small blind
1 of 1noun/smɔ:l blaɪnd/
Forms:small blinds
1
a mandatory bet made by the player sitting to the immediate left of the dealer
The small blind is a forced bet that is placed by the player sitting immediately to the left of the dealer in poker games like Texas hold 'em and Omaha. It is usually half the size of the big blind, which is placed by the player two seats to the left of the dealer. The small blind, along with the big blind, ensures that there is always money in the pot at the start of each hand. After the blinds are posted, each player is dealt their cards, and the betting round begins with the player to the left of the small blind.
- The player in the small blind has to put in a forced bet before seeing their cards.
- After the small blind, the dealer starts the betting round with the big blind.
- The small blind player is typically forced to make a bet, even without knowing the strength of their hand.
- The small blind helps create action in the game, ensuring there is money in the pot.