Poker Buttons & Blinds: What’s the Deal?

Poker blinds and buttons date back to the earliest days of the game, first popping up in ye olde saloons and other backstreet dwellings that were around waaaay before modern casinos. These simple markers became an easy way to show everyone at the table whose turn it was to post the blinds, and deal the cards.

What Are Poker Blinds?

Blinds are forced bets posted by players before the cards are dealt. Generally, the player to the left of the dealer is the small blind, and the next person in sequence is the big blind. There are usually only two, but some games can have upwards of three. The big blind is generally equal to the minimum bet, and the small blind half the big blind. Most starting stacks will be the equivalent of between 50 and 100 big blinds. The blinds ensure that there is always a prize on offer because players can often fold without placing a bet and leave nothing in the middle.

Poker Blind Rules

When the cards are dealt, the player to the immediate left of the big blind is first — they can bet, fold, raise, or call the big blind. At the end of the round, they move to the left and the next player in sequence. The big blind becomes the small blind, and the small becomes the dealer. In cash games, blinds are usually at a fixed rate and will not change, while in a tournament, they increase at specific times decided by a timer.

Ante

An ante is a different type of forced bet which forces all players to put a set amount into the pot before play starts. Performing a similar purpose to blinds, the ante ensures there is always a prize on offer even if everyone folds. Antes can be used in conjunction with blinds, but unlike blinds, which are specific to certain players, an ante is paid by everyone.

What Is The Dealer Button?

The dealer button or buck is a marker used to indicate who the dealer is. If you are on the button, it means you are currently dealing the cards. It is typically a white disc. In most home games, the person on the button actually deals the cards, while casinos have a dedicated dealer in the role.

In the early days of poker, in the old west saloons, players would frequently cheat and kill each other over the result of hands. Because the dealer has the greatest opportunity to cheat, it was decided each person at the table would have a turn as the dealer, and to keep track of whose turn it was, a marker was made and would move clockwise around the table. A knife was the standard marker, and because the handles were made from bucks’ horns, the term ‘pass the buck’ became common and is still used today.

Other Poker Buttons

The term ‘poker buttons’ can also refer to a variety of plastic discs used to mark the status of players, such as:

All In – Used to indicate when a player has bet all their chips.

No Player – Shows when there is a free spot at a poker table.

Reserved – Mostly used in tournaments where registration is required to indicate when a seat is being saved for a specific person.

Missed Blind – Marks the spot of a player who has missed their turn to pay a blind.

Playing Poker

Position in poker is crucial, especially in Texas Hold’em. The player to the immediate left of the big blind position is the first to act pre-flop. Understanding stack size and blind bets is essential in determining your strategy, be it high-stakes, heads-up, full tournament or even a friendly home game. Mastering blind rules and dealer buttons is key to success when cards are dealt.

Poker Blinds & Poker Buttons FAQs

What are blinds in poker?
Blinds are forced bets posted by players before the cards are dealt. They ensure there is always a prize on offer, even if players fold without placing a bet.

What is a big blind in poker?
The big blind is generally equal to the minimum bet in poker. It's posted by the player to the left of the small blind and ensures there's always something to play for.

How do blinds work in poker?
Blinds are mandatory bets that players must post before cards are dealt. They rotate around the table, with the small blind and big blind positions changing after each hand.

What is a small blind in poker? 
The small blind is typically half the big blind and is posted by the player to the left of the dealer. It serves as the first mandatory bet before cards are dealt.

What is the button in poker?
The button, also known as the dealer button, indicates who is currently dealing the cards. It rotates clockwise around the table after each hand.

How are blinds determined in a poker game?
Blinds are determined by the positions of the players relative to the dealer. The player to the left of the dealer posts the small blind, and the next player posts the big blind.

What happens if a player misses their blind?
If a player misses their blind, they may be required to post it when they return to the table or sit out until it's their turn to post it again.

What is the significance of the dealer button in poker?
The dealer button determines the order of betting and ensures fairness in the game. It moves clockwise around the table after each hand, giving every player a chance to act as the dealer.

Are the blinds the same in cash games and tournaments?
No, blinds may function differently in cash games and tournaments. In cash games, blinds are usually at a fixed rate and do not change, while in tournaments, they increase at specific intervals to encourage action.