The dead button rule: how the button moves when players leave

The dealer button usually moves one seat to the left each hand, and the blinds follow it. But when a player busts or leaves — especially from the blinds — rooms need a rule so nobody skips or pays twice the blinds. Two systems are common.

The dead button rule

Used in most tournaments and many cash games:

The big blind always moves forward one seat each hand.
The small blind and button are placed behind it — even if that means the button sits in front of an empty seat (a “dead button”) or there’s no small blind that hand.
Result: every player pays the big blind exactly once per orbit.

The moving (forward) button

Some cash games use a simpler rule: the button always moves to the next active player. In some situations, a player may skip a blind or pay one twice. Rooms using this often have rules about new players posting.

Why it matters to you

In tournaments, don’t be surprised to see the button on an empty seat.
If you’re new to a table, you may need to wait for the big blind or post. See sitting out and missed blinds.
Heads-up, special rules apply: the button posts the small blind. See heads-up in tournaments.

The dealer handles all this — but knowing the rule helps you avoid confusion. See blinds and big blinds and casino poker room.

FAQ

What is the dead button rule?

The big blind always moves forward one seat; the button and small blind are placed behind it, even on an empty seat.

Why can the button be on an empty seat?

Under the dead button rule, so that every player pays the big blind exactly once per orbit.

Is the dead button used in cash games?

In many; some cash games use a moving button that always goes to the next active player.

Who posts the small blind heads-up?

The button.