Small Blind

1. The smaller of two forced bets made in order to ensure action in every hand. The small blind is typically one-half of the big blind.

Small Blind Disadvantage

The small blind acts first in every betting round after the flop. Thus, "blind" has a sort of double meaning here, as the player in the small blind will be acting without the benefit of additional information on his opponents every round. The small blind is second-last to act pre-flop, but the player in that seat has already made a partial bet, so that it little consolation.

Small Blind Advantage

If nobody raises pre-flop, the small blind can see a flop for "half price" and try to hit a big hand, one that will often sneak up on other players. There are some moves, such as a stop-and-go, that can be made out of position, as well, particularly against overly aggressive players.