IS IT WORTH USING RUN IN POKER?

A common tactic in poker nowadays is called the “run”.

Using the run in poker is a tactic employed not only by the best players in the world, but also by lower-tier players who want to get an edge over their opponent.

If you don’t know what a run in poker is, you’ve stumbled upon the right blog. Here, we will be discussing the ins and outs of a run, including explanations of how it works, when it should be used, how long it lasts and more.

WHAT IS A RUN IN POKER?

A “run” in poker refers to a strategic decision made by players to influence the outcome of a hand. This can take various forms, and one of the most common is the concept of “running it twice.”

Essentially, running it twice involves dealing the remaining community cards twice (or multiple times) after all betting rounds are complete, usually when the all-in move is used.

The entire pot is then divided into two (or more in cases when the run is used multiple times), with each half awarded based on the outcome of each run.

Run ins are done at showdown, which means that a separate turn of play is conducted. During this turn, two or more players (who are active) watch as the dealer deals the extra cards on the table.

RUN IN POKER IN CASH GAMES

The use of the run in poker is particularly prevalent in cash games, where players can buy in and cash out at any point. Running it twice in cash games is seen as a risk management strategy.

It helps reduce variance associated with poker, providing poker players with a more predictable outcome and mitigating the impact of bad beats.

WHEN SHOULD I PERFORM A RUN IN POKER?

Deciding when to perform a run in poker requires a nuanced understanding of the game dynamics and your opponents.

Some situations where running it twice might be beneficial include:

• High-Stakes Situations: In high-stakes games, the impact of a single hand on a player’s bankroll can be substantial. Players might not want to risk their good expected value with a coin flip. Running it twice helps reduce variance and minimise the risk associated with a single run. Of course, players who believe have the advantage will be less inclined to run it twice in poker.
• Preventing Bad Beats: Running it twice is often employed to minimise the impact of bad beats, where a player with a statistically inferior hand manages to win. By running it twice, poker players aim to share the outcome and reduce the emotional and financial impact of a single unlucky run. Running it twice in poker reduces the gambling aspect of the poker game; this is especially the case when playing tournaments.
• Conservative Bankroll Management: Players with a conservative approach to bankroll management may opt to run it twice as a way to protect their funds from extreme swings. This can be particularly relevant when playing games with higher volatility.

WHAT IS RUN IT TWICE POKER?

“Run it twice” is a phrase commonly heard at casino poker tables, but what does it mean in practice?

In essence, running it twice in poker is a way to split the outcome of a hand into two separate runs, each determining a portion of the pot.

This can significantly impact the dynamics of the game and players’ willingness to take risks.

HOW TO RUN IT TWICE IN POKER?

Running it twice is a voluntary agreement among two or more poker players.

Once the main betting rounds are complete, the players who choose to run it twice must agree on the terms.

The remaining community cards are then dealt twice, and the pot is divided into two halves. Each half is awarded based on the outcome of each run.

EXAMPLES OF RUN IT TWICE

Let’s look at a couple of examples to illustrate how running it twice works:

Example 1: Player 1 holds 9s and Ks, while Player 2 holds Qd and Qs. The community cards are as follows: 7c, 8s, 10s, Jc, 3d.

In this scenario, Player 1 and Player 2 decide to run it twice, thus, all the chips in the pot will be staked in two sets. The dealer then deals the turn and river cards twice. Player 1 takes the lead with a jack-high straight in the first run. The second run, however, nets the following turn and river cards on the board: Qc and 2d. This results in a success for Player 2. This way, both poker players win half the pot.

Example 2: Player 1 holds 10s and 10d, while Player 2 holds Js and 8d. The community cards are as follows: 10c, Js, 3s, 5c, 7d.

In this simple example, both players agree to run it twice. The second player wins in the first run with a top pair of jacks. The second run, however, nets the following turn and river cards on the board: Jc and Ac. Player 1 will lose again, since Player 2 holds the best hand once more with a three of a kind with jacks. With Player 1 losing both runs, all the money is won by Player 2.

WHEN ARE THE REMAINING CARDS DEALT IN A POKER HAND?

The remaining cards in a poker hand are dealt after the main betting rounds, including the flop, turn, and river cards.

Once all betting is complete, and players have agreed to run it twice, the dealer proceeds to deal the remaining community cards twice.

As mentioned previously, both players can agree to play it more times than just once.

Multiple runs might end up being more favourable to one poker player than the other, so the two players must ponder the decision to run it multiple times very carefully.

Running it more times increases the risk of losing but amplifies the odds of winning at the same time.

WHEN DOES A PLAYER RECEIVE HALF THE POT?

A poker player receives half the pot in a “run it twice” scenario when they win one of the two runs. If a poker player wins both runs, they take the entire pot.

This division of the pot helps distribute the outcome of the hand more evenly, reducing the impact of variance on individual poker players.

WHAT IS A LONG RUN IN POKER?

The term “long run” in poker refers to the extended period during which a player’s skill level is more likely to overcome short-term variance and luck.

In the long run, the impact of individual hands or sessions becomes less significant, and a player’s true skill is more accurately reflected in their results.

CONCLUSION – USE RUN IN POKER AS PART OF YOUR POKER STRATEGY

In conclusion, the use of the run in poker, particularly “running it twice“, can be a valuable tool in a player’s arsenal.

Whether employed for risk management, to decrease variance (or the advantage of other players), or preventing bad beats, running it twice provides players with a method to influence the outcome of a hand and protect their bankroll.

Understanding when to perform a run, the dynamics of “run it twice,” and the impact on the pot distribution are essential aspects of incorporating this strategy into your poker game.

As with any tactic in poker, the key is to use it judiciously and in situations where it aligns with your overall strategy.