Big Blind Defense - What Is Your Approach?

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Magallaneroy

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If I like my cards i defend my big blind, but also that depends of the players I'm facing.
 
Dmitriy_rus7

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1 It all depends on the cards I have in my hand
2 it all depends on my bank and what the big blind is now
I usually enter the game when late registration is already over and act according to the situation
 
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When I started playing poker I was a big bling defender, nowadays I'm not, some times I do, some times I don't.
 
antonis32123

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If I have a very good hand like QQ+ or AKs or AK I would 3 bet or even shove dependingly on my stack size and opponnents' number and stacks and pot size , or else probably I would fold . I cannot play oop not good enough hands . I can be bluffed easily oop and if he's A very aggro player , that's worse . I go conservatively oop generally
 
Gritz18

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How would you approach playing this hand
According to experts, cash game strategy is different from MTT, as I am not an expert in cash games, my approach to this hand would be with caution, as I am facing one or more players.
What range are you putting on the middle position player
As he is an aggressive player he can be opening with any range.
What range will you consider calling with
In this situation, calling would not be a good strategy, as there are few times when we will hit the flop, so the villain will always take advantage of our weaknesses.
Will you consider three-betting them?
It would be the best option, knowing the villains' aggressiveness, but always doing it wisely, choosing the best moment.
 
Fumogrosso

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As bad luck chases me, I would only play tight, but with 100BBs I would call to wait for him to drown and do something stupid
 
Balou1982

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1. I would say if this happens 7 times in a row that middle pos. is raising and attacking blinds i give them a wide range, i think this is a tactic @cashgames to steel blinds and play agressive
2. it is important if the raise is only 2,5-3,5BB from mid pos because so it is a definetly a call with suited connectors 8-9 or higher or mid pairs 7´s +
3. dont think that their range is a spectrum of made hands, something betweens 4´s - 6´s or 10-J os, maybe A-6 os
4. wouldnt 3-bet such villains in a cash game when im not holding a monster and they play bingo from mid pos several times, there is also a well known chance to loose solid hands against them

greets
 
dangbaonguyen93

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I think in BB, we have less choice because we have to play first, we should clearly observe the opponent to come up with a strategy, but we definitely need to 3-bet if we have a strong hand to check
 
Falai_san

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for me i see
In this spot, I’m definitely adjusting to the middle position player's tendencies. Since they’re raising almost every time from that spot and no one else is contesting, I’m putting them on a very wide opening range probably 35% of hands, including suited connectors, weak aces, and broadway cards. Because of that, I’ll defend my big blind wider than usual, calling with hands like suited one gappers, offsuit broadways, and even some suited kings and queens. I’ll also mix in some three-bets, especially with hands like AJs, KQo, 88 , JJ, and suited blockers like A5s , to apply pressure and exploit their wide opens. I’m not going crazy, but I want to make sure I’m not just letting them steal my blind every orbit without resistance.
 
greenlarrow

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It depends a lot on the situation. In bounty tournaments I defend about 90% of hands at the minimum bet. And even less if I have a stack of up to 20 BB. It also depends on the knockouts of my opponents.
 
LUKADONCICMVP

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i defend all big blinds to have respect from the players.
 
WrongUsername

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i try to defend most of my range except really bad hands like 72o 32o stuffs
 
Dzill_230

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Hello everyone!
I have familiarized myself a bit with the responses and I agree that dropping 7 orbits on average is too much! A maximum of 2 raises, on the third time - the answer, but it will depend on the hand.

Now, regarding the points of the question:
I try to defend my big blind every time, the range is about 30-35%. What would I put the villain on - let's say not too wide, but everything indicates that this is a LAG, so - 40%. Definitely a 3-bet. Yes, I consider the possibility of barreling, but it will depend on the board.
 
maronza1

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@Rmi

All the information you need is in the question.

1. He is an aggressive player
2. He has raised every time he has had the opportunity.

So the question is

1. What range of hands would you need to have to get involved in the hand with him?
2, Can you work out what sort of hands he maybe raising with?

1. What Range Am I Assigning to Middle Position?


You’ve seen them raise 7 straight orbits from MP, and you note they’re aggressive and largely uncontested.


➡️ This is not a standard MP range (normally ~15–18% of hands). Because they’re aggressive and going unpunished, they’re likely opening closer to a cutoff or button range, maybe even wider.


