Fewer and fewer players are playing poker at actual gambling venues as many bettors are opting for a more digital experience — and we can’t say we blame them. However, some players forget how poker positions can impact a game.
Knowing what your table position is and how it affects your poker strategy will take your poker skills to a whole other level. Knowledge on poker positions will help you maximise the strength of your hand to the best of your ability — even when playing weaker hands.
With this guide, we’re going to take you through the big blind position in poker.
WHAT DOES BIG BLIND POSITION MEAN IN POKER?
The big blind (BB) is a forced bet that is seated two positions clockwise from the dealer position (the dealer button). The BB is also seated to the immediate left of the small blind.
The BB pays the total blind amount towards the pot at the beginning of the poker game. This payment is twice the size of the small blind — generally speaking. The BB acts before the small blind in both pre-flop and post-flop stages. The BB is also sometimes allowed to act last in the post-flop, and is considered a superior position to the small blind.
ADVANTAGES OF THIS POSITION
As many players know, the inclusion of the blinds, or forced bets, is to boost the pot, encourage players to continue betting and give them something to compete for.
- Being in this position gives you a significant advantage as you’ll be able to play looser than other table positions. This is because, despite being out of position in the post-flop, you’ll be in position pre-flop.
- You’ll be the last player to act and will get to see how all your opponents have acted.
- On top of that, it is impossible to squeeze big blinds as they’ll be the closing pre-flop action, making calling stronger.
- What makes this position the most advantageous, however, is the fact that by playing loose, you might be able to discourage your opponents from raising hands that would otherwise be profitable!
DISADVANTAGES OF THIS POSITION
Although playing in the BB puts you at a massive advantage, there are a few downsides to this position, especially to new players.
- If you’re in the BB and there is no raise in front of you, hope the flop is favourable when it’s your turn to act! If there is a raise, you might end up having to throw your hand away and fold.
- The BB also must put down money in the hand immediately, which can cause some stress on players’ bankrolls in subsequent betting rounds.
BIG BLIND STRATEGY
Although players get to act last in the pre-flop, in the long-term, the BB position is where players lose the most money. This is why that, out of all the positions in poker, the BB is one that needs the most planning and strategy.
Here are a few tips on approaching a poker table in the BB seat:
- In the pre-flop stage, gather as much information as you can about the strength of your opponents’ hands.
- If a player raises, it’s a good idea to call unless you have a strong hand. Otherwise, raise them.
- If no player raises on the pre-flop, call to see what community cards are dealt in the post-flop.
- Fold if you have a weak hand in the pre-flop betting round.
- Adopt an early position strategy in the post-flop betting round. The BB is the second position to act, which is not the best position compared to late positions or even middle positions.
- As an early position player in the post-flop, it is best to only play strong hands as you’ll be acting with very little knowledge of other players’ hands. Playing 10s or higher, for instance, is a good hand to play in early positions.
Different poker positions call for different strategies. But, no matter whether you’re in an early position, middle position or late position, it is important to always have a good bankroll management strategy in place to safeguard your funds and keep your gambling habits in check.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM PLAYERS IN THE BB POSITION?
Players in the BB position are expected to have a strong start, given that they can observe the actions of other players in the pre-flop. Big blinds face a wide range, so they have a lot of incentive to defend this position. That said, big blinds will tighten their range according to the raise received from a tight player.
You’ll likely be seeing flops from this position, most often at a poker table. And, big blinds will likely adjust their range dramatically as the pot odds change action moves clockwise around the table.
BEST PREFLOPS FOR BIG BLIND POSITION
So, what sort of hands should you keep? Suited connectors of the same suit? Pocket pairs? Well, it depends on various factors. Here are a few hands you can play in an unopened pot:
- 88s
- J9s
- AQo
- ATo
- KTs
Keeping a few poker charts handy will go a long way, so have a few within reach before taking a seat at your favourite poker table.
SUMMARY
If we had to summarise this position into one sentence, it would be that the BB is a super important position to be in, but it also requires a lot of strategic thinking as it is one of the early positions AND requires you to place a forced bet.
⭐ WHY DO THEY CALL IT A BIG BLIND?
This position is called a blind because you’ll be placing a bet during a time when no cards have been dealt. It is a ‘big’ blind because it is double the small blind.
⭐ IS BIG BLIND A GOOD POSITION?
Compared to other positions in poker, the BB is one of the most important yet tricky positions to be in. It is not as advantageous as late positions, but it’s pretty good nonetheless.
⭐ IS THE BIG BLIND AN EARLY POSITION?
As it is the seat immediately to the left of the small blind and two from the dealer button, the BB is considered one of the early positions at a poker table.
⭐ WHAT IS THE POSITION AFTER THE BIG BLIND?
The small blind acts after the BB.
⭐ CAN THE BIG BLIND RAISE IN THE FIRST ROUND?
Yes and the BB is the last to act.