Common blind raise

What are the reasons for 3x the BB being the standard raise in normal tournaments. Thats what it seems to me at least. In what cases is 2x or 2.5x the big blind a stronger play? I wonder if 2.5 has the same effect as 3x the BB yet saves you money if they come over the top and you have no hand.

Excellent question. One of my goals in a tourney is to determine what minimum amount will work just as well as a higher amount. If the blinds are 50,100, sometimes 250 will work almost as well as 300, sometimes not. Sometimes you have to make it 350 when Mr. X is the big blind, and only 250 when it's Mr. Y. But, even if you presently have a hand that can stand a reraise, you always want to think about what minimum amount will work (because you usually would rather they just fold and give you the blinds).


Later, Greg Raymer (FossilMan)

when you say raise 3xbb do you main putting in 300 or call 100 and raise 300 - hence putting in 400? i.e. are we raising 3xbb or call 1x and raising 2x?

Normally what players mean with when discussing 3xBB is to make it that amount. So if the blinds are 50-100 you would make it 300 to go.


Ken Poklitar