1. Definition
“Blinds” in poker are mandatory bets placed by players before any cards are dealt. They serve to initiate action and build the pot, ensuring that there is something at stake in every hand.
There are two main types:
- Small Blind: Posted by the player to the left of the dealer button
- Big Blind: Posted by the player to the left of the small blind (usually twice the small blind)
2. Background and Mechanics
Blinds prevent games from stalling due to passive play (e.g., everyone checking). They are a core feature of games like No-Limit Texas Hold’em.
- The dealer button rotates clockwise, shifting the blinds each hand
- Blinds ensure fairness—every player pays over time
- In tournaments, blind levels increase periodically, influencing chip strategy
3. Examples and Usage
- “This is a 100/200 blind cash game.”
- “You’re in the big blind this hand.”
- “Being near the blinds affects your strategy.”
4. Differences from Other Terms
- Blinds are compulsory bets before the flop
- Ante is a small bet paid by all players, sometimes in addition to blinds
- Raise and call are voluntary actions, unlike blinds
5. Tips and Considerations
- Players in the blinds already have money in the pot and must act last pre-flop
- The blind positions are considered disadvantageous due to less information
- In tournaments, rising blinds make chip management crucial
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Who posts the blinds each hand?
A. The dealer button moves clockwise, and blinds rotate accordingly so every player contributes in turn.
Q2. What’s the typical ratio of small to big blind?
A. The big blind is usually twice the small blind.
Q3. Can a player skip posting the blinds?
A. Not normally. If a player misses a hand, they must usually post the missed blinds upon returning.
7. Related Terms
- Small Blind
- Big Blind
- Ante
- Dealer Button
- Preflop
8. Summary
Blinds are essential to poker structure, enforcing action and ensuring fairness. Understanding blind positions and their strategic implications is fundamental for success in both cash games and tournaments.