Definition
These are the forced bets that create action in poker. Without them, players could wait forever for perfect hands.
- Button: Marks the dealer position, rotates each hand
- Blinds: Forced bets posted before cards are dealt
- Antes: Additional forced bets from all or some players
The Button (Dealer Button)
The button is a marker showing who is the "dealer" for that hand.
| Button Facts | |
|---|---|
| Best position | Acts last on all postflop streets |
| Moves clockwise | After each hand |
| Determines blinds | SB is left of button, BB is left of SB |
The Blinds
🟡 Small Blind (SB)
- Sits directly left of button
- Posts half the big blind
- Acts second-to-last preflop, first postflop
🔴 Big Blind (BB)
- Sits left of small blind
- Posts the full blind amount
- Acts last preflop (can raise even if no one raised)
- Has the "option" to raise
Blind Structure Example
| Game | Small Blind | Big Blind |
|---|---|---|
| $1/$2 NL | $1 | $2 |
| $2/$5 NL | $2 | $5 |
| $5/$10 NL | $5 | $10 |
Antes
Antes are additional forced bets that increase pot size:
Traditional Antes
- Every player posts a small amount
- Common in tournaments
- Example: 9 players × 100 ante = 900 in pot before cards dealt
Big Blind Ante (BBA)
- Modern format: Big blind posts ante for whole table
- Speeds up the game
- Common in tournaments: 1BB ante
Ante Example
| Format | SB | BB | Ante | Starting Pot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No ante | $50 | $100 | $0 | $150 |
| Traditional | $50 | $100 | $10×9 | $240 |
| BB Ante | $50 | $100 | $100 (BB) | $250 |
Why Forced Bets Exist
Without blinds, optimal strategy would be to fold everything but AA.
Forced bets create:
- ✅ Incentive to play hands
- ✅ Something to fight for
- ✅ Penalty for folding too much
- ✅ Action and excitement
How It Works In Practice
Preflop: Button deals, SB posts $1, BB posts $2
Action starts with UTG (left of BB)
BB acts last and has option to raise
Postflop: SB acts first, Button acts last
Key Takeaway
Blinds force action. The button rotates to ensure everyone pays equally over time. Understanding this structure is essential—you'll post blinds every orbit, so learn to defend them wisely.