Running It Twice

Understanding The "Run It Twice Poker"

"Run it twice poker" is a specialized agreement in poker cash games , primarily invoked when players are all-in before all community cards (turn and/or river) have been dealt. Instead of dealing the remaining community cards once to determine the entire pot, the players involved in the all-in agree to deal the remaining cards two separate times. Each of these two distinct 'runs' then determines half of the total pot.

For instance, if the all-in occurred on the flop, the turn and river would be dealt once for the first half of the pot, and then shuffled back and dealt again for the second half. The flexibility of this arrangement also allows players to agree to run it more than twice if the game rules and all participants concur, though two runs remain the most common iteration.

The Strategic Imperative: Minimizing Variance

The primary impetus behind the widespread adoption of running it twice is the profound desire to reduce variance. Variance in poker refers to the short-term fluctuations in a player's results, which can deviate significantly from their long-term expected value. While a player might be a statistical favorite in a particular all-in situation (e.g., 70% to win), a single unlucky card can see them lose the entire pot, causing a substantial hit to their bankroll and potentially their emotional state.

By splitting the pot and dealing the remaining cards twice, the outcome of the hand becomes an average of two separate results, significantly softening the blow of a single bad beat and bringing the immediate result closer to the theoretical odds. This mechanism is particularly valuable for professional players and those operating with large bankrolls, as it helps smooth out the financial rollercoaster, making bankroll management more predictable and reducing the psychological toll of dramatic swings.

A Practical Illustration: Running It Twice Explained

To see the mechanics of running it twice explained through a real-hand example, consider a common scenario: a player holding Ace-King suited (A♠K♠) goes all-in on the flop and is called by an opponent holding Pocket Queens (Q♥Q♣) on a board of J♠9♦2♣.

Both players agree to run it twice. Mathematically, Ace-King is a slight underdog here, but with plenty of equity. Let's see how running it twice might play out:

• First Run: The dealer burns a card and deals the turn and river. The cards come 7♦ (turn) and K♣ (river). In this instance, the player with Ace-King makes a pair of Kings on the river, winning this half of the pot.

• Second Run: The dealer shuffles the undealt cards (excluding those used in the first run), burns a card, and deals a new turn and river. This time, the cards come 3♥ (turn) and Q♦ (river). Here, the player with Pocket Queens makes a set of Queens, winning the second half of the pot.

In this example, the two players effectively split the entire pot, each claiming half. This outcome, where both players experience a partial win, significantly reduces the impact of a single unfavorable run on either player's bankroll, embodying the core principle of variance reduction.

Operational Guidelines and Common Practice

While the concept is simple, knowing when and how to use it is a key part of an advanced poker cash games strategy. In the world of online poker , most major platforms now offer this feature as a toggle or a pop-up, making it easier than ever to reduce poker variance. Beyond just smoothing out the curves, understanding this mechanic is one of the most underrated poker bankroll management tips, as it helps you avoid the emotional and financial strain of "soul-crushing" bad beats.

Here are the standard All-In Poker rules regarding this practice:

• Mutual Consent is Paramount: All players actively involved in the pot must unanimously agree to run it twice. Under standard all-in poker rules, if even one player declines, the hand proceeds as a traditional single run.

• Timing is Crucial: The agreement to run it twice must be established before any of the remaining community cards are dealt. Once a card is pitched, the decision cannot be revoked.

• Defining the "Run": Players must agree on precisely which cards will be run twice. This might involve two complete boards (turn and river if all-in pre-flop), two sets of turn and river cards (if all-in on the flop), or just two river cards (if all-in on the turn). The specific all-in street dictates the common options.

• Prevalence: This practice is predominantly found in higher-stakes cash games where monetary swings are significant. While all-in poker rules in tournaments rarely allow for this, it is a staple in heads-up or multi-way cash game situations if everyone agrees.

• The Purist Perspective: While widely accepted, some traditionalists or "purists" prefer the raw, unadulterated variance of running it once, viewing it as a core element of poker's challenge.

The Unchanged Math: Expected Value (EV)

It is crucial to understand that while running it twice profoundly impacts variance, it does not alter the mathematical expected value (EV) of a player's hand. EV represents the average amount a player can expect to win or lose from a particular action over an infinite number of trials. Running it twice merely redistributes the potential outcomes over two separate events. Over the long run, the total amount won or lost will statistically converge to the same expected value, whether you run it once or twice. It's a risk management tool, not an edge-generating strategy.

Impact on Player Psychology and Game Dynamics

Beyond the numbers, running it twice significantly influences player psychology and overall game dynamics. The reduced fear of a devastating single bad beat can make players more willing to get their money in with marginal edges or draws, potentially increasing action and the overall aggression at the table. It can also mitigate tilt, as the impact of an unfavorable outcome is halved, making it easier for players to maintain emotional control and make rational decisions in subsequent hands