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Texas Holdem Poker Strategy for Stealing the Blinds

What does the poker term "steal the blinds" mean?

When a player raises before the flop in a bid to win the pot immediately, that is called "stealing the blinds." They do this hoping everybody else will fold so they can get away with the pot unchallenged.

Blind steal versus raising for value in poker.

A steal attempt is not identical to a raise-for-value although the move is the same. Both raise pre-flop but the motive behind each one is different. In a blind steal attempt, you want the other players to fold, just as you do when you are bluffing. In fact, blind-stealing is a kind of bluff.

With a raise-for-value, you don't mind whether they call, fold or re-raise. Probably you are trying to weed out as many opponents as you can, but you still want to see some action since you think you can win.

The definition of stealing the blinds.

In other words, blind stealers often have marginal hands that they don't want to play post-flop. Those value-raisers are not worried about having to stay in the game.

Of course, it is not always that simple, but this definition is basically correct. We can say that it is when you raise pre-flop hoping others will fold that you are trying to steal the blinds.

When and how to steal the blinds?

It depends on the type of players one is up against, the table stakes limits and how much money you have. Stealing the blinds can incur heavy losses if done too often and without discretion.

Ask yourself how those in the blinds defend them. Some poker players always defend their blinds just because they have already bet their money. Against these players, you should only do a "semi-bluff." That is, raise to them with pocket cards that have at least some value. That way, if they call you, you won't be a hopeless case after the flop. If aggressors catch you bluffing even once, it is unlikely you will be able to steal the blinds from them again.

Against players who are not fond of defending their blinds, you can take bigger risks. Remember: be loose against the tight, and tight against the loose. If, say, the big blind is a tight and passive player, raise to them aggressively. More often than not, you will be able to steal their blinds without breaking a sweat.

These are the most basic guidelines for stealing the blinds. But these are only generalizations. What you need to do is to know your fellow players as much as possible. The better you know their poker game, the wiser your judgment will be.

Raising for value.

Before closing this article, here is a piece of advice about pre-flop strategy. If you are dealt very good pocket cards, always raise. Why? Because if they fold, you win the pot. If they call, you get more action and have a chance to win with a decent hand. If some call and some fold, then you get rid of some opponents and have more chances of taking the pot.