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. 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.

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 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. 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.