Successfully stealing blinds in Texas Holdem poker is a secret weapon of many poker pros. However, like anything else this is a learned skill and one that takes as much know-how as it does experience.
To be able to consistently steal blinds from your poker opponents you must master these five insider poker secrets.
1. Be Aggressive
First and foremost you can not win and steal blinds if you're not an aggressive player. If you are overly conservative and wait for only the best hands and monsters to play you'll never be able to steal blinds.
On the flip side, if you're too aggressive and try to steal blinds every time you will get called and risk losing your chip stack. Choose your spots.
2. Reading Your Opponents
You also must have a read on your opponents. When I play it only takes a few hands before I can get a read on my opponents. Sometimes I misread but that is rare.
Once you understand what your opponents do a on a consistent basis you can choose the right time to go over the top or place a big enough bet to get them to fold and steal their blinds.
3. Understanding Your Position
If you're playing at a full table it is best to steal blinds when you're on the button. Typically later in a tournament when the blinds are getting larger and more expensive for people to get into the hand they will fold to you. When that happens lay a bet 3-7 times the big blind and watch them fold their blinds to you all day long.
4. What is Your Chip Stack
If you're the short stack stealing blinds can be your saving grace. At the same time, however, it can be your death.
If you raise big or go all in for five hands in a row someone is bound to call you. So you better have something to play with. However, if you do it periodically chances are you will steal the blinds on a consistent basis.
When you're the chip leader go nuts! You will be able to bully people around and steal their blinds almost at will. Sure every now and then you'll get called and beat but you'll have the chips to gamble with.
5. Are the Blinds Worth Stealing?
Early in a tournament or a sit-n-go game the blinds are so small that they aren't worth stealing. Wait until the blinds grown larger and can actually make a difference to your chip stake.
Finally, remember if you steal the blinds one time around on a full table you'll be in good shape. When the blinds start to rise you can start to steal more and really make it beneficial to your chip stack.