I've been playing about 2 months on Paradise Poker in NL Ring Games, and small entry tournaments. I've been winning consistently at the Ring Games, but I tend to finish just outside the money in the tournaments. One of the areas of my game that needs improving is in dealing with the blinds.

First, stealing the blinds. It seems like when I do this I get caught (only short term speaking) and whenever most do it they get away with it. So...when do you recommend trying a blind steal. How much X BB should the steal be for?

Second, defending the blind steal...when should you try to defend a blind steal...especially when you think that is what it is. What kind of cards do you need to have...or does it matter?

These are truly newbie questions....I think I have a strong preflop game, and a decent post flop game (though I need to get more aggressive at times), but the blind play is giving me some difficulty. Any help would be appreciated