Tip #8 - Don't play too many hands from the small blind

The small blind is the worst position at the poker table. You must act first on every betting round after the flop, and you've already invested money in the pot. This combination often leads players to play too many hands from this position, trying to "defend" their blind. This is a mistake that can cost you a lot of money.

When you're in the small blind and players have entered the pot, you should usually play very tight. Even though you're getting slightly better pot odds because you've already posted half a bet, this is more than offset by the positional disadvantage you'll face throughout the hand. You should generally fold all but your strongest hands when facing a raise, especially if there are callers in between.

When everyone has folded to you in the small blind, you have a decision between folding and raising. Completing the small blind (just calling the additional half bet) is usually incorrect. If you think your hand is worth playing, you should raise to put pressure on the big blind. If you don't think it's worth a raise, you should usually fold. The exception might be if the big blind is extremely passive and unlikely to raise, but even then, raising is usually better.

Here's a general guide for playing from the small blind:

• Against a raise with no callers: Play only premium hands like big pairs (TT+) and AK, AQ
• Against a raise with callers: Even tighter - mainly big pairs (JJ+) and AK
• When first in: Raise with any hand you would play, fold the rest
• Against very loose players: You can play slightly more hands as they are likely to make mistakes post-flop

Remember that money saved by folding marginal hands in the small blind will often exceed what you might win on the rare occasions when you get lucky with these hands. The small blind is a position where patience and discipline are especially important.