How to Play When in the Small Blind in Texas Holdem

Location is one of the key elements in Texas Holdem, and knowing how to make the most out of each one will be crucial. This includes making the most when in the small blind, probably the hardest spot to play in the game.

The small blind is the player situated to the left of the individual with the dealer button. When in the small blind in Texas Holdem, you put in a bet half of the amount wagered by the big blind (the one to your left). The betting begins with the player on the left of the big blind and moves on around until it is back to you.

In the following betting rounds you will be the first to act, which brings with it all sorts of problems. When in this position you will need to consider the following for your Texas Holdem strategy. Most important will be the pot odds. You have to make sure that if you call a bet, the money has to be substantial because you are at risk.

When you are raised, you need to have a very strong hand. Because you have to act first, any Texas Holdem strategy you have to consider the fact that you have a big hand. If you have a marginal holding, it is better to muck the hand.

When you are in a tournament, it is a common Texas Holdem strategy for players on the button to try and steal the blinds. If you are raised and you hold nothing, then fold. But if that player is loose and is known to bluff, you might consider calling the bet, and get him to fold. To stay in contention, you will need to defend your blinds too.

If it comes down to a battle of the blinds, your Texas Holdem strategy will have to take into account the type of player you are facing. Keep in mind that because the big blind has more money invested, he will be playing more loosely and probably raise with weaker hands. This does not mean you should always call the raise, but at the same time keep in mind that that player can be bluffing.

The difficulty with playing from the blinds in Texas Holdem is something that all will have to deal with. However, if you play the game using these strategies, you will have more options, giving you a more than adequate chance of winning.