Definition of Steal the Blinds

What does "steal the blinds" mean? What is the definition of the term "steal the blinds"?

In poker, the term "stealing the blinds" means that you are bluffing in an attempt to take down the blinds (small and big blinds) pre-flop. People normally try to "steal the blinds" from late position.

"Stealing the blinds" can be an effective way to utilize your position to help build your stack.

Let's look at an example of "stealing the blinds":

Action folds around to you on the button. You look down at 3h-7d, which is a horrible hand.

However, you have position in this hand, which is a big advantage. You decide to put in a standard pre-flop raise, despite the fact that you are holding a garbage hand. Why do this?

Well, the small blind and big blind will both be out of position if they decide to play a hand with you. The players in the SB and BB will have to have fairly strong hands in order to call your pre-flop raise.

For instance, let's say that the small blind holds Jh-9d and the big blind holds Kd-5d. Both of these hands are better than yours, but can either player call a pre-flop raise with these hands? Can either player play a hand out of position with either of these two hands? Probably not. If they do call, what are they going to do when the flop comes Ah-Ad-8h and you put out a continuation bet?

Both players fold and you take down the pot uncontested. Stealing the blinds utilizes the power of position and should be a part of your game. Just don't do it every orbit or else people will start playing back at you.

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