Put simply, blinds are forced bets in poker that ensure the action starts in every hand, keeping the game going.

Without them, players could simply fold repeatedly until they land premium hands, which would result in long, dull (extremely dull) games. Blinds prompt engagement from players at the table (real or virtual) and contribute to pot building. They’re now widely used across cash games and tournaments, making them a universal topic among poker players.

The popularity of blinds also brings complexity. Players often wonder about the roles of different blind types, their strategic effects, and how they function in various formats, which is exactly what I’ll be diving into with this article. I’ll be making sure that common issues with blinds will be outlined and give you clear answers. I’ll be covering their definitions, types, tournament behaviour, strategic impact and frequently asked questions, so you should hopefully come out with all of the knowledge you need!

Definition of blinds in poker

Blinds in online and live poker are mandatory bets placed by players to the left of the dealer button before any cards are dealt. They ensure there is money in the pot to play for from the start, particularly in Texas Hold’em, Omaha and other variations of poker.

Blinds rotate around the table with each hand, encouraging action and preventing players from folding endlessly without consequence, meaning that they are essential to both cash games and tournaments.

Different types of blinds in poker

Several types of blinds and forced bets exist in poker, each playing a specific role in driving the game forward. Here’s a breakdown of the most common ones you’d hear about when learning how to play poker.

Big blind

The big blind is the larger of the two standard blinds in poker. It is posted by the player two seats to the left of the dealer button before any cards are dealt. The big blind amount usually equals the minimum bet at the table. For instance, in a £1/£2 cash game, the big blind would be £2. All players must call or raise this amount to stay in the hand. The big blind acts as a live bet and gives the player closing action in the first round unless someone raises.

Small blind

The small blind is posted by the player immediately to the left of the dealer and is typically half the size of the big blind. Its purpose is to start building the pot and keep the action moving. In a £1/£2 game, the small blind would be £1. The player posting the small blind will usually need to contribute additional chips if they want to stay in the hand after the flop, depending on whether the big blind was raised. Despite being a live bet, it puts the player at a positional disadvantage post-flop.

Ante

An ante is a small forced bet that every player at the table must post before the hand begins. It is usually used in tournament formats or some cash game variants. Antes help to increase pot size and encourage more aggressive play. 

For example, in a tournament with 500/1,000 blinds, there might be a 100 chip ante per player. With 9 players, that’s 900 in antes added to the pot before any cards are dealt. Unlike blinds, antes are required from all players, not just the ones in specific positions.

Button Blind

The button blind is a less common type of forced bet and is sometimes used in home games or special tournament formats. It is placed by the player on the dealer button and often matches the amount of the small blind. The purpose is to add another layer of action and increase the pot size early. 

For example, in a casual game with a £1 small blind and £2 big blind, the dealer may also post £1 as a button blind. This changes preflop dynamics, as it slightly alters the usual betting order and pot structure.

Straddle

A straddle is a voluntary blind bet, typically placed by the player immediately left of the big blind (known as under the gun). It is usually double the big blind and is posted before cards are dealt. The straddle acts as a live bet, giving the player the last action in the preflop betting round. 

For example, in a £1/£2 game, a straddle of £4 can be placed to increase the stakes. It creates larger pots and forces more aggressive preflop decisions. However, it also carries risk, as it costs more to see a hand.

Missed Blinds

When a player steps away from the table and misses their turn to post blinds, they are required to post missed blinds upon returning. This typically includes the big blind as a live bet and the small blind as a dead bet (not counted toward the pot). For example, if a player returns after missing one round, they might need to post both blinds before rejoining the action. This rule ensures fairness and prevents players from avoiding the cost of playing marginal positions. Casinos and tournament organisers strictly enforce this to maintain game integrity.

The big blind vs. small blind

The big blind and small blind serve similar purposes but differ in size and position. The small blind is placed by the player directly to the left of the dealer, while the big blind is posted by the next player to the left. The small blind is typically half the size of the big blind. 

For example, in a £1/£2 game, the small blind is £1 and the big blind is £2. The big blind sets the minimum bet for the round. Both are live bets, but players in these positions act early post-flop, making their spots strategically challenging.

How do blinds work in poker?

Blinds rotate clockwise around the table with each new hand and the dealer button marks the current hand’s position. The player to the immediate left posts the small blind, and the next player posts the big blind. 

Once blinds are posted, each player is dealt two hole cards. Preflop betting begins with the player to the left of the big blind and that player can fold, call the big blind amount, or raise. After the flop, betting starts with the small blind or next active player. The dealer button then moves one seat clockwise, shifting the blind positions for the next hand.

Blinds in poker tournaments

In poker tournaments, blinds increase at regular intervals to accelerate gameplay and ensure a winner is eventually decided. These increases are known as blind levels, and these will typically rise every 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the structure of the game. 

As blinds grow, they force players with shorter stacks to act, adding pressure and creating more action at the table. Antes may also be introduced in later levels to further build the pot. This rising blind structure is a key part of tournament pacing, encouraging calculated risk-taking and shaping table dynamics as the event progresses.

Example of a blind poker structure

Ok so a standard tournament blind structure might start with 25/50 blinds and increase every 15 minutes. The next level could be 50/100, followed by 75/150, then 100/200. 

As the tournament progresses, additional antes may be introduced, such as a 25 ante when blinds reach 150/300. These increments continue, often doubling over time, to create meaningful stakes and eliminate players. 

For example, late-stage blinds could reach 5,000/10,000 with a 1,000 ante. This structure ensures rising tension and rewards aggressive, adaptable play as chip stacks shrink relative to the blinds.

How blinds affect poker odds

Blinds have a direct impact on poker odds and decision-making. Players in the small and big blind positions are forced to invest chips without seeing their cards, which reduces their ability to fold without a loss. This can distort pot odds and lead to marginal hands being played. 

Because blinds rotate, every player eventually faces this disadvantage, but those in blind positions must often defend with weaker hands. Additionally, blinds reduce the effective stack size, especially in tournaments, influencing the risk-reward ratio. Understanding how blinds affect odds is essential for adjusting ranges and making profitable calls or folds.

Common mistakes with blinds

Many players make avoidable errors when dealing with blinds, but the ARE avoidable! One common mistake is defending the blinds too loosely, calling raises with weak hands simply because they’ve already committed chips. Others fail to adjust their strategy as blinds increase, especially in tournaments where rising levels demand tighter discipline or more aggression. 

Missing blinds and rejoining without properly posting is another frequent issue, particularly in live games. Some players also neglect to consider position, overvaluing their hand strength when out of position in the blinds. Avoiding these errors can significantly improve chip preservation and long-term performance at the table. 

Mastering strategies for blinds play

Strong blind play starts with range discipline. Fewer hands should be played from the small blind because position is poor, bear that in mind!. Wider defence is allowed from the big blind due to pot odds and use selective 3 bet pressure when steals are frequent. 

Limping from small blind can be used in deep games but should be mixed with raises. Also, short stacks in tournaments should re-shove lighter versus late position opens. Post flop, marginal pairs should be folded more often out of position. Pots can be attacked when checked to on favourable boards and consistent blind strategy protects stacks over the long term, so keep all of that in mind when you’re playing!

Conclusion

Blinds are a vital part of poker, they shape every hand and influence both short-term tactics and long-term strategy. From understanding the roles of the big and small blind to managing changing blind levels in tournaments, mastering this area can give you a clear edge at the table. By avoiding common mistakes and applying solid strategies, blinds can be turned from a liability into a powerful tool for controlling the table, so make sure you fully understand how they work!

FAQ

1. Who pays the blinds in poker?

The two players to the left of the dealer button post the blinds, as the first posts the small blind, and the second posts the big blind. These positions rotate clockwise after each hand, ensuring all players contribute equally over time and keeping the game moving consistently.

2. Can you raise after posting a blind?

Yes, you can raise after posting a blind. The big blind acts as a live bet, which means the player in that position can raise if no one else has already done so. This gives the big blind closing action during the pre-flop betting round.

3. Do blinds change during a tournament?

Yes, blinds increase at regular intervals during a tournament. This is known as the blind structure. Each new level raises the small and big blinds (and often antes), creating pressure to act and helping ensure the tournament progresses toward a final winner.

4. What happens if a player misses their blind?

If a player misses their blind, they must post it when they return to the table. Usually, the big blind is live, and the small blind is posted as a dead bet. This rule ensures fairness and prevents players from skipping costly positions deliberately.

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