Poker is a game of strategy, skill and calculations. It involves a lot of decision making and risk-taking. One of the most interesting aspects of poker is the concept of running it twice.
In simple terms, running it twice means dealing out two separate boards to determine the winner. But why do poker players run it twice? Let’s delve deeper into this topic.
Firstly, running it twice reduces variance. Variance is a term used in poker to describe the ups and downs of winning and losing streaks.
By running it twice, players can reduce the impact of bad luck on their results. This is particularly important in high-stakes games where one big loss can wipe out a player’s entire bankroll.
Secondly, running it twice adds an element of excitement to the game. Players love to see their hands play out on multiple boards as it increases the chances of a split pot or a dramatic comeback.
Thirdly, running it twice can be used as a negotiation tool in cash games. If two players are all-in on a hand and one player suggests running it twice, they may be doing so to try and convince their opponent to agree to a chop (splitting the pot evenly).
Fourthly, running it twice can be used strategically by skilled players. For example, if a player has a strong hand but is worried about losing to a flush or straight draw on the river, they may suggest running it twice to reduce their overall risk.
Now that we’ve explored some reasons why players run it twice, let’s look at how this concept works in practice.
When players agree to run it twice, two separate boards are dealt out for the turn and river cards. Each board is played out independently with its own pot size and winner declared at the end.
For example, let’s say Player A has pocket kings and Player B has Ace-King suited. The flop comes down Ace-Queen-Ten with two spades.
Player A bets and Player B shoves all-in. Player A calls and suggests running it twice.
The first board comes down Queen of hearts on the turn and Seven of spades on the river. Player B wins this board with a pair of aces.
The second board comes down King of diamonds on the turn and Six of clubs on the river. Player A wins this board with a pair of kings.
Since each player won one board, they split the pot evenly.
In conclusion, running it twice is a popular concept in poker that reduces variance, adds excitement, can be used as a negotiation tool, and is used strategically by skilled players. It’s important to note that running it twice is not mandatory and players can choose to run it once or not at all. It’s simply another tool in a player’s arsenal to help navigate through the ups and downs of poker.
