If you are an avid poker player, you might have heard the term “kitty” being used at the table. But what exactly is the kitty in poker? In this article, we will dive deep into the concept of a kitty in poker and everything related to it.
First things first, let’s define what a kitty is. In poker, a kitty is a pool of money that is collected from players before the game begins.
This pool of money is used to pay for certain expenses such as hosting fees, dealer’s fee or other miscellaneous costs. The kitty is not considered as part of the pot and does not affect the outcome of the game.
Now that we know what a kitty is, let’s understand its relevance in different types of games:
1. Cash Games: In cash games, a small percentage of each pot might be taken by the house as rake. This rake goes towards building up the kitty and covering expenses incurred during gameplay.
2. Tournaments: In tournaments, instead of rake, players pay an entry fee which goes towards building up the prize pool. Sometimes a portion of this entry fee also goes towards building up the kitty.
3. Home Games: In home games, players might contribute to building up a kitty to cover expenses like snacks and drinks during gameplay.
Now that we have understood what a kitty is and how it works in different types of games, let’s move on to some other important aspects:
1. Managing The Kitty: It is important to keep track of all transactions related to the kitty throughout gameplay. A designated person should be appointed to manage all expenses and ensure that they are covered using funds from the kitty. Distribution Of Kitty Funds: Once all expenses have been covered, any remaining funds in the kitty can be distributed among players or added to the prize pool. Etiquette Around The Kitty: It is important for players to be transparent about their contributions towards the kitty. Any disputes related to the kitty should be resolved in a fair and transparent manner.
In conclusion, a kitty in poker is a pool of money that is collected from players to cover expenses incurred during gameplay. It is important to manage the kitty efficiently and distribute funds in a fair manner. Understanding the concept of a kitty is crucial for anyone who wants to play poker, be it at a casino or in a home game setup.
So, next time you hear someone talk about the kitty in poker, you know exactly what they are referring to!
