Abstract: A method and device for removing water from a paper or board web and for passing the web as a closed draw from a forming wire or transfer wire of the web former to the press section and through one or more dewatering press nips in the press section. The web that runs on the forming wire or transfer wire is made to adhere in a transfer and pre-press zone to an outside face of a transfer belt which is substantially non-water-receiving. After this pre-press zone, the web is separated substantially immediately from the wire and passed on support of the transfer belt onto the next press fabric in the press section and/or into the next press nip. In the pre-press zone or zones, a substantial amount of water is removed out of the web substantially in one direction only, and, at the same time, the web is made to adhere reliably to the outside face of the transfer belt.