depending on table dynamics)

Facing a raise from an earlier position, MP+1 should play tighter, reraising only with strong holdings and calling with speculative hands in position (if the raiser is loose).

Postflop Play

MP+1 often plays out of position to later positions (HJ, CO, BTN) but in position against earlier positions. This mixed positional advantage requires careful hand selection and awareness of opponents' tendencies. Postflop, MP+1 should avoid marginal hands that are difficult to play out of position against aggressive late-position players.

Differences from Other Positions

• Compared to UTG: MP+1 has more information and can open slightly wider.
• Compared to HJ: MP+1 is earlier, so ranges should be tighter to avoid being dominated by re-raises from later positions.
• Compared to MP: MP+1 is one seat later, allowing inclusion of a few more hands like AJo or KQo that might be marginal from MP.

In 6-max games, the term MP+1 is less common as the table only has UTG (or EP), MP, CO, BTN, and blinds. There, MP+1 would essentially be the cutoff or hijack, so the term is primarily used in full-ring contexts.

Summary

MP+1 is a transitional middle position that allows for a slightly wider range than early positions but still requires discipline. Understanding its strategic nuances helps players optimize their preflop and postflop decisions in full-ring games.