The first position in Texas Holdem (often referred to as "under the gun") brings with it additional challenges. First, and most important, is that every other player at the table has yet to act. This means you will have to wait for 9 or so additional players (depending on the number of players at the table) to see how your 2 hole cards will stack up.

Different poker authorities may have differing opinions as to quality of starting hands you should play in different positions. The one thing they do agree on, however, is that your starting hand in first position must be strong. In a limit game, limping in (calling the big blind) or raising from first position with a marginal hand could become costly if players acting after you raise or reraise with strong starting hands. By the time action is back to you, you could be forced with a decision to call additional bets with a hand that does not warrant it. In no-limit holdem, you could find yourself faced with a pot size raise if you limp in, or a larger raise if you entered the pot with the standard 3-4 times the size of the big blind raise. In either case, you would be forced to fold your hand.

We recently asked the question in a 4TexasHoldem.com survey:

If you are playing limit holdem and hold A9 offsuit in first position, what would you do?

54% of the responses indicated they would call the value of the big blind.
33% would raise.
13% would fold.

As previously indicated, poker authorities may disagree on their starting hands requirements, but they would agree that folding A9 offsuit in first position is the best option. There are just too many hands that would be in a dominating position over your A9. With this hand, you do not have the luxury of making a straight or a flush. And, even if you make top pair, your hand could be dominated by a player with a better kicker. Your best bet is to fold and wait for a better opportunity. On the other hand, if you hold A9 offsuit in late position and no one has entered the pot, feel free to make your move.