The Best Small Blind Strategy is Not Obvious

The Small Blind is a unique position because you already have half a blind invested, which improves your pot odds, but you're also out of position against every player at the table. What's more, you've still got the Big Blind to worry about behind you.

This unique position requires a unique strategy before the flop. Mike Brady and poker pro Gary Blackwood walk you through the optimal approach from the Small Blind in this episode of Upswing Poker Level-Up.

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Note from Mike: I made a mistake in this one at 15:09, when I'm talking about a SB call spot vs a raise + caller at 15-25bb stacks.

I spoke off the cuff here and while I stand by my general point about some hands being nice flats in this spot, the specific hands I listed were misleading/wrong.

So we're talking about a spot where a player raises, another player calls, and then the action gets to you in the Small Blind with a 15-25bb stack.

Calling with QJo is gonna be too loose vs almost any position pair. KJo only starts to play heavy call vs CO/BTN.

The solver plays a linear squeeze in this spot. In other words, you just shove with the top X% of hands because you want to push equity with most of your range. You can then just call a bunch of playable hands below this range.

Sorry about that mistake -- it's what I get for not confirming details before that segment like we usually do!

Written Version of this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Overview of Small Blind Strategy

01:19 Common Strategy: Three-Bet or Fold

02:57 Optimal Three-Bet Sizing

06:09 Situations for Flatting from the Small Blind

09:11 Strategy Adjustments Based on Opponent Types

12:41 Small Blind Strategy in Tournaments

16:36 Playing Against Limpers

20:50 Adjustments for Multiple Limpers

22:41 Small Blind Open Strategy When Action Folds to You

27:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood delve into the often overlooked but crucial topic of small blind strategy. As the final episode of season two, this discussion is packed with insights that can help you refine your approach from the small blind, a position that presents unique challenges due to its combination of better pot odds and the disadvantage of being out of position against the entire table.

The episode starts by addressing the common "three-bet or fold" strategy, which many players default to when facing a raise from the small blind. Gary explains the rationale behind this approach, emphasizing the dangers of capping your range by flatting and the potential pitfalls of allowing the big blind to exploit you with squeezes. He also covers the optimal three-bet sizing, offering practical advice on how to adjust your bet sizes depending on stack depth and opponent tendencies.

Listeners will learn about specific situations where flatting from the small blind might be justified, particularly when targeting specific types of weaker opponents. Mike and Gary discuss the nuances of building a flatting range, focusing on hands that can capitalize on post-flop play against loose or passive players. They also explore how this strategy shifts in tournament play, where antes and varying stack sizes introduce additional complexity.

As the episode progresses, the hosts move on to playing from the small blind against limpers. Gary shares his approach to constructing a wide range in these scenarios, while also cautioning against overextending with hands that don't perform well in multi-way pots. The discussion includes detailed advice on adjusting your strategy when facing multiple limpers and the importance of recognizing when to exercise caution post-flop.

The podcast wraps up with an examination of small blind play when the action folds to you. Mike and Gary discuss the theoretically correct approach versus practical adjustments, emphasizing the complexities of implementing a limping strategy and why a raise-or-fold approach might be more effective for most players.

This poker strategy podcast is filled with actionable advice designed to help you master the small blind and improve your overall game. Whether you're navigating cash games or tournaments, this episode offers valuable strategies that can give you a competitive edge at the tables. Tune in, take notes, and elevate your poker skills with expert guidance from Mike and Gary.