Blind range

[Andrew]

I feel this is still a leak in both my game and knowledge. What's the best way to play blinds in:

*Multiway limped pots.
*Min raised pots
*Raised pots.
*Folded around to the blinds.

Should I be treating being in the SB/BB as being on the Button and try to push out some of the limpers or should my range me closer to my UTG range considering I'm first/second to act after the flop. I think the fact that I'm last to act Preflop (even though I'm not last to put money in) yet first to act after the flop is keeping me away from gaining some extra cash.

[GatorJH]

the biggest problem with playing in the blinds is that you will be out of position for the rest of the hand.

I will address each of your situations in a general sense, however the best method to gain an understanding of how to play hands is to post specific hands where you didn't know how to react.

multiway limped pots - If you have a really strong hand then re-raise to limit the field. If you have a very weak hand in the SB you should probably fold in most cases. From the BB simply call and only continue if you hit 2 pair or better on the flop.

Min raised pots - Again, re-raise with a big hand, otherwise unless you have a hand with really good suckout value like pp's or suited connectors and there are several callers to the minraise you should probably just fold

Raised pots - re-raise with a big hand, fold all others

folded around to the blinds - play these like you would a standard hand. Raise if it is good, fold from the SB and check from the BB with weak hands.

I hope this helps and again, feel free to post specific hands in instances where you felt confused.

[Eric]

the biggest problem with playing in the blinds is that you will be out of position for the rest of the hand.

This is very true, never underestimate the importance of position.

[Andrew]

the biggest problem with playing in the blinds is that you will be out of position for the rest of the hand.

This is very true, never underestimate the importance of position.

And that's the reason I've been treating the blinds as is I'm really UTG when dealing with my range. I just don't like the whole "I've got a little bit in there so I don't have to call as much" attitude which always pops up every now and then.

[Chopper]

you should be folding them, at the microstakes, at least 85% of the time....regardless. the other 10-15%, you should be aggressive with them.

[Andrew]

you should be folding them, at the microstakes, at least 85% of the time....regardless. the other 10-15%, you should be aggressive with them.

The 10-15% of the time being when I have AK,AQ,AJ and 99+ or tighter than that?

[Chopper]

it depends on all kinds of situations. i like to play the small blind when i can justify it. if the pot goes 5-way to a limp, i may call with absolute trash. after all, i am getting 9:1 pre flop.

i like AXs. baby connectors (suited). some gappers. you know...the big hand makers.

i obviously play anything i have when checked to in the big blind for a flop.

if raised pre flop...i dump about 95% of my hands. only the real biggies, and i RR with them most times since i am oop.

if folded to in the sb, i love picking up the BB there. i raise with a variety of crap, provided the BB is tight.

all sorts of situations like those....where the situation allows.

andrew, in your position right now, DONT MESS WITH THEM. treating your range like UTG is solid advice while you are gaining experience. before long, you will be itching to play a certain holding when you see it from a blind spot. just dont worry about it yet.

focus on other fundamentals for now.