BB vs the small blind
The big blind's response when the small blind limps or raises and nobody else is in the pot.
Last updated
- What it means
- The big blind has position on the small blind for the rest of the hand and is already half-invested. Against a limp it checks or raises; against a raise it folds, calls or 3-bets. The charts cover 100, 40 and 20bb and are approximate.
- How it is calculated
- Against a limp, raise for value with strong hands plus a few suited bluffs, and check everything else for a free flop. Against a raise, the price is good and you have position, so call wide and 3-bet the top of the range and a few blockers.
- Worked example
- At 100bb the small blind limps: raise 88+ and KTo+, check Q9o. The small blind raises instead: 3-bet TT, call K5o, fold K4o.
- Why it matters
- The small blind's range is wide in these spots, so the big blind that only defends premiums gets run over, and one that never raises a limp leaves value behind.
See also: Big blind option, SB limp or raise, 3-bet