Poker Betting: Blind Bet
In poker, a blind bet (sometimes called a “Blind”) is a forced bet placed into the pot. These bets are called blind because players must place their bet before seeing their cards.
Usually when a blind bet is used, it’s as a replacement to an ante, and the amounts are almost always pre-determined by the individual table/venue (although they are typically higher than ante – even combined ante). Blind bets can either be a “small blind” which is typically half the size of the other type of blind (the “big blind”). Blind bets can usually be found in Texas Hold ‘em, Omaha, Omaha Hi-lo, and in 1-on-1. Blind bets are used to keep the game moving at a good pace and to allow players to leave the table and return.
Blind bets usually rotate around the table as to whose turn it is to put them in, so in any given hand, two players are putting in blind bets (one small, one big). In games where the deal rotates, the two people to the left of the dealer put in the blinds (immediate=big, second to left=small). Since a blind bet is typically is larger than a traditional ante, it’s possible to lose more money quickly (especially if you put in the big blind). If the player has a stroke of bad luck and receives no playable hands, a great deal of money can be lost in blind bets alone. However, since more money usually goes into the pot, the potential for greater winnings is there as well. The greater the risk, the greater the chance for profit applies in this case.
Blinds are seen as both faster-paced and higher risk/reward than traditional ante, as they put a larger amount into the pot, and can change a player’s fortunes rather quickly. They also generally ensure that all players remain active in the game, as if you put in the blind, you’d like to keep playing. And if you didn’t put in the blind, well, there’s a larger pot out there for you to win.
