Main difference playing from middle position vs early position – you can play a few more hands and you dont just call as the first one in with the large suited connectors(AKs). Because your opponents will be suspecting you to steal blinds and will give you action anyways. That leads to the fact, that its difficult to “steal the blinds“ from MP with a raise, as someone acting after, may try to isolate you. So dont try it with marginal hands.

Small pairs and medium suited connectors should also be played differently. You enter the pot only when you have callers before you and can expect it to be multiway. If no one entered the pot before you – fold. 22 or 87s may become playable if the game conditions are right.

Unraised Pot.

If you are the first one in, raise with all hands that are in Groups 1-3.

1. Typical game – Group 1-5
2. Loose-Passive – Group 1-6. You can play 22 or 87s if the game conditions are right. (Remember, small pairs like games where there is a lot of action on the flop, while the connecting hands prefer more passive play.)
3. Loose-Agressive – Group 1-6 . Weaker hands such as KJ and 108s – you should fold. Small pairs play well in loose not overly agressive games. However, if the first three or four people pass – fold. If you do play, in addition to not getting the multiway, you may find yourself isolated by an aggressive player.
4. Tight-Passive – Group 1-6 (Suited connectors play better in passive games)
5. Tight-Agressive (Tough game) – Group 1-5

Unraised Pot With Caller(s).

Consider the strength of your opponents. The weaker your opponents are, the more hands you can play. Generally you should raise with all hands that are in Groups 1-2. Don’t always raise with the Group 3 hands.

If you hold a Group 3 hand:

1. Consider how well your opponents play
2. Deside whether you want a lot of players or a few players

If your opponents are strong, tend to call; otherwise, raise. When you want a lot of opponents, such as with JTs as opposed to AQ; this is another time to just call with a Group 3 hand.

It may also be correct to raise with Group 4 hands AJ or KQ. You would do it when you think that your raise will:

1. Knock out most (if not all) of the players behind you
2. Keep the pot short-handed

And no strong player has voluntarily entered the pot.

It also helps to have tight players in the blinds. If this is not the case, it is probably best to only call with these hands. And if someone has limped in who is likely to hold a dangerous hand such as AA or AKs – you should consider folding.

Conclusion.

In the middle position you can play few more hands vs early . If you hold small pair or suited connector you should play only when the game is right for them and you can expect multway pot. Dont try to steal blinds from middle position, you can get isolated by someone three betting you. Remember when you play against tougher opponents you should be play better hands. Play marginal holdings only against weak players.

You should almost always raise in the middle position rather than call when:

1. No one has yet entered the pot.
2. You have a playable hand (generally Group 1-6).
3. You think there is a reasonable chance (perhaps as small as 25%), that all players behind you (including the blinds) will fold.

However, if criterion one or three is not met you should usually just call except with your best hands, and actually fold some of the weaker hands (Group 6).