Poker Term
偷盲（steal blinds）
In pre-flop, a player in late position raises to attempt to win the blinds directly.
Meaning and Purpose
Stealing blinds refers to a player in a late position (such as the cutoff or button) raising pre-flop in an attempt to force the big blind and small blind to fold, thereby winning the blinds outright. This move leverages positional advantage and the likelihood that opponents hold weak ranges to capture the pot uncontested.
Basic Principles
- Blind players typically hold random cards with wide ranges, but they have a high fold rate when facing a raise.
- The success of a blind steal depends on the raise size, opponents' defensive tendencies, and one's own table image.
- Hands used for stealing are usually weak pairs or medium-strength holdings, but strong hands can be mixed in to balance the range.
Key Factors
- Position: The closer to the button, the more stealing opportunities, as acting later provides more information.
- Raise Size: Standard raise is 2.5-3 big blinds, but adjustments should be made based on the blind structure dynamically.
- Opponent Tendencies: Stealing is more successful against tight defensive blind players.
Considerations
- Over-stealing can be punished by opponents re-raising (re-stealing), so range balance is essential.
- Be cautious when stealing from the small blind, as the big blind has the final action.
Typical Example
In a 6-handed game, it folds to the button holding J♠9♠, who raises to 3BB. Both blinds fold, and the button wins 1.5BB in blinds.
Related Terms
- Blinds
- Re-steal (Blind Defense)
- Position
- Fold Equity