A "steal" in poker refers to a type of bluff, where a player makes a bet or raise preflop with a weak hand in an attempt to win the blinds uncontested.

What is a Steal in Poker?

In poker, a steal is a type of bluff that aims at winning the blinds preflop without contesting the hand any further. It's a common strategy, particularly in no-limit hold'em.

The majority of steals are executed from late position.

Understanding Steals

Steals are typically attempted when a player is in a late position and the hand has been folded around to them. The goal is to win the blinds and antes without seeing a flop. This is particularly common in tournaments, where shorter stacks make stealing the blinds relatively profitable.

Attempting a Steal

When attempting a steal, it's crucial to be aware of the playing styles of your opponents. Players who frequently call or raise are less likely to fold to a steal. Understanding table dynamics and being able to read your opponents will greatly increase the chances of finding spots in which to successfully steal.

Example of "Steal"

If you are on the button in a tournament. The blinds are 50/100 and you have 1,500 in chips. The blinds are both tight players with deeper stacks than you. If everyone folds to you, you might move all in with a weak hand like 8♣7♣ in an attempt to steal the blinds. You hope both of the remaining players will fold and you will add 150 chips to your stack uncontested.

• "He attempted a steal from the button, but the big blind called with a strong hand."
• "She was successful in her steal attempt, forcing the other players to fold pre-flop."
• "Despite having a weak hand, he decided to try for a steal due to his advantageous position."

Steal in Poker FAQs

What is a steal in poker?

A steal in poker is a type of bluff where a player makes a bet or raise with a weak hand, hoping to force their opponents to fold and win the blinds without seeing the flop.

When should I attempt a steal?

Steals are typically attempted when a player is in a late position and it's been folded around to them. The goal is to win the blinds and antes without seeing a flop, so having tight players to your left makes a steal much easier.

How can I increase my chances of a successful steal?

When attempting a steal, it's crucial to be aware of the playing styles of your opponents. Avoid players who frequently call or raise as they are much less likely to fold to a steal. Look for live tells and other indicators of weakness in the players who are yet to play.

Can I attempt a steal with any hand?

While you technically can attempt a steal with any hand, it's generally more profitable with hands that have some potential but are still at the bottom of your range. Hands like suited connectors or small pocket pairs still have a chance to win the hand after the flop should your steal fail.