Fold to Steal from SB

Overview

Fold to Steal from SB (FTS) is a poker statistic used primarily in online cash games and tournaments to measure how often a player in the small blind folds to a late-position steal attempt. It is calculated as: (Number of folds to [steal from SB](/term/steal-from-sb)) / (Number of opportunities to face a [steal from SB](/term/steal-from-sb)). The stat is often tracked in tracking software like Hold'em Manager or PokerTracker.

Usage and Interpretation

FTS helps assess a player's defensive strategy from the small blind. A low FTS (e.g., below 70%) indicates that the player frequently defends by calling or three-betting, making them tougher to steal from. Conversely, a high FTS (e.g., above 85%) suggests the player is exploitable and gives up too easily, allowing the raiser to profitably steal blinds.

Typical ranges vary by game type and position of the raiser. Against a button steal, a small blind with a balanced strategy might fold around 70-80% of the time, depending on the opponent's tendencies and stack sizes. Against a cutoff steal, the fold percentage might be slightly lower because the cutoff's range is generally tighter.

Strategy Implications

• Exploiting a high FTS: If an opponent folds too often from the SB, you can profitably steal with a wider range from late position. Raise with any two cards when folded to you, especially if the big blind also folds too much.
• Defending against a low FTS: Against a small blind who rarely folds, you should tighten your stealing range and be prepared to play post-flop out of position. Consider raising with stronger hands and occasionally limp-raising to exploit their aggression.
• Balancing your own FTS: GTO (Game Theory Optimal) play suggests defending enough to prevent the opponent from profitably stealing any two cards. However, in practice, adjusting based on opponent tendencies is often more profitable.

Related Concepts

• Fold to Steal from BB: Similar stat for the big blind, where defending is usually cheaper and more common.
• Steal Success: The percentage of times a steal raise wins the blinds without a contest.
• 3-Bet vs Steal: The frequency with which the small blind three-bets against a steal; a complementary stat to FTS.

Limitations

FTS does not account for the specific hands or board textures. A player may fold more often against certain opponents or stack sizes. Additionally, small sample sizes can make the stat unreliable; it stabilizes after several hundred opportunities.