Estimated MP Opening Range:


  • 30–35% of hands:
    • All broadways: A2s+, K5s+, Q8s+, J8s+, T8s+, 98s+
    • Offsuits: A9o+, KTo+, QTo+, JTo
    • Pairs: 22+
    • Suited connectors/gappers: 54s+, 64s+, 75s+, 76s+

This range includes lots of junk that folds to aggression or whiffs flops.




2. What Range Should You Call With?


In the big blind with good pot odds and deep stacks, you should defend wide, but be selective because of positional disadvantage.


💡 You can profitably call ~30–35% of hands here, skewed toward hands that:


  • Flop well (suited, connected)
  • Have high card value (Ax, Kx)
  • Can trap wide openers

Suggested Calling Range:


  • All suited aces (A2s–A9s more for calls than 3-bets)
  • Suited kings: K5s+
  • Suited connectors: 54s+, 65s+, 76s–JTs
  • One-gappers: 64s+, 75s+, T8s+
  • Broadways: KTo+, QJo, QTo, JTo
  • Small pairs: 22–66 (for set-mining value)
  • AJo, ATs, KQs — borderline between call/3-bet

Don’t call with trash like:


  • Q5o, 86o, or offsuit low gappers — even with pot odds



💥 3. Should You 3-Bet Them?


Absolutely — this is where you can exploit their wide opens.


🎯 Ideal 3-bet range includes:


  • Strong hands for value: QQ+, AK, AQs, AKo
  • Bluffing hands that block strong continues but aren't great calls: A5s–A2s, K9s, QTs, 87s
  • Occasional suited connectors/gappers with fold equity: 65s–98s

Reasons to 3-Bet:


  • You punish their wide, unchecked opens
  • You fold out dominated hands (e.g., J9o, K7o)
  • You seize initiative postflop
  • They’re likely to fold 30–50% of their opening range to aggression

Just don’t overdo it. Mix in enough strong hands to balance your bluffs.




📊 Summary Decision Matrix:​


Your Hand TypePlayReason
Strong value (QQ+, AK)3-betBuild pot, dominate their wide opens
Suited wheel aces (A2–A5)Mix call/3-betBluff equity, can hit disguised boards
Mid-suited connectorsCall or 3-betPlays well deep; can bluff later
Low pairs (22–66)CallCheap to see flop, implied odds
Trash (e.g., 96o, T3o)FoldDoesn’t flop well, dominated easily




🔚 Final Thoughts:​


  • Yes, you should absolutely consider 3-betting — both as a value and semi-bluff tool.
  • Adapt as they adjust. If they start 4-betting light or calling more, narrow your 3-bet bluffs.
  • In deep games, postflop edge matters — hands that flop well and avoid domination should be preferred.
 
Oranaro

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Good question, I'll separate it into 2 variants personally.
If he opens 100%, his range is for sure wide, how much? depends if you played 5 hands or 100. Let's say he really is wide and opens 70% from btn and sb is folding too much. I'd find profitable to call at least 70% (technically you can call more) but the more you call the more you should be conservative post flop imo. He has position, but you have to call a certain size-1bb.If he's a weak reg or fish I'd prefer hands that are easy to defend postflop and where you can find bluffs: suited connectors, one gappers, even small ones, some of strong two gappers, any paire, any connector, varying the strongest hands of those to 3bet (T9s i'd 3bet sometimes, 65s too as examples), some traps as JJ I'd call sometimes but more often 3bet, anything stronger I'd rather 3bet until I have a grasp of his range, then adapt. If he's actually agressive and not that bad postflop I'd be more cautious on my denfense, and tighten a little, getting to 50 or 40% of my range, and be more keen to widen and polarize my 3bets. Think about it this way: good agressive players love being deep postflop for more room, going agro preflop they have to call/fold (4bet for very strong/advanced range 4bet light range) so yo win a lot equity against agro just by going agro yourself preflop. you'll have to cbet alot for potcontrol tho: you deny their agressive play, and they have to make a choice: defend or take lead.
Profiling is key in these situations, and more often, if he goes crazy into opening you, it's maybe because you fold too much and they're exploiting you.
 
Dimidrol2

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The choice of game depends on the stage of the tournament and my stack. In a larger one-on-one game, you can play.
 
primrose

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1. What Range Am I Assigning to Middle Position?


