In Texas Hold’em, ‘blinds’ are forced bets used to kickstart the action in every hand. These bets ensure there’s always something to play for right from the beginning.
When the cards are dealt, the player directly to the left of the ‘button’ (also referred to as the Dealer position, who typically acts last in most betting rounds) is required to post the ‘small blind,’ a smaller forced bet. The next player clockwise must post the ‘big blind,’ which is usually double the size of the small blind.
Texas Hold’em Poker: Blinds and the Button
These mandatory bets create immediate action by giving players a reason to compete for the chips in the pot. They also ensure that the next player to act faces a bet, forcing them to either call, raise, or fold—no one gets a free ride!
If a player raises during the first betting round, all others must match that bet to stay in the hand. If no one raises, the small blind must ‘complete their blind’ by adding chips to match the big blind’s amount.
In this scenario, the big blind has the option to check (since they’ve already matched the bet) or raise if they choose to.
The button moves one position clockwise after each hand, ensuring that every player takes turns posting the small and big blinds equally over time.
In heads-up play (when only two players are at the table), the button also acts as the small blind and is first to act after the deal. However, they act last in all subsequent betting rounds.
This version maintains the original meaning while improving readability and flow. It also ensures clarity for readers unfamiliar with poker terminology.