1. The minimum bring-in and allowable raise sizes for the opener are specified by the poker form used and blind amounts set for a game. They remain the same even when the poker player in the blind does not have enough chips to post the full amount.

2. Each round every poker player must get an opportunity for the button, and meet the total amount of the blind obligations. Either of the following methods of button and blind placement may be designated to do this:

(a) Moving button The button always moves forward to the next poker player and the blinds adjust accordingly. There may be more than one big blind.

(b) Dead button The big blind is posted by the poker player due for it, and the small blind and button are positioned accordingly, even if this means the small blind or the button is placed in front of an empty seat, giving the same poker player the privilege of last action on consecutive hands. Back to top

[See POKER RULES PART 16 Explanations, discussion #1, for more information on this rule.]

3. A poker player posting a blind in the game's regular structure has the option of raising the online poker pot at the first turn to act. Although chips posted by the big blind are considered a bet, this option to raise is retained if someone goes all-in with a wager of less than the minimum raise.

4. In heads-up play with two blinds, the small blind is on the button.

5. A new poker player entering the game has the following options:

(a) Wait for the big blind.

(b) Post an amount equal to the big blind and immediately be dealt a hand. (In lowball, a new poker player must either post an amount double the big blind or wait for the big blind.)

6. A new poker player who elects to let the button go by once without posting is not treated as a poker player in the game who has missed a blind, and needs to post only the big blind when entering the game.

7. A person playing over is considered a new poker player, and must post the amount of the big blind or wait for the big blind.

8. A new poker player cannot be dealt in between the big blind and the button. Blinds may not be made up between the big blind and the button. You must wait until the button passes. [See POKER RULES PART 16 Explanations, discussion #3, for more information on this rule.]

9. When you post the big blind, it serves as your opening bet. When it is your next turn to act, you have the option to raise.

10. A poker player who misses any or all blinds can resume play by either posting all the blinds missed or waiting for the big blind. If you choose to post the total amount of the blinds, an amount up to the size of the minimum opening bet is live. The remainder is taken by the dealer to the center of the online poker pot and is not part of your bet. When it is your next turn to act, you have the option to raise.

11. If a poker player who owes a blind (as a result of a missed blind) is dealt in without posting, the hand is dead if the poker player looks at it before putting up the required chips, and has not yet acted. If the poker player acts on the hand and plays it, putting chips into the online poker pot before the error is discovered, the hand is live, and the poker player is required to post on the next deal.

12. A poker player who goes all-in and loses is obligated to make up the blinds if they are missed before a rebuy is made. (The person is not treated as a new poker player when reentering.)

13. These rules about blinds apply to a newly started game:

(a) Any poker player who drew for the button is considered active in the game and is required to make up any missed blinds.

(b) A new poker player will not be required to post a blind until the button has made one complete revolution around the table, provided a blind has not yet passed that seat.

(c) A poker player may change seats without penalty, provided a blind has not yet passed the new seat.

14. In all multiple-blind games, a poker player who changes seats will be dealt in on the first available hand in the same relative position. Example: If you move two active positions away from the big blind, you must wait two hands before being dealt in again. If you move closer to the big blind, you can be dealt in without any penalty. If you do not wish to wait and have not yet missed a blind, then you can post an amount equal to the big blind and receive a hand. (Exception: At lowball you must kill the online poker pot, wait for the same relative position, or wait for the big blind; see POKER RULES PART 11 Lowball, rule #7.)

15. A poker player who deals off (by playing the button and then immediately getting up to change seats) can allow the blinds to pass the new seat one time and reenter the game behind the button without having to post a blind.

16. A live straddle bet is not allowed at limit poker except in specified games. Back to top