What Does BB Mean In Poker: Understanding the Basics and Beyond
I remember when I first sat down at a poker table in a small card room, feeling both excited and nervous. All these terms were flying around—”Blinds,” “Antes,” and most confusing of all, these letters “BB” kept popping up. People were talking about “BB per 100” and I didn’t want to look clueless, but I had no idea what it meant. If you’ve been in that spot, don’t worry. Let’s break it down in plain language.
So, What Is BB in Poker?
In most poker games, especially popular ones like Texas Hold’em, you have two forced bets to start each hand: the “small blind” (SB) and the “big blind” (BB). The big blind is basically a bet that the player two seats to the left of the dealer must make before any cards are dealt. It’s called “big” because it’s usually double the size of the small blind.
This forced bet ensures there’s always something in the pot worth fighting for. Without it, everyone could just fold and wait forever for aces. The big blind sets the stakes and drives the action. If the big blind is $2, for example, that means every hand starts with at least $3 in the pot ($1 small blind, $2 big blind), giving players incentive to compete for it.
What Is BB/100?
Once you’re comfortable with the idea of the big blind, you might hear players say something like “I’m winning at 5 BB/100,” and think, “Huh?” BB/100 simply stands for “Big Blinds per 100 hands.” It’s a way to measure performance over time. Instead of saying “I make $10 every 100 hands,” they anchor it to the size of the big blind. If your big blind is $2, and you’re winning 5 BB/100, that means on average you’re profiting 5 times the big blind (so $10) every 100 hands you play. It’s a way players compare skill levels, track progress, and talk about results without worrying about differing stakes.
Why Does Knowing BB Matter?
Understanding what BB means helps you instantly get a sense of the game’s stakes. If someone says the big blind is $1, you know you’re playing a $1/$2 game (since the small blind is typically half the big blind). If the big blind is larger, you’re playing for bigger money. BB gives a quick reference point for how much it costs to see a hand and how quickly your stack might shrink if you sit idle.
When it comes to BB/100, it’s crucial for growth as a player. If you track your results, you’ll see patterns. A positive BB/100 means you’re winning over time; a negative one means you’re losing and need to adjust your strategy. This measure is especially helpful when moving between different stakes. If you can maintain a positive BB/100 at one level, you might feel confident moving up.
How Do You Improve Your BB/100?
Improving your BB/100 is about refining your game. Learn which starting hands are worth playing and which should go straight into the muck. Pay attention to your opponents’ betting patterns—are they bluffing or do they always have it? Don’t play every hand; sometimes folding patiently is the best play. Keep your emotions in check. Tilt (when frustration makes you play badly) can turn a winning BB/100 rate into a losing one fast.
By practicing good habits, studying strategy, and staying disciplined, you’ll see your BB/100 inch upward, proving you’re getting better at this intricate game.
In a Nutshell
“BB” stands for “big blind,” one of the forced bets that sets the rhythm and stakes of a poker hand. Meanwhile, “BB/100” is a tool players use to measure their long-term success by counting how many big blinds they earn per 100 hands. Both concepts may sound technical, but once you get the hang of them, they become part of the natural flow of understanding poker’s economics and skill.
So next time you sit down to a poker table—whether it’s a friendly home game or an online match—keep an eye on that big blind. It’s the anchor around which all the action pivots. And if you ever feel lost in the math of poker results, just remember that BB/100 is there to help you gauge your progress over time. It’s all part of becoming a more informed, confident, and ultimately more successful poker player.
“`
