Calling from the Small Blind

Hello,

First, I would like to congratulate you for having a great site. It’s been very helpful to many poker players across the globe. Thanks a lot!

Well, I actually drop by because I’m now having problems about calling from the small blind. I believe everyone loses money playing from the blinds. But I’m now bothered, because of trying to control those losses, I may be already folding hands despite proper odds to call.

Consider in a Holdem No Limit 10 Seat ring game by which middle position player called the BB. Then 4 others called as well. And to see the flop, you have to place 1/2 a bet. And to call the bet, 9/1 by which you can call with any two cards then verify if you hit the flop.

Later on, only a couple of players called and so unfortunately will only be getting about 5/1 for half bet made. If you were on my shoes, what kind of cards should I play?

Then let’s say BB made a limit raise to two times the BB and then everyone at the table called to you therefore would only mean 5 or 6/1 for you. In your own point of view, should the raise be called? If in case it should be, what hands would you call with?

Thanks a lot!

Warm regards,
Jacob

Jacob,

When you are in the small blind to no raise and are getting at least 3 to 1 on your money, you need to call the blind. Personally, I will call with literally any hand in this scenario.

When you are facing a limit raise from the small blind, first you want to see at least two or more players in with you before expanding your range of hands. At that point, I would call with any reasonable hand. You don’t want to call with stuff like 8-2 offsuit, but any ace, any two big cards, and most suited connectors are reasonable.