Blind vs blind: playing small blind against big blind
When everyone folds to the small blind, it’s a blind vs blind battle: SB against BB, heads-up. It happens often, and both players’ ranges are wide, because neither has shown strength.
Why it’s special
Section titled “Why it’s special”- The SB already has half a big blind in, so the price to play is low.
- The BB has a full big blind in and gets position after the flop.
- Neither player is likely to hold a premium hand, so medium hands gain value.
From the small blind
Section titled “From the small blind”| Approach | When |
|---|---|
| Raise (about 3bb) | Simple and strong: raise a wide range of decent hands, fold the worst |
| Limp | Some players limp many hands; it’s harder to play post-flop out of position |
| Fold | Weak offsuit hands, especially against an aggressive big blind |
For beginners, raise or fold keeps it simple. See small blind strategy.
From the big blind
Section titled “From the big blind”- Against a small-blind raise, defend wide: you have position and a good price. See big blind defence.
- 3-bet strong hands and some good bluffs (e.g. suited aces) against loose small blinds.
- Against a limp, raise your good hands to take the initiative. See big blind vs limpers.
After the flop
Section titled “After the flop”- Ranges are wide, so top pair is often good; value bet it.
- C-bet more as the raiser on high cards; check more on low connected boards.
- In tournaments, stack sizes and ICM change things: short stacks often shove from the SB.
What is blind vs blind in poker?
Section titled “What is blind vs blind in poker?”When everyone folds to the small blind, who then plays heads-up against the big blind.
Should I raise or limp from the small blind?
Section titled “Should I raise or limp from the small blind?”For beginners, raise a wide range of decent hands or fold; limping is harder to play out of position.
How wide should the big blind defend against a small-blind raise?
Section titled “How wide should the big blind defend against a small-blind raise?”Wide, because the big blind has position and a good price.
Is top pair good in blind vs blind pots?
Section titled “Is top pair good in blind vs blind pots?”Often yes, because both ranges are wide.