Blind Structures for Poker Games
Guide to blind structures for tournaments and cash games using PokerChip.live.
Cash Game Blinds
Cash games use fixed blind levels that don't change throughout the session. Players can buy in and cash out at any time.
Recommended Cash Game Structures
Micro Stakes ($0.25 Buy-in)
- Small Blind: $0.01
- Big Blind: $0.02
- Typical Buy-in: $0.25-$0.50
Low Stakes ($5 Buy-in)
- Small Blind: $0.05
- Big Blind: $0.10
- Typical Buy-in: $5-$10
Medium Stakes ($20 Buy-in)
- Small Blind: $0.10
- Big Blind: $0.25
- Typical Buy-in: $20-$40
Higher Stakes ($100 Buy-in)
- Small Blind: $0.50
- Big Blind: $1.00
- Typical Buy-in: $100-$200
Tournament Blind Structures
Tournament blinds increase over time to ensure the tournament ends within a reasonable timeframe. Players are eliminated when they run out of chips.
Quick Tournament (2-3 hours)
Starting Stack: 1,000 chips | Blind Levels: 15 minutes each
| Level | Small Blind | Big Blind | Ante |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | 10 | - |
| 2 | 10 | 20 | - |
| 3 | 15 | 30 | - |
| 4 | 25 | 50 | - |
| 5 | 50 | 100 | - |
| 6 | 75 | 150 | - |
| 7 | 100 | 200 | 25 |
| 8 | 150 | 300 | 25 |
| 9 | 200 | 400 | 50 |
| 10 | 300 | 600 | 50 |
Setting Up Blinds in PokerChip.live
For Cash Games:
- Create a new room
- Select "Cash Game" format
- Set your small and big blind amounts
- Choose "No blind increases"
- Set minimum and maximum buy-in amounts
For Tournaments:
- Create a new room
- Select "Tournament" format
- Set starting chip stack
- Choose blind level duration (10-30 minutes)
- Select a preset structure or create custom levels
- Enable antes for later levels if desired
Tips for Choosing Blind Structure
Consider Your Group:
- Beginners: Use slower structures with longer levels
- Experienced players: Can handle faster, more aggressive structures
- Mixed skill levels: Medium-paced structures work best
Time Constraints:
- 2 hours available: Quick tournament or cash game
- 3-4 hours available: Standard tournament structure
- 5+ hours available: Deep stack tournament for serious play
Ready to host your game?
Use these structures as starting points and adjust based on your group's preferences!
Create Tournament Room