As a poker player you need to perfectly know the rules of the game and all the little details that can increase your chances of winning big. And running it twice is a method that sometimes can be very useful. In this article we’ll take a closer look at how it’s done and which are the pros and cons.
To run it twice means to split the pot into 2 equal parts and the dealer to give two different sets of cards. This method can be applied only when the game has got down to heads up and one of the players is all-in, while the other player has matched the bet.
It can be done after the flop or after the turn (it doesn’t really matter), but it is absolutely necessary that one of the player is all-in and that both of the players agree to run it twice. The total pot is split in two, and the winner of the first hand gets the first half, while the winner of the second hand gets the second half.
It is also possible to run it three times, and in this case the pot is split in 3 equal parts and 3 sets of cards are dealt.
The main reason why players choose to run it twice is to reduce variance and to minimize their losses in case of an all-in situation. Some players don’t like the fact that the pot can be split equally in case each of the players wins one of the hands, so they decide to run it 3 times.
In this case the variance is reduced even further, but the pot will not be split equally. One of the players will get at least 2/3 of the pot. In this case the player with a weaker hand still has good chances of winning, but a smaller fraction of the pot.
This method usually has advantages to both players, but mostly for the one that is all-in and was bluffing with a weak hand. If the other player agrees to run it twice, he may minimize his earnings without knowing it.
Other cons of running it twice include the fact that it can facilitate collusion where 2 players raise a third out of the pot and then split the money. It also can keep the number of chips at the table lower than usual. If the pot is split, then the player that was all-in is still in the game and can remain for much more time afterwards.
If the pot is not split and the all-in player loses, then he either has to rebuy or he is replaced with a new player which brings new money at the table (at least the minimum buy in). So there you go…now you know how to run it twice and which are the pros and cons.
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