I have noticed during live play at the tables, that I tend to be able to process and obtain way more information from the end seats. Seat #3 and Seat #8 give me the best view at the table to be able to pick up on information very easily from just about everyone, without being extremely intrusive when I am not in the hand. I also play much better poker because of this.

In reverse, whenever I am in the middle somewhere, Seat 5 or Seat 6, or jammed up next to the dealer, I notice that my reads are much weaker, obtain way less info, even though I am still watching and my play suffers from that.

I know it is logical, more information, more reads = more confidence = better play usually. But there also seems to be a psychological element to this for me as well.

I guess I am wondering if there is anyway to process more info from these middling seats, or a way to feel like you can still make moves even though all eyes are on you pretty much all the time.

i know what you mean, i think in those middle seats you just have to get aggressive and start looking around more proactively.

i try to follow the action from player to player around the table no matter where im sitting, but it can be hard when you are in those middle seats and the players to your left and right are leaning into the table

as far as people reading you in the middle seats, i think there is a benefit to leaning back into your seat and letting the players who flank you guard you from everyones direct line of sight...or at least positioning yourself so that the players beside you are blocking your main opponents from seeing you directly

ive always thought that instead of trying to keep a straight face and make consistent body movements, the best way to prevent your opponents from reading you is to block their line of sight (lean foreward with your face in your palms, lean back and block their line of sight, cover your neck with your palm, etc)

The probability of cards being exposed to a player is much greater in the middle seats. Denying your opponents that chance should help make up for lesser reads.