1) In a No Limit Texas Holdem tournament can a player miss their turn to be the big blind if the player to their right gets eliminated at the right time?
I was scheduled to be the big blind on the next hand when the player to my right was eliminated. Now I was next to the button. I contended that I should be small blind. Is this correct?
I also think that if both of the players to my right had been eliminated in this situation, then I would be on the button and would miss both blinds this time around the table. True?
2) When playing heads up the button is the small blind and acts first before the flop...True?
Please answer only if you are absolutely certain. This is a regular tournament and I would like to make sure all the dealers handle the situation correctly in the future.
RULES FOR USING BLINDS
1. Each round every player must get an opportunity for the button, and meet the total amount of the blind obligations. Either of the following methods of button and blind placement may be designated to do this:
(a) Moving button – The button always moves forward to the next player and the blinds adjust accordingly. There may be more than one big blind.
(b) Dead button – The big blind is posted by the player due for it, and the small blind and button are positioned accordingly, even if this means the small blind or the button is placed in front of an empty seat, giving the same player the privilege of last action on consecutive hands.
2. A player who posts a blind has the option of raising the pot at the first turn to act. (This does not apply when a "dead blind" for the collection is used in a game and has been posted).
3. In heads-up play with two blinds, the small blind is on the button.
For heads-up play, the button acts first preflop and all other betting rounds the button acts last.
I use the "Dead Button" approach in my home tournament. It can give a player positional advantage twice in a row, but it's a lot easier than explaining the other method to people who don't have the greatest handle on the game. You can never miss your forced blinds. You were wrong in assuming that you would be able to skate out of them, but live and learn.
For some reason, even after reading Robert's Rules, I am having a hard time with this. But I think if someone can answer these questions I will be OK.
For all questions assume: 9 players sitting in order 1-9, for the current hand #3 in on the button, #4 is the SB and #5 is the BB......
A) Assuming "Moving Button". Player #5 is eliminated. Where is the button and where are the blinds?
B) Assuming "Moving Button". Player #4 and player #5 are eliminated. Where is the button and where are the blinds?
C) Assuming "Dead Button". Player #5 is eliminated. Where is the button and where are the blinds?
D) Assuming "Dead Button". Player #4 and player #5 are eliminated. Where is the button and where are the blinds?
P.S. Does anyone know whether the WSOP plays "Moving Button" or "Dead Button"?
