Position

What is Big Blind (BB) in Poker? Position Explained

Big Blind (BB) is a poker position: where it sits at the table, when you act, and how to play it.

Quick answer

Big Blind (BB): The forced bet posted by the player two seats left of the dealer.

In more detail

The BB is the worst seat at the table: it posts the bigger blind and plays postflop out of position against everyone but the small blind. It closes the preflop action with 1bb already in, so the pot odds let it defend a wide range against late-position opens.

Common questions

What does Big Blind (BB) mean in poker?

The BB is the worst seat at the table: it posts the bigger blind and plays postflop out of position against everyone but the small blind. It closes the preflop action with 1bb already in, so the pot odds let it defend a wide range against late-position opens.

How wide should I open from Big Blind (BB)?

Opening ranges from Big Blind (BB) vary by skill level and game type. See our preflop charts for hand-by-hand recommendations across all six 6-max positions.

Related terms

Cutoff
The position one seat right of the button. Second-best position.
Dealer Button
The best position: last to act on every postflop street.
OOP
Acting before your opponent on every street after the flop.
Position
Where you sit relative to the dealer button. Later = better.

New to poker? Start with our preflop strategy guide and the free TAG cheatsheet.