In poker, blinds are forced bets that two players post before any cards are dealt, so every hand has something to play for. The two mandatory forced bets are called the small blind and the big blind. Without these forced stakes, participants could fold every hand without penalty until they received premium starting cards.

This page is general information, not legal advice.

How the Small Blind and Big Blind Work

The small blind (SB) posts the smaller amount, while the big blind (BB) posts the larger amount. The big blind is usually twice the small blind. The two players to the left of the dealer button post the blinds, and the roles rotate one seat clockwise every hand, so everyone takes turns paying them.

Because the dealer button moves around the table after every hand, every player inevitably spends time in both forced positions. This rotation keeps the game fair and forces continuous action, which is central to learning how to play Texas Hold’em.

Betting Rules and Action Order

The presence of the small blind and big blind determines who gets to act first and last during different betting rounds.

Before the flop:

  • The player directly left of the big blind acts first.
  • The big blind acts last.

After the flop:

  • The small blind is first to act (if still in the hand).
  • The big blind acts before everyone else who remains.

There is a unique heads-up exception when only two players remain in a game. In a heads-up scenario, the dealer posts the small blind, acts first before the flop, and acts last after the flop.

Math and Chip Example with Blinds

Understanding how compulsory stakes count toward raises is critical for beginners. Chips already posted are part of the pot; they are not returned if you fold.

Consider an example where the blinds are 25/50. Before any action, the starting pot is 75 chips (25 + 50).

If a player raises to 150 (a total amount):

  • The small blind has 25 chips already in the pot and must put in 125 chips to call a total raise of 150.
  • If the small blind had 50 in chips previously posted (for instance, in a specific posting situation where the small blind has 50 already in), the calculation to call a total amount of 150 would be 150 - 50 = 100.
  • Likewise, for the big blind who has 50 already in, to call a raise to 150 (a total amount), the big blind must add 100 more (150 - 50 = 100).

Because these mandatory contributions belong to the pot immediately upon being placed, folding means forfeiting those chips completely.

Blinds in Cash Games vs Tournaments

The behavior of forced bets depends on the format you are playing. When comparing cash games vs tournaments, the structure of these stakes varies significantly:

  1. Cash Games: Blinds in cash games usually stay fixed per table. If you join a cash game table with 25/50 stakes, those mandatory bets remain 25/50 for as long as you play at that table.
  2. Tournaments: Blinds grow during tournaments on a schedule, which is why late tournament play costs more per hand. As the levels increase, players must manage their chip counts carefully to survive the rising costs.

## FAQ

What happens if I fold after posting a blind?

Chips already posted are part of the pot; they are not returned if you fold. Once you place your chips on the table as a forced bet, they belong to the center pot.

Who posts the small blind and big blind?

The two players to the left of the dealer button post the blinds. The player directly to the left of the button posts the small blind, and the player to that person’s left posts the big blind.

How do blinds work when only two players are left?

When only two players remain (heads-up), the dealer posts the small blind, acts first before the flop, and acts last after the flop. The other player posts the big blind.

Why do blinds increase in tournaments?

Blinds grow during tournaments on a schedule, which is why late tournament play costs more per hand. This mechanic forces players to act rather than waiting indefinitely for cards.

Understanding how the small blind and big blind function ensures that you can calculate pot sizes accurately and know when it is your turn to act at the table.