Sitting out, missed blinds and posting in cash games
In cash games, the blinds move around the table every hand. If you sit out and the blinds pass you, you’ve missed blinds. To keep things fair, most rooms ask you to post (pay) them when you come back, or wait until the big blind reaches you again. Exact rules differ by site and casino — this page explains the common ones.
Key terms
Section titled “Key terms”| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Sit out | You stay at the table but aren’t dealt cards |
| Missed blinds | Blinds you skipped while sitting out |
| Post | Paying a blind (or missed blinds) to get dealt in |
| Wait for big blind | Coming back only when it’s your turn to pay the big blind, so you don’t post extra |
Coming back in
Section titled “Coming back in”You usually have two choices:
- Post now: pay the missed blind(s) and get dealt in immediately. Often a missed small blind goes into the pot as dead money (it doesn’t count toward your bet), and a missed big blind counts as your live bet.
- Wait for the big blind: no extra cost, you just sit out a few more hands.
Waiting is usually cheaper; posting is fine when you’re in a good seat like the cutoff or button.
Joining a new table
Section titled “Joining a new table”At many rooms you can either post a big blind to play right away or wait for the big blind. Some games allow you to join in any seat without posting. Waiting avoids paying a blind out of position.
Sitting out too long
Section titled “Sitting out too long”Rooms often remove players who sit out for a long time (online, after a set number of minutes or hands). Live, the floor may pick up your chips after a time limit. If you need a long break, leave the table.
- Don’t sit out just before your blinds to “skip” them — you’ll have to post when you return.
- Use the “sit out next big blind” option if you need a short break without paying.
See also blinds and big blinds and cash game basics.
What are missed blinds in poker?
Section titled “What are missed blinds in poker?”Blinds you skip while sitting out; you usually pay them to come back in or wait for the big blind.
What does posting mean in poker?
Section titled “What does posting mean in poker?”Paying a blind, or missed blinds, to be dealt into the next hand.
Should I post or wait for the big blind?
Section titled “Should I post or wait for the big blind?”Waiting is usually cheaper; posting can be fine in a good late position seat.
Can I be removed for sitting out?
Section titled “Can I be removed for sitting out?”Yes. Rooms usually remove players who sit out for too long.