Pete, in Hold-em, Omaha and low ball (different poker games) there is usually one or two blinds. Assuming it is a two blind game, what that means is that the person directly left of the dealer (the first person dealt cards) must start the game with what is called the small blind. In a $3.00-$6.00 game, the small blind is $1.00. This is an automatic bet. The second person to the left of the dealer (otherwise known as the big blind,) is required to bet $3.00.

After the two blinds are bet then anyone else wishing to enter the pot must either call the $3.00 or raise $6.00. Assuming no raises, and everyone had an opportunity to call, fold or raise, then the small blind can either complete the bet by $2.00 or fold or raise as the case my be.

As I said, the blinds are automatic, and required. If a person misses either of the blinds then he must make them up before he can continue to play. The reason for the missed blind button is to let the dealer and eveyone else know that the blinds must be made up.

The blinds are necessary to enhance "action" into the game. In most cases, the blinds are "Lost" money. Hope this helps.