Blind
A blind in poker is a mandatory bet that is placed by two players before any cards are dealt. There are typically two blinds in a hand: the small blind and the big blind.
Blinds are distinct from antes in that they functions as a bet.
What is a Blind?
In poker, a Blind is a forced bet that a player must make before any cards are dealt.
There are usually two types of blinds: the small blind and the big blind. The small blind is usually half the size of the big blind, and is placed by the player to the left of the dealer. The big blind, placed by the player to the left of the small blind, is usually equivalent to the minimum bet.
Flop games like Texas hold'em and Omaha games are classic examples of games with blinds.
Playing from the Blinds
Playing from the Blinds can be challenging because you will be out of position for the rest of the betting rounds. This means you will be one of the first to act, which is a disadvantage as you have less information about what other players might do.
Considerations When Dealing with Blinds
When you're in the blinds, it's important to consider several factors including your hand strength, the betting action, and the tendencies of the other players.
Since being in the blinds puts you at a positional disadvantage, you generally need a stronger hand to play compared to if you were in a later position.
Example of "Blind"
For instance, in a game with a small blind of $1 and a big blind of $2, the player to the left of the dealer would place a $1 bet before the cards are dealt, and the player to their left would place a $2 bet. This creates a starting pot of $3.
When the action gets around to these players, they will both have the option to raise.
- "Being in the big blind, he decided to call the raise with his suited connectors."
- "From the small blind, she decided to fold her weak hand, not wanting to commit more chips out of position."
- "The blinds increase in later stages of a tournament, adding pressure to the players."
What is the purpose of blinds in poker?
The purpose of blinds in poker is to stimulate betting by creating an initial pot for players to contest.
Do all poker games have blinds?
No, not all poker games have blinds. For example, in seven-card stud, instead of blinds, there are ante bets and a bring-in (although the bring-in has some similarities to a blind).
How often will I have to post a blind?
In a full ring game, you will have to post a small blind once every round (usually every 9 hands), and a big blind once every round too.
How do blinds affect my strategy in poker?
Blinds can significantly affect your strategy in poker. Being in the blinds puts you at a positional disadvantage, meaning you generally need a stronger hand to play from these positions. However, because some of your bet is already made, sometimes the odds are good enough from the blinds to continue.
What happens to the blinds as a poker tournament progresses?
In a poker tournament, the blinds typically increase at regular intervals to ensure the tournament progresses. This increase in blinds adds pressure to the players, influences their betting strategy, and prevents the tournament from continuing indefiinitely.
