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Situation

⚔ïļ Blind Battle (SB vs BB)

The blind battle is the SB vs BB confrontation after all other players fold. It's a unique spot: SB has position preflop but is permanently OOP postflop, while BB has pot odds but plays from the worst postflop position. Mastering this spot is key to a strong win rate.

⚖ïļ Blind Battle Dynamics

SB Perspective
  • Has position preflop — can open wide
  • Always OOP postflop — most dangerous position
  • No limping: raise or fold is the standard line
  • Open range: ~40-50% vs standard BB, ~55%+ vs nit BB
  • 3-bet range should be value-heavy (OOP postflop disadvantage)
BB Perspective
  • Always OOP postflop after calling
  • Has pot odds discount (1BB already invested)
  • Defend wide: ~45-55% vs SB open
  • 3-bet to take initiative and mitigate OOP disadvantage
  • Check-raise frequently as the preflop caller

🃏 SB Strategy

  • Never limp: Limping from SB gives BB a free or cheap play with position — always raise or fold
  • Standard open: ~40-45% — 22+, A2s+, K7s+, Q9s+, JTs, T9s, 98s, KTo+, QJo, ATo+
  • vs nit BB: ~55%+ — any two reasonable cards; they fold too much
  • vs calling station BB: ~30-35% — tighten to value hands; bluffs don't work
  • Sizing: 3BB — slightly larger than BTN open to compensate for OOP postflop
  • 4-bet or fold: Calling a 3-bet OOP is very difficult — favor 4-bet or fold
  • 4-bet value range: QQ+, AK
  • 4-bet bluffs: A5s, A4s, KQs — blocker effects reduce chance they have the nuts
  • Fold marginal hands: JJ, TT, AQo are usually folds vs BB 3-bet OOP
  • C-bet selectively: OOP c-bets should be on boards that favor SB's preflop range
  • Check-call or check-raise with strong hands: Avoid donk-betting too often — it weakens your checking range
  • Give up weak hands quickly: Don't fire multiple barrels OOP without equity
  • Use larger sizing: OOP bets should be larger to protect range and charge draws

ðŸ›Ąïļ BB Strategy

  • Defend ~50% vs SB open: Pot odds justify very wide defense from BB
  • Call range: All pairs, suited hands, most Broadway combos, even weaker offsuit holdings
  • Don't over-defend: Very weak offsuit hands (72o, 83o) are still folds
  • Adjust to SB tendencies: Tighten vs tight/nitty SB; loosen vs wide/aggressive SB
  • 3-bet to take initiative: 3-betting puts SB in a tough spot OOP postflop
  • Value 3-bets: QQ+, AK, KK (obviously), JJ and AQs in some spots
  • Bluff 3-bets: Suited connectors (65s, 87s), suited aces (A2s-A5s) — equity + fold equity
  • 3-bet sizing: 3x the SB open (e.g., SB opens 3BB → 3-bet to 9BB)
  • Check-raise frequently: As OOP caller, use check-raise to reclaim initiative on favorable boards
  • Donk bet on some boards: Boards that strongly favor BB's wide defending range (low connected boards)
  • Float with equity: Call c-bets with draws and equity — apply pressure on turn when SB checks
  • Don't bluff-catch light: SB's postflop bets OOP are polarized — respect aggression

ðŸŽŊ Exploit Adjustments

SB TypeBB Adjustment
Nit SB (steals rarely)Fold more to their rare opens; they have it
Aggressive SB (steals 60%+)3-bet wide; call wide; exploit postflop
SB who never folds to 3-bet3-bet for value only; remove bluffs
SB who over-folds to 3-bet3-bet bluff very wide; print money