Small blind
The smaller forced bet, posted by the player directly to the left of the button before the deal, usually half the big blind. The worst seat at the table: you pay to play and act first after the flop.
Frequently asked questions
What is the small blind in poker?
The smaller of the two forced bets, posted by the player immediately left of the button — usually half the big blind. The word also names that seat.
Why is the small blind the worst position?
Because you have chips committed, you act before the big blind on every street after the flop, and you are out of position against everybody. By the numbers it is the biggest loser of all seats — worse than the big blind, because the better price does not compensate for the position.
How should the small blind be played?
Tightly, and usually by raising or folding rather than completing. Calling invites the big blind in behind you at a good price and leaves you playing a multiway pot from the worst seat. Some tournament solutions limp from here with shallow stacks — in deep cash games, three-bet or fold is the simpler default.