Big Blind (BB)
The larger of the two forced bets posted before each hand. The big blind is posted by the player two seats to the left of the dealer button and sets the minimum bet for the preflop round.
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What Is Big Blind (BB)?
The big blind is typically double the small blind and represents a full initial wager that other players must match, raise, or fold against. Because the big blind is a forced investment, players in that position get to act last preflop (aside from callers being re-raised) and often defend their blind with a wider range of hands. Blind sizes increase throughout tournament play, forcing players to adjust their strategy as they represent a larger percentage of the effective stack.
Examples
In a $1/$2 cash game, the big blind posts $2 before any cards are dealt.
A player in the big blind can check for free if no one raises preflop.
Strategy Tips
Defend your big blind with a wider range than other positions since you're getting a discount, having already posted a full bet. Pay attention to how the size of the blinds relative to your stack changes your strategy, especially in tournaments as the big blind grows. Avoid overdefending against very tight raisers, since their range is likely to be strong even though you're getting good pot odds. Track your big blind win rate separately, as it's often one of the toughest positions to play profitably.