Poker Blind Battles
Texas Hold ‘em poker betting action is always started with the small and big blind bets. Usually there are some callers or raisers during the first round of pre-flop betting. Sometimes though, especially in tournaments with continually rising blinds, no one makes the call and it is just the blinds betting against each other.
Basically, this is a heads-up situation between two poker players, both of whom are in the pot with random cards. It is nearly impossible for the small blind to know what type of poker hand the big blind is playing. Raising from the small blind position is always risky since the small blind is first to act in subsequent rounds. Is a small blind raise more effective in heads-up play?
If the small blind has good starter pockets, even a medium strength pair, a raise could be a good tactic for either winning the pot immediately, and at least for gaining some insight into what the big blind is holding. A heads-up battle between the blinds is a situation where the small blind can play more aggressively, especially against a tight player. With medium strength pockets – connected cards or two to the flush – a call is warranted, since it costs only half a bet to stay in the action.
When the blinds are large, and the small blind is holding rags, it’s best to just fold them and move on to the next deal.
