How to defend the big blind in poker
In the big blind you’ve already put in a full bet, so when someone raises you get a discount to call. That’s why you can defend with more hands than from any other seat. But you’ll play the rest of the hand out of position, so don’t defend everything.
Why the big blind is special
Section titled “Why the big blind is special”A player raises to 2.5 BB. You’ve already paid 1 BB, so you need to add only 1.5 BB to see a flop in a pot of about 5.5 BB. You need to win only about 27% of the time to break even. See pot odds.
Who is raising?
Section titled “Who is raising?”| Raiser’s position | Their range | Your defence |
|---|---|---|
| Early position | Strong | Tighter: pairs, good aces, suited broadways |
| Cutoff / button | Wide (often a steal) | Wider: most suited hands, connectors, any pair, many offsuit broadways |
| Small blind | Very wide | Widest; 3-bet more often |
See poker positions.
Call or 3-bet?
Section titled “Call or 3-bet?”- 3-bet for value with A-A, K-K, Q-Q, A-K, and against late-position steals also J-J, 10-10, A-Q. See 3-bet.
- Call with hands that play well after the flop: pairs, suited connectors (7♥ 6♥), suited aces, K-Q, Q-J.
- Fold weak offsuit hands like J-3, 9-2, Q-4, especially against early raises.
After the flop
Section titled “After the flop”- You act first, so check most of the time and let the raiser bet.
- Check-raise with strong hands and good draws. See check-raise.
- Don’t call down with weak pairs against big bets on every street.
Common mistakes
Section titled “Common mistakes”- Folding too much: giving away your big blind to every steal.
- Defending too much against early-position raises.
- Calling with weak offsuit aces like A-4o against tight raisers, then losing to better aces.
Why can you defend the big blind with more hands?
Section titled “Why can you defend the big blind with more hands?”You’ve already paid one big blind, so you get a discount to call and better pot odds.
Which hands should you defend from the big blind?
Section titled “Which hands should you defend from the big blind?”Against late-position steals: most pairs, suited hands, connectors and broadway cards. Against early raises: tighter.
Should you 3-bet from the big blind?
Section titled “Should you 3-bet from the big blind?”Yes, with strong hands for value, and more often against late-position and small blind raises.
How do you play after the flop from the big blind?
Section titled “How do you play after the flop from the big blind?”Check often, check-raise strong hands and draws, and avoid calling down with weak pairs.