Lesson 34 [Intermediate] Blind vs Blind

Blind vs Blind (SB vs BB) is a special strategic spot where the widest ranges collide.

Basic Strategy

SB raises or folds wide, and BB defends wide.

Basic Premise:

• 6-max cash game, 100BB stack
• All players fold, leading to an SB vs BB situation
• Heads-up pot (1-on-1 situation)

SB Open Raise Range

Range: 45‑55% (Almost BTN level)

Raise Size: 2.5‑3× BB

Included Hands:

• All pairs (AA‑22)
• Suited connectors (T9s‑54s)
• Broadway (AK, AQ, AJ, KQ, KJ, QJ, etc.)
• Most Ax (A9s‑A2s, ATo or better)

Fold: Weak offsuit (94o, 72o, J3o, etc.)

BB Defense Range

Total Defense: 65‑75% (Call + 3‑bet)

3‑bet Range: 10‑15%

• Premium: QQ+, AK, AQ
• Bluff: A5s‑A2s, K9s, Q9s

Call Range: 50‑60%

• Mid pairs (JJ‑22)
• Suited connectors (T9s‑54s)
• Broadway (KQ, KJ, QJ, JT, etc.)
• Ax (AJs‑A2s, AJo‑ATo)

Fold: 25‑35%

• Weak offsuit (K7o, Q3o, J6o, etc.)
• Gap hands (T6o, 95o, 84o, etc.)

Key Trade-offs

Position Advantages Disadvantages SB Initiative (Raise lead) Bad position (Acts first) BB Good pot odds (1BB investment, ~3.5‑4BB pot)
Positional advantage Reactive (Passive response)

Situational Adjustments

Adjustment 1: When SB opens 60% or more

• BB increases 3‑bet bluff frequency
• Bluff hands: Add K9s, Q9s, A5s‑A2s, etc.

Adjustment 2: When BB rarely 3‑bets

• SB expands open range to 60‑70%
• Also add weak hands (K5o, Q7o, etc.)

Adjustment 3: When SB frequently overbets on the flop

• BB increases check‑raise frequency
• Respond with value + draw hands

Adjustment 4: When BB frequently folds on the flop

• SB increases continuation bet frequency to 80‑90%
• Bet small size (1/3 pot)

Decision Checklist

1. Check Position: SB or BB?
2. Calculate Pot Odds: Is it worth calling?
3. Classify Hand: Where does my hand fall within the range?
4. Opponent Tendencies: Is the opponent tight or loose?
5. Choose Action: Raise / Call / Fold / 3‑bet?

Key Pattern Summary

Pattern 1: SB open raise 45‑55%

Pattern 2: BB defense 65‑75% (Call 50‑60% + 3‑bet 10‑15%)

Pattern 3: SB raise size 2.5‑3× BB

Pattern 4: BB 3‑bet range: Premium (QQ+, AK, AQ) + Bluff (A5s‑A2s, K9s, Q9s)

Pattern 5: SB >60% open → BB 3‑bet bluff increases

Pattern 6: BB rarely 3‑bets → SB expands to 60‑70%

Pattern 7: BB has favorable pot odds (Can receive ~3.5BB pot for 1BB investment)

Pattern 8: SB has initiative, BB has position (Trade-off balance)

Quiz Answer Summary

Question Answer Reason Q1: What is the standard play for K9o in SB? Raise 2.5‑3× BB K9o is included in the SB 45‑55% range Q2: What about Q9s in BB vs SB raise? Call Q9s is in the call range (suited Broadway) Q3: What is the SB open raise frequency? 45‑55% Open wide in heads-up vs BB Q4: What is the BB defense frequency? 65‑75% Favorable pot odds, defend wide Q5: If SB opens 60% or more? BB 3‑bet bluff increases Exploit SB's weaker range