Small Blind
The small blind is the forced bet posted by the player directly left of the button, usually half the big blind. It's also the name of that seat.
The small blind is a forced bet posted before the cards are dealt by the player sitting directly to the left of the button. It is usually half the size of the big blind; in a 1/2 game the small blind posts 1 chip. The term also names the seat itself, as in "I folded from the small blind."
How the small blind works
- The small blind is posted before the deal, along with the big blind. Together they create a pot worth fighting for.
- The chip counts as part of your bet. If you want to call the big blind, you only add the difference; in a 1/2 game that is 1 more chip. Calling here is often called completing.
- Preflop, the small blind acts second to last, just before the big blind.
- After the flop, the small blind acts first on every street if still in the hand.
- In heads-up play, the button posts the small blind.
Some games use a small blind that is not exactly half, such as 2/5, where the small blind is 2 and the big blind 5.
Why the small blind is a tricky seat
The small blind gets a discount to play because half a bet is already in, which tempts players to call with too many hands. But the seat has a serious drawback: it is out of position against every other player for the entire hand after the flop. And unlike the big blind, the small blind does not close the preflop action, so the big blind can still raise behind.
That is why many winning players either fold or raise from the small blind and call less often, especially against opens from late position.
Example hand
Blinds 1/2. The button opens to 5. You are in the small blind with K♠ J♦. If you just call, the big blind can squeeze with a re-raise, or call and create a three-way pot where you act first. A 3-bet to around 18 to 20 is often a stronger play: it can win the pot right away, isolates the button, and gives you the initiative if called, which helps make up for being out of position.
On the other hand, with a hand like 9♣ 4♥, the right play is simply to fold. Losing 1 chip is cheaper than getting tangled up in a pot you cannot play well.
Common small blind mistakes
- Completing with weak hands "because it's cheap" in unraised pots.
- Defending too often against raises, then folding on the flop after acting first.
- Forgetting that the big blind can still raise after you complete or call.
- Feeling that your blind is "yours" to protect. Once posted, it belongs to the pot.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the small blind?
Usually half the big blind, such as 1 in a 1/2 game, though some stake levels use other amounts like 2/5.
Does the small blind act first?
After the flop, yes, the small blind acts first on every street. Preflop it acts second to last, just before the big blind.
Who posts the small blind?
The player directly to the left of the dealer button, except heads-up, where the button posts it.
Related poker terms
- Big Blind — The big blind is the larger forced bet posted two seats left of the button before the deal. It sets the minimum bet and is the last to act preflop.
- Button — The button is a disc marking the nominal dealer in Hold'em. The player on the button acts last after the flop, making it the best seat at the table.
- Out of Position — Out of position (OOP) means you must act before your opponent on each postflop street, which gives them extra information and makes your decisions harder.
- 3-Bet — A 3-bet is the first re-raise in a betting round. Preflop it's the re-raise of an open raise, because the big blind counts as the first bet.
- Position — Position in poker is where you sit relative to the button, which decides when you act. Acting later gives you more information and more control.