Learn Texas Holdem

In many ways, the small blind is the worst spot to be in while playing no-limit Texas hold'em. You're compelled to put money into the pot, but not enough so that you will get to see the flop if no one raises. If you do call and see a flop, you'll be out of position the entire hand. How then, should you handle the small blind in no-limit Texas hold'em?

Handling the Small Blind with No Callers

If it is folded around to you in the small blind, you have a few choices. You can raise. The advantage to this is that it will be difficult for your opponent to call without an above average hand. The disadvantage is that your opponent may suspect you are on a steal and raise you, at which point it will be difficult for you to call without an above average hand. You can call and hope to see a flop, but this may show weakness, encouraging the big blind to try to steal from you. You can also fold. It's a good idea to mix things up, raising sometimes and calling others, with an occasional fold if your hand is really poor and you are facing an aggressive opponent in the big blind.

Handling the Small Blind with Limpers

If a bunch of people have limped, you are almost always getting correct odds to call, since it will only cost you half a bet to see the flop with a considerable pot. Again, you run the risk that the big blind will raise, but in most cases, he will be content to see a free flop. Of course, if you find a big hand in the small blind in this situation, you should usually stick in a big raise and try to end the hand immediately.

Handing the Small Blind in a Raised Pot

Unless you have a very strong hand, you should usually fold. You will be out of position for the rest of the hand, putting you at a big disadvantage to the raiser.