What Does Running It Twice in Poker Mean?
In poker, the phrase “to run it twice” is a commonly used term that can sometimes be confusing for beginners or occasional players. But what does running it twice mean? What’s its purpose and how exactly does it work? In this comprehensive guide, we delve into all you need to know about running it twice.
The Basic Definition of Running It Twice
“Running it twice” refers to an agreement between two players involved in a pot where the remaining cards are dealt twice instead of once when a player goes all-in. It should be noted that the decision to run the hand more than once only applies when there’s no more betting possible – typically after one (or both) players go all in. Whether this option is available entirely depends on the specific rules of each individual table or online platform.
Purpose of Running It Twice
- Variance Reduction: The primary reason why many poker pros prefer to ‘run it twice’ is variance reduction. Variance essentially represents the luck factor in poker. By running it twice, they attempt to mitigate large swings associated with high stakes pots.
- Risk Management: Besides reducing variance, running it twice also offers better risk management particularly for big pots which could substantially impact a player’s game economy if lost due to bad luck.
How Does ‘Running It Twice’ Work?
After a pre-agreed decision between players involved in the pot has been made, the dealer deals not one but two sets of remaining community cards separately and then divides the pot into two equal halves—each half going to whoever wins each run of cards.
- The first run will commence by using original community cards while subsequent runs use newly drawn ones from deck.
- If one player wins both runs, he takes down the entire pot; if each player wins one round respectively, they split the whole pot evenly. In rare instances, both rounds might end up as ties—then they split the pot too.
An Interesting Twist: Pros and Cons
Running it twice adds an interesting twist to conventional poker strategy—a risk mitigation technique often used by professional or high-stakes poker players aiming at reducing randomness typical in games relying heavily on chance. However, some individuals argue against these benefits citing complexity added head-on during intense gaming sessions potentially affecting decision-making speed and efficiency.
All things considered, whether or not you choose to participate in running it twice will depend largely on your personal playing style and appetite for risk-taking.
To Sum Up…
In essence, running it twice—in poker language—is just another way to manage volatility and create a slightly safer environment for high-stakes confrontations without having much effect on long-run outcomes. Understanding implementation nuances like these can significantly contribute towards improving your overall game understanding mastering winning strategies.
