The button moves clockwise one position for each new hand. On the first betting round, the two players in the blinds act after the button, then are first to act on remaining betting rounds. Except for the first betting round, the player with the dealer button gets to act last throughout the hand. The dealer for each hand is designated by a round disk called a button. There's one key difference: Unlike stud and draw poker, in which every player must pay the same pre-determined ante before each deal, in hold 'em only the first two players to the left of the dealer position have to post a blind. Think of the blinds as antes used to stimulate betting and initiate play. Well, Dale, since I had the same question this month from John, a co-worker of mine in Moline, Ill., it's a good time to explain the blinds in hold 'em. Would you please explain how the big blind and little blind work in hold 'em? I'm sure many of us who read LuckyDog have no idea.

I don't still play, but like to read about poker strategy. I used to play stud and draw poker with neighbors. Nothing seems to confuse new Texas hold 'em players more than the blinds.

Heads up limit texas hold 'em