You’ve seen them raise 7 straight orbits from MP, and you note they’re aggressive and largely uncontested.


➡️ This is not a standard MP range (normally ~15–18% of hands). Because they’re aggressive and going unpunished, they’re likely opening closer to a cutoff or button range, maybe even wider.


Estimated MP Opening Range:


  • 30–35% of hands:
    • All broadways: A2s+, K5s+, Q8s+, J8s+, T8s+, 98s+
    • Offsuits: A9o+, KTo+, QTo+, JTo
    • Pairs: 22+
    • Suited connectors/gappers: 54s+, 64s+, 75s+, 76s+

This range includes lots of junk that folds to aggression or whiffs flops.




2. What Range Should You Call With?


In the big blind with good pot odds and deep stacks, you should defend wide, but be selective because of positional disadvantage.


💡 You can profitably call ~30–35% of hands here, skewed toward hands that:


  • Flop well (suited, connected)
  • Have high card value (Ax, Kx)
  • Can trap wide openers

Suggested Calling Range:


  • All suited aces (A2s–A9s more for calls than 3-bets)
  • Suited kings: K5s+
  • Suited connectors: 54s+, 65s+, 76s–JTs
  • One-gappers: 64s+, 75s+, T8s+
  • Broadways: KTo+, QJo, QTo, JTo
  • Small pairs: 22–66 (for set-mining value)
  • AJo, ATs, KQs — borderline between call/3-bet

Don’t call with trash like:


  • Q5o, 86o, or offsuit low gappers — even with pot odds



💥 3. Should You 3-Bet Them?


Absolutely — this is where you can exploit their wide opens.


🎯 Ideal 3-bet range includes:


  • Strong hands for value: QQ+, AK, AQs, AKo
  • Bluffing hands that block strong continues but aren't great calls: A5s–A2s, K9s, QTs, 87s
  • Occasional suited connectors/gappers with fold equity: 65s–98s

Reasons to 3-Bet:


  • You punish their wide, unchecked opens
  • You fold out dominated hands (e.g., J9o, K7o)
  • You seize initiative postflop
  • They’re likely to fold 30–50% of their opening range to aggression

Just don’t overdo it. Mix in enough strong hands to balance your bluffs.




📊 Summary Decision Matrix:​


Your Hand TypePlayReason
Strong value (QQ+, AK)3-betBuild pot, dominate their wide opens
Suited wheel aces (A2–A5)Mix call/3-betBluff equity, can hit disguised boards
Mid-suited connectorsCall or 3-betPlays well deep; can bluff later
Low pairs (22–66)CallCheap to see flop, implied odds
Trash (e.g., 96o, T3o)FoldDoesn’t flop well, dominated easily




🔚 Final Thoughts:​


  • Yes, you should absolutely consider 3-betting — both as a value and semi-bluff tool.
  • Adapt as they adjust. If they start 4-betting light or calling more, narrow your 3-bet bluffs.
  • In deep games, postflop edge matters — hands that flop well and avoid domination should be preferred.
@Mods: what is the policy on dumping LLM-generated answers in threads without flagging them as such? Is there a policy?
 
Marcwantstowin

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@Mods: what is the policy on dumping LLM-generated answers in threads without flagging them as such? Is there a policy?

All answers are monitored and if they are simple copy and paste or regenerated answers on ChatGP etc, we make a note of them and the member is not credited with the VIP chips for the submission.
 
bapfel

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Depends on the position and bet size of the raiser, and how deep the stacks are.
I like calling with suited connectors or broadway cards like JKo but not with A and a small kicker. But I try to change here more often, especially against aggressive permanent raisers. Shoving with Ax against a raise, I had not made the best experiences :)
 
maronza1

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@Mods: what is the policy on dumping LLM-generated answers in threads without flagging them as such? Is there a policy?
I just made a contribution not for chips, but for the sake of understanding the game.
If I had wanted chips I would have read that AI response and wrote it in my own words.
 
primrose

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I just made a contribution not for chips, but for the sake of understanding the game.
If I had wanted chips I would have read that AI response and wrote it in my own words.
I have a huge ick reaction to unflagged AI content, but maybe that's just me. If I want to talk to AI I talk to AI (I actually do that all the time for lots of things), but if I'm posting in a forum I want to converse with fellow human beings. I'd prefer if all LLM responses are must-flag -- like, just say "here's what GPT thinks" and then put it all into a spoiler box. Obviously I don't write the rules. But yeah I promise I was not thinking about VIP chips when I flagged your comment (I don't even know what they are or that comments can give you some).
 
mardi1987

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This is a great spot to exploit an overly aggressive middle position opener, especially when you're deep-stacked and have seen them consistently raise without much resistance.

Villain’s Range

Since this player is raising nearly every time from middle position, their range is super wide—likely including a lot of marginal hands that wouldn’t be standard opens from this position. I’d expect:

  • Strong hands (of course)—A-A, K-K, Q-Q, A-K, A-Q.
  • Suited broadways & weaker Ax hands—K-Q, K-J, Q-J, A-10, A-9s.
  • Pocket pairs—77+ at a minimum, likely much lower.
  • Suited connectors & gappers—8-7s, 6-5s, 10-9s, etc.
  • Some complete trash & weaker offsuit hands, especially if they think they can bully blinds.

Big Blind Strategy

You’re in a great spot to apply pressure, especially since you’re deep. You have three main options: calling, three-betting, or even four-betting aggressively.

Calling Range

Calling has merit if you want to play postflop with a range that keeps weaker hands in:

  • Suited Broadways (K-Qs, J-10s, etc.).
  • Pocket pairs 22-QQ (KK+ should likely be a 3-bet).
  • Suited connectors (8-7s, 6-5s)—these play well deep-stacked.
  • Some Ax hands, depending on their exact tendencies.

Three-Betting Strategy

This is a golden spot for a three-bet, especially since:

  1. Their range is too wide.
  2. They’re not facing resistance often, meaning they may not know how to react well.
  3. You’re deep—giving you leverage postflop.
I’d 3-bet with:

  • Value hands (A-A, K-K, Q-Q, A-K).
  • Suited Broadway hands like A-Qs, K-Js, Q-Js.
  • Polarized bluffs (A-5s, K-5s, 7-6s)—things that can play well postflop.
I wouldn’t just flat-call too much here, since it allows them to keep abusing their aggression unchecked. Three-betting forces them to either tighten up or make mistakes postflop.

Four-Betting?

If they show zero restraint, mixing in some light four-bets could work (especially if they like to call too much instead of shoving). Hands like A-5s, K-5s, and blockers (K-Qo) might be good occasional four-bet bluffs.

Final Thought

This player is asking to be punished for their aggression. If you let them continue without pushing back, you allow them to control the table. Well-timed three-bets and exploitative calls should put them on the back foot
 
Tammy

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1. What Range Am I Assigning to Middle Position?


You’ve seen them raise 7 straight orbits from MP, and you note they’re aggressive and largely uncontested.


➡️ This is not a standard MP range (normally ~15–18% of hands). Because they’re aggressive and going unpunished, they’re likely opening closer to a cutoff or button range, maybe even wider.


Estimated MP Opening Range:


  • 30–35% of hands:
    • All broadways: A2s+, K5s+, Q8s+, J8s+, T8s+, 98s+
    • Offsuits: A9o+, KTo+, QTo+, JTo
    • Pairs: 22+
    • Suited connectors/gappers: 54s+, 64s+, 75s+, 76s+

This range includes lots of junk that folds to aggression or whiffs flops.




2. What Range Should You Call With?


In the big blind with good pot odds and deep stacks, you should defend wide, but be selective because of positional disadvantage.


💡 You can profitably call ~30–35% of hands here, skewed toward hands that:


  • Flop well (suited, connected)
  • Have high card value (Ax, Kx)
  • Can trap wide openers

Suggested Calling Range:


  • All suited aces (A2s–A9s more for calls than 3-bets)
  • Suited kings: K5s+
  • Suited connectors: 54s+, 65s+, 76s–JTs
  • One-gappers: 64s+, 75s+, T8s+
  • Broadways: KTo+, QJo, QTo, JTo
  • Small pairs: 22–66 (for set-mining value)
  • AJo, ATs, KQs — borderline between call/3-bet

Don’t call with trash like:


  • Q5o, 86o, or offsuit low gappers — even with pot odds



💥 3. Should You 3-Bet Them?


Absolutely — this is where you can exploit their wide opens.


🎯 Ideal 3-bet range includes:


  • Strong hands for value: QQ+, AK, AQs, AKo
  • Bluffing hands that block strong continues but aren't great calls: A5s–A2s, K9s, QTs, 87s
  • Occasional suited connectors/gappers with fold equity: 65s–98s

Reasons to 3-Bet:


  • You punish their wide, unchecked opens
  • You fold out dominated hands (e.g., J9o, K7o)
  • You seize initiative postflop
  • They’re likely to fold 30–50% of their opening range to aggression

Just don’t overdo it. Mix in enough strong hands to balance your bluffs.




📊 Summary Decision Matrix:​


Your Hand TypePlayReason
Strong value (QQ+, AK)3-betBuild pot, dominate their wide opens
Suited wheel aces (A2–A5)Mix call/3-betBluff equity, can hit disguised boards
Mid-suited connectorsCall or 3-betPlays well deep; can bluff later
Low pairs (22–66)CallCheap to see flop, implied odds
Trash (e.g., 96o, T3o)FoldDoesn’t flop well, dominated easily




🔚 Final Thoughts:​


  • Yes, you should absolutely consider 3-betting — both as a value and semi-bluff tool.
  • Adapt as they adjust. If they start 4-betting light or calling more, narrow your 3-bet bluffs.
  • In deep games, postflop edge matters — hands that flop well and avoid domination should be preferred.

This is a great spot to exploit an overly aggressive middle position opener, especially when you're deep-stacked and have seen them consistently raise without much resistance.

Villain’s Range

Since this player is raising nearly every time from middle position, their range is super wide—likely including a lot of marginal hands that wouldn’t be standard opens from this position. I’d expect:

  • Strong hands (of course)—A-A, K-K, Q-Q, A-K, A-Q.
  • Suited broadways & weaker Ax hands—K-Q, K-J, Q-J, A-10, A-9s.
  • Pocket pairs—77+ at a minimum, likely much lower.
  • Suited connectors & gappers—8-7s, 6-5s, 10-9s, etc.
  • Some complete trash & weaker offsuit hands, especially if they think they can bully blinds.

Big Blind Strategy

You’re in a great spot to apply pressure, especially since you’re deep. You have three main options: calling, three-betting, or even four-betting aggressively.

Calling Range

Calling has merit if you want to play postflop with a range that keeps weaker hands in:

  • Suited Broadways (K-Qs, J-10s, etc.).
  • Pocket pairs 22-QQ (KK+ should likely be a 3-bet).
  • Suited connectors (8-7s, 6-5s)—these play well deep-stacked.
  • Some Ax hands, depending on their exact tendencies.

Three-Betting Strategy

This is a golden spot for a three-bet, especially since:

  1. Their range is too wide.
  2. They’re not facing resistance often, meaning they may not know how to react well.
  3. You’re deep—giving you leverage postflop.
I’d 3-bet with:

  • Value hands (A-A, K-K, Q-Q, A-K).
  • Suited Broadway hands like A-Qs, K-Js, Q-Js.
  • Polarized bluffs (A-5s, K-5s, 7-6s)—things that can play well postflop.
I wouldn’t just flat-call too much here, since it allows them to keep abusing their aggression unchecked. Three-betting forces them to either tighten up or make mistakes postflop.

Four-Betting?

If they show zero restraint, mixing in some light four-bets could work (especially if they like to call too much instead of shoving). Hands like A-5s, K-5s, and blockers (K-Qo) might be good occasional four-bet bluffs.

Final Thought

This player is asking to be punished for their aggression. If you let them continue without pushing back, you allow them to control the table. Well-timed three-bets and exploitative calls should put them on the back foot
Guys, when it comes to AI, we recognize that it's here to stay, and can be a very useful tool, especially when writing cohesive, in-depth responses. We are not against you using it on the forum. However - you should review the material and make edits to make it your own, and keep your personal spin on it. This is for any time you use AI in posts here. Please see our guidelines here: AI Generated Content Guidelines.

Please direct any questions about this to that thread, or send me a personal message. Let's not derail this thread any further.

Thanks. :)
 
okeedokalee

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  • Sometimes, LAGs will bet and raise relentlessly even with weak holdings. This is a spot to trap with. Use 12% pre-flop hands ( to exploit their wider range) by letting them bet into you.
  • Playing against LAGs, especially post-flop, is much easier when you have position. You can see their actions first and make more informed decisions. In this case where the Villain has a very wide range, 30%+, position, post-flop doesn't matter.
 
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