BB in Poker | Big Blind Meaning & Example

In poker, BB stands for the big blind. It’s a forced bet you must post before the cards are dealt if you’re sitting two seats to the left of the dealer button. The big blind ensures that there’s always money in the pot for players to compete for. It rotates clockwise around the table so everyone contributes equally over time.

What Does BB Mean in Poker?

The big blind is one of two forced bets; the other is the small blind.

• Posted preflop: You place the big blind automatically before any cards are dealt.
• Sets action: The big blind determines the minimum raise size in that hand.
• Rotates every hand: Everyone takes turns posting it, so the cost is shared. 
   

By understanding BB, you understand how every hand starts in Texas Hold’em and Omaha. Once you know this, you can build strategies for defending or attacking from this position.

Why the Big Blind Matters to You

The big blind isn’t just a payment; it shapes your play for the whole hand.

• You’re invested: You already have chips in the pot, so you’ll face decisions more often.
• Position disadvantage: You will act last preflop but first after the flop.
• Defending ranges: You need to learn which range of hands to call or re-raise with to avoid losing money long-term. 
   

Once you see the big blind as not just a tax, but a position, you can start using it to build strategies that protect your chips and punish weaker opens.

Basic Big Blind Strategies

You’re already invested in the pot after paying the big blind, so you should have a plan for this unique spot.

• Defend wisely: Call or re-raise with hands that have good equity, but don’t over-defend with junk just because you’ve posted chips already.
• Consider position: You’ll act first after the flop, which is a disadvantage, so lean toward stronger holdings.
• Punish weak opens: Re-raise (3-bet) when players raise too often, especially from late position. 
   

When you strategize, you’ll save chips in the long run and sometimes even turn it into a profitable position. And once you master the basics, you can start forming advanced big blind defense ranges.

Example of BB in Action

Imagine you’re at a $1/$2 cash game.

• The small blind would then be $1.
• You would post the big blind of $2.
• Action continues around the table, with players needing to at least call your $2 to play. 
   

If everyone folds, you would win the pot automatically. If someone raises, you’ll need to decide whether to defend or fold. This is why learning to play the big blind well is so important to your bankroll.

FAQs

How often do you post the big blind? 
Once per full table rotation, as the dealer button moves around.

Is the big blind always double the small blind? 
Yes, in standard poker formats, but some variations or home games may differ.

Do you have to defend the big blind every time? 
No. While you’ll often call or raise because you’re already invested, folding is still the correct action with weak hands.