How to play the small blind in poker
The small blind is the hardest seat in poker: you’ve already put in half a big blind, but after the flop you act first, out of position against everyone. Most players lose money from the small blind; the goal is to lose as little as possible. A simple approach: raise or fold most of the time, and 3-bet rather than call against raises.
Why it’s difficult
Section titled “Why it’s difficult”- Out of position after the flop on every street. See poker positions.
- The big blind still acts behind you preflop and gets a good price to defend.
- Calling raises from the small blind often leads to tough spots.
When it folds to you (blind vs blind)
Section titled “When it folds to you (blind vs blind)”- Raise a wide range: you’re only against the big blind. A size of about 3 big blinds is common.
- Completing (just calling the half blind) can work with some hands at passive tables, but beginners do better with raise or fold.
Against a raise
Section titled “Against a raise”- 3-bet strong hands and some suited aces as bluffs, especially against button opens. See 3-bet.
- Fold most other hands. Flatting from the small blind invites the big blind to squeeze. See squeeze.
After the flop
Section titled “After the flop”- Bet with strong hands and good draws; check more with medium hands.
- Be ready to check-fold when you miss. See check-raise for when to fight back.
Tournaments
Section titled “Tournaments”With antes, the pot is bigger and blind-vs-blind battles matter more. With a short stack, push/fold from the small blind can be very wide against the big blind. See push/fold.
See also big blind defence.
Why is the small blind the worst position?
Section titled “Why is the small blind the worst position?”You act first after the flop on every street, out of position against everyone.
Should you complete or raise from the small blind?
Section titled “Should you complete or raise from the small blind?”For beginners, raising or folding is usually better than just completing.
How should you play blind vs blind?
Section titled “How should you play blind vs blind?”Raise a wide range when it folds to you, because you’re only against the big blind.
Should you call raises from the small blind?
Section titled “Should you call raises from the small blind?”Usually 3-bet or fold; calling invites a squeeze from the big blind.