Playing The Blinds

Question 0

Until you have played your 250,000 hands, how should you play on the flop from the blinds?

Answer 0

Fold unless you have:
The highest board pair, at least 99 or better.
An open-ended straight draw.
A four flush.
Another miracle flop such as two pair, trips.

OK to be aggressive with three or fewer opponents. Otherwise, limp.

Question 1

Until you have played your 250,000 hands, how should you play preflop from the blinds?

Answer 1

Only play small blind cards as if you were on the button. Unless you have decided to disguise a strong hand, the only time you will raise or re-raise is with AA, KK, or AKs.

Question 2

Until you have played your 250,000 hands, how should you play on the turn and river from the blinds?

Answer 2

OK to be aggressive if your opponents have been thinned out to one or two tight players or you believe you have the best hand. Otherwise limp.

Question 3

When in an unraised big blind, if the board on the flop shows a small pair or low trash cards, even if they don’t help you, what should you do?

Answer 3

BLUFF

Question 4

What are the reasons that playing the blinds are risky?

Answer 4

Lack of information and being early to bet.

Also blind payoffs are low compared to late position.

Question 5

What are the conditions that must be met in order to play two unsuited connectors (not at the low end) or subpar suited cards from the small blind?

Answer 5

1. You are sure your big blind won’t raise you.
2. Your call is not more than 1⁄2 the big blind.
3. There are 5 or more other callers in front of you.