Big Blind

Big Blind is one of the two forced bets that begin every Hold’em and Omaha hand. The Big Blind (BB) is usually double the Small Blind. 

How it works

• Posted automatically by the player two seats to the left of the dealer. 

• Ensures there is always money in the pot. 

• Acts last on preflop betting. 

Relevance for players 

• Rotating through the blinds forces involvement in the game. 

• Big Blind defense (the strategy of calling more often from the BB) is now a core area of poker theory. 

• Skilled players save money by defending selectively. 

Relevance for operators

1 – Blinds create pacing and ensure the game moves steadily. 

2 – Structure design (blind levels, duration, and progression) impacts: 

• Session length 

• Tournament pacing 

• Player churn 

• Table profitability 

3 – Operators must carefully balance blind progression to satisfy recreational and professional players. 

4 – Changes in blind structure significantly affect revenue (more hands = more rake).