What Does Steal the Blinds Mean in Poker?
Steal the Blinds is a poker strategy where a player raises pre-flop with the primary goal of winning the blinds without contest. This move is typically made from a late position and against opponents in the blinds who are likely to fold.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Steal the Blinds
This term is often mentioned in situations where players are in late positions such as the cutoff or button and are trying to exploit tight players in the blinds.
In-Game Example
You’re on the button in a 6-max game, and it’s folded to you. You raise with 87 aiming to steal the blinds, counting on the small and big blind to fold.
Strategy / Tips
- Best Practice: Steal the blinds against players who play straightforwardly and fold too much to aggression.
- Common Mistake: Trying to steal against aggressive players who frequently defend their blinds.
- Pro Tips: Pay attention to the tendencies of players in the blinds. If they are tight, increase the frequency of your steals.
- Differences playing over the table vs online: Table dynamics and physical tells can make stealing easier in live games, while HUD stats can guide decisions online.
Alternative names
Blind Steal
FAQs
Q: What hand range should I use to steal the blinds?
A: Use a wide range, especially from the button, including suited connectors, small pairs, and broadways, but adjust based on opponents’ tendencies.
Related terms
Additional Context
For those looking to play poker online, understanding when and how to effectively steal the blinds can significantly impact your chip accumulation and overall strategy success. It’s crucial to adapt to different player types and game dynamics to maximize the efficiency of this tactic.
