Knowing when to call from big blind

Playing out of the big blind is similar to playing out of the small blind in that you will always be at a positional disadvantage to almost everyone at the table, but this doesn't mean you should throw away your hand any time some one raises your big blind. One tactic you can use is calling and leading out. This is not the best way to defend your blinds, just an alternative that you should use from time to time.

Most of the time you should be raising or folding from the big blind, but there can be certain times you should defend by calling. Because of the positional disadvantage, this can be a tricky play to employ, but against the right type of opponent it can be a very profitable one to use, especially against the smart, aggressive player who raise’s frequently, but doesn't get out of line post-flop.

If you are facing the type of player who is only raising a small proportion of his hands pre-flop, then you have to exercise more caution. They are likely playing a much narrower range of hands and you may get into trouble post-flop. Keep in your sights the players who have their fingers seemingly glued to the raise button.

When to call

To make this play, you would flat call pre-flop and lead out on any flop regardless of what the flop is. As most of you will know, the flop misses most players and this bet will force the pre-flop raiser to make a decision. If they have a legitimate hand, they will let you know, but most of the time they are going to throw their hand away. The additional benefit from making this play is there will be times you will actually improve your hand and you'll win a big pot from an opponent who does have a big hand.

It's also important to mix up how you utilise this play. If you know your opponent is the type of person to make a continuation bet every time, take a chance occasionally with a check-raise. They'll give your hand much more respect because they know you’re check-raising out of position and that your range of hands is large. Make sure to mix it up and do this with both your strong hands and your bluffs. It's a risky play, but if used correctly is a profitable one.