Stealing the blinds in poker: when and how
A blind steal is a raise from a late position (cutoff, button or small blind) when everyone before you has folded, made mainly to win the blinds without a fight. In tournaments, where blinds and antes keep rising, stealing is one of the most important skills.
Why it works
Section titled “Why it works”Only the blinds are left to act, and they hold random hands. Most of the time they’ll miss and fold. If you win 1.5 big blinds (plus antes) often enough, it adds up quickly.
Best positions to steal
Section titled “Best positions to steal”| Position | Players left to act | Steal range |
|---|---|---|
| Cutoff | 3 | Wide |
| Button | 2 | Widest |
| Small blind | 1 | Wide, but you’re out of position after the flop |
See poker positions.
Which hands to steal with
Section titled “Which hands to steal with”From the button, when the blinds are tight: any pair, any ace, most kings, suited connectors and many offsuit broadway hands (Q-10, J-10). Tighten up when the blinds defend a lot.
- Cash games: about 2–2.5 big blinds.
- Tournaments with antes: 2–2.2 big blinds is usually enough.
- With 15 big blinds or less, steal by going all-in: see push/fold.
When the blinds fight back
Section titled “When the blinds fight back”- If a blind 3-bets you, fold your weakest steals and continue with strong hands.
- If they call, make a c-bet on good boards; check behind on bad ones.
- Watch who defends a lot and steal less against them.
Re-steal
Section titled “Re-steal”A re-steal is a 3-bet from the blinds against a likely steal. Use it with strong hands first; see big blind defence and 3-bet.
What is a blind steal in poker?
Section titled “What is a blind steal in poker?”A raise from late position when everyone has folded, mainly to win the blinds.
Which position is best for stealing blinds?
Section titled “Which position is best for stealing blinds?”The button, because only the two blinds are left to act and you’ll have position after the flop.
How much should you raise to steal the blinds?
Section titled “How much should you raise to steal the blinds?”About 2–2.5 big blinds in cash games and 2–2.2 big blinds in tournaments with antes.
What is a re-steal?
Section titled “What is a re-steal?”A 3-bet from the blinds against a raise that is likely a steal.