Poker Blind Structure Calculator
Build a tournament blind schedule from your player count, starting stack and smallest chip — with level times and an estimated finish.
| Level | Small blind | Big blind | Starts at |
|---|---|---|---|
| L1 | 25 | 50 | 0m |
| L2 | 50 | 100 | 20m |
| L3 | 75 | 150 | 40m |
| L4 | 125 | 250 | 1h |
| L5 | 200 | 400 | 1h 20m |
| L6 | 300 | 600 | 1h 40m |
| L7 | 500 | 1,000 | 2h |
| L8 | 750 | 1,500 | 2h 20m |
| L9 | 1,250 | 2,500 | 2h 40m |
The schedule runs until the big blind reaches about 1/20th of the chips in play — the point where the average stack is shove-or-fold and the tournament ends itself. Add a 10-minute break every 3–4 levels for a real night.
A good home-tournament blind structure starts everyone about 100 big blinds deep and raises the blinds 25–50% per level on a fixed clock. With a 5,000 starting stack that means opening at 25/50 and using 15–20 minute levels: roughly 9–12 levels and a 3–4 hour tournament at standard speed. Smaller levels or faster increases shorten the night; the game effectively ends when the big blind reaches about 1/20th of all chips in play.
How fast should blinds go up?
| Speed | Blind increase | Level length | 9-player night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slow | ~25% per level | 20–30 min | 4–6 hours, real poker late |
| Standard | ~40% per level | 15–20 min | ~3 hours, the sweet spot |
| Turbo | ~60% per level | 10–15 min | ~1.5–2 hours, shove-fest finish |
How to set up tournament blinds
- 1. Start ~100 big blinds deep. First big blind ≈ starting stack ÷ 100, rounded to a clean chip number — 5,000 stacks open at 25/50.
- 2. Pick a speed. Blinds should rise 25–50% per level. Faster than that and skill stops mattering; slower and you're playing past midnight.
- 3. Fix the clock. 15–20 minute levels suit most home games. The blinds go up when the timer says so — never “after this orbit.”
- 4. Check the finish line. The tournament effectively ends when the big blind hits ~1/20th of total chips. Tune speed and level length until the estimated duration fits your night.
Post the blinds automatically
The free PartyPot Poker Mode takes the schedule off your plate at the table — preset or fully custom blind structures, automatic dealer rotation, blinds posted for the right players every hand, plus digital chips and rebuy tracking on every phone. Pair it with the payout calculator and the tournament runs itself. It's a bookkeeping tool, not a gambling app.
Blind structure FAQ
- What blinds should a home poker tournament start at?
- Start everyone about 100 big blinds deep: first big blind ≈ starting stack ÷ 100, rounded to a clean chip number. A 5,000 starting stack opens at 25/50; a 1,500 stack opens at 25/50 turbo or 10/20 if you have 5-value chips.
- How much should blinds increase each level?
- Between 25% and 50% per level. Around 40% with 15–20 minute levels gives a typical 9-player home tournament a ~3 hour runtime with real post-flop play in the middle stages.
- How long will my tournament last?
- Roughly the number of levels × level length. The game effectively ends when the big blind reaches about 1/20th of all chips in play — that's when the average remaining stack is shove-or-fold short.
- Should home games use antes?
- Most home games skip them — antes add chip traffic every hand for a table that's already managing its own dealing. If you want late-game pressure, a faster blind ladder achieves the same thing with less fiddling.
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