Intermediate Stealing Blinds Effectively from the Hijack Owen Gaines Owen Gaines is a professional poker player and author who has played an estimated ten million hands and written four poker strategy books. March 20, 2026 Consistency is what makes hijack steals effective over time Stealing blinds from the hijack is a key skill for intermediate poker players looking to build consistent profit. The hijack sits just before the cutoff and button, offering a good balance between position and opportunity. While not as strong as late position, it still allows players to apply pressure on opponents in the blinds. Hand selection matters when opening from the hijack. Players should widen their range compared to early positions but still avoid weak, dominated hands. Suited connectors, broadway cards, and medium pairs often perform well here, especially when the table is playing tight behind. Table awareness plays a big role in successful steals. If the cutoff and button are passive or tight, opening becomes more profitable. On the other hand, aggressive players behind can re-raise frequently, making blind steals riskier. Adjusting based on opponents is more important than sticking to a fixed range. Bet sizing can also influence outcomes. A standard raise is usually enough to pressure the blinds, but slightly larger opens may discourage loose calls. Keeping sizing consistent helps avoid giving away information about hand strength while still applying pressure. Post-flop planning should not be ignored. Even when the goal is to win the blinds, players need a plan if called. Continuation betting on favorable boards can help secure pots, especially against players who miss the flop and fold often. Stack sizes also impact strategy. With deeper stacks, players have more room to maneuver after the flop. Shorter stacks require more caution, as opponents may respond with all-in moves, turning a simple steal attempt into a tougher decision.