Full explanation — Big Blind (BB)
The Big Blind (BB) is a mandatory bet placed by the player two seats to the left of the dealer button before any cards are dealt. In No-Limit Hold'em, the Big Blind serves as the fundamental unit for measuring stack sizes and game speed; for instance, having a $100 stack in a $1/$2 game is equivalent to 50 BBs. This forced bet creates initial action and a pot worth contesting, driving strategy from the very first hand.