rules

Dead button

Also: dead small blind

A button placed in front of an empty seat, so that the blinds advance correctly even though no one is on the button that hand. The rule exists so that no player is ever asked to post the same blind twice in a row because someone busted.

Example. The player on the button busted, so the dealer left it dead on the empty seat for one hand.

When a player is eliminated or leaves, the blinds cannot simply skip a position without someone paying twice or paying nothing. The dead-button rule resolves it by letting the button sit at an empty seat for one hand: the small blind may be dead as well, and the big blind moves on normally.

For a player, the consequence is positional rather than financial. A dead button hand can give one seat the effective button twice in quick succession, or deprive another of it, which matters more in a short-handed game than in a full ring.

Tournaments and cash games handle the moving button differently, and the house rule decides. Where a forward or moving button is used instead, the button advances to an occupied seat and some players post an extra blind - the trade-off the dead button avoids.

Related terms

Full glossary

Button

The dealer position, marked by a round disc that moves one seat clockwise every hand. The button acts last on …

Blinds

The two forced bets (small blind and big blind) posted by the players to the left of the button before any car…

Small blind

The smaller forced bet, posted by the player directly to the left of the button before the deal, usually half …

Big blind

The larger of the two forced bets posted before the cards are dealt, by the player two seats to the left of th…

Position

Where you sit relative to the dealer button, which decides when you act. Acting last ("in position") means you…

Burn card

A card discarded face down by the dealer before each community card is dealt. It is a security measure, not a …

Calling the clock

Asking the dealer or floor to put a time limit on an opponent who is taking too long. Once granted, the player…

Dealer's choice

A format in which whoever holds the button picks the game for the next hand or the next orbit. It is the oldes…

Frequently asked questions

What is a dead button?

A button placed at an empty seat for one hand so that the blinds advance in order after a player has busted or left, without anyone posting the same blind twice.

How does a dead button differ from a moving button?

A moving button advances to an occupied seat, which can require a player to post an extra blind. The dead button avoids that by letting the button sit unoccupied for one hand. Which is used is a house rule.