Blinds

Blinds are mandatory bets required from specific players before cards are dealt, designed to create action and prevent players from waiting for only premium hands. In flop games like Texas Hold'em and Omaha, two players to the left of the dealer button must post these forced bets.

Types of Blinds

  • Small Blind (SB): Posted by first player left of button
  • Big Blind (BB): Posted by second player left of button
  • Dead Blind: Posted when returning to game
  • Straddle: Optional third blind (usually 2x BB)

Blind Rules

  • Small blind is typically half the big blind
  • Big blind sets the minimum bet size
  • Blinds rotate clockwise each hand
  • Missing blinds may require posting to return

Strategic Implications

  • Stack Sizing: Usually 100BB deep in cash games
  • Position Play: Affects blind defense ranges
  • Tournament Impact: Increasing blinds force action
  • Steal Attempts: More profitable from late position

Example Scenarios

Cash Game: In a $1/$2 NL Hold'em game, the small blind posts $1, and the big blind posts $2. A standard buy-in would be $200 (100BB). The minimum raise would be to $4 (2BB).

Tournament: Blinds might start at 25/50 chips and increase every 15-20 minutes, forcing players to accumulate chips or risk being blinded out.

Playing from the Blinds

  • Small Blind:
    • Worst position postflop
    • Already invested money
    • Tighter calling range vs raises
    • Can squeeze vs multiple players
  • Big Blind:
    • Better pot odds to call
    • Can check option when no raise
    • Defend wider vs late position
    • Key tournament survival spot

Common Mistakes

  • Defending too wide from SB
  • Not adjusting to blind increases
  • Overvaluing "blind defense"
  • Missing free BB opportunities

Understanding blind dynamics is crucial for poker success. They affect everything from preflop ranges to stack-to-pot ratios, and their impact becomes even more significant in tournaments as they increase. Proper blind play and defense can significantly impact your win rate, especially in tournament play where survival is key.