Blind Steal
What Does Blind Steal Mean in Poker?
A blind steal is a strategic move where a player raises with a weak hand in the hopes of forcing opponents in the blinds to fold, thus winning the pot uncontested. It is a common strategy in online poker games where players aim to exploit opponents’ tendencies.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Blind Steal:
This term is often used during the later stages of a tournament or in cash games when players are trying to accumulate chips by targeting the blinds, especially if they are perceived to be tight or cautious players.
In-Game Example:
You’re on the button with 79 and notice the players in the small and big blinds have been folding frequently. You raise with the intention of stealing the blinds, hoping they fold to your aggression.
Strategy / Tips:
Best Practice: Look for opponents who are folding their blinds too often and raise with a variety of hands to exploit this tendency.
Common Mistake: Attempting a blind steal against players who are known to defend their blinds aggressively.
Pro Tips: Adjust your blind stealing range based on the tendencies of the players in the blinds, and be prepared to adjust if they start playing back at you.
Differences playing over the table vs online: Online games tend to have more frequent blind steals due to faster gameplay, while live games may require more reads and physical tells to execute effectively.
Alternative names:
Stealing the Blinds, Button Raise
FAQs:
Q: What is the best position for a blind steal?
A: The best position is usually the button or cutoff, as you have the advantage of acting last and can observe the blinds’ tendencies before acting.
Q: How often should I attempt a blind steal?
A: It depends on the table dynamics and your opponents’ tendencies. Steal frequently against tight players and less often against aggressive defenders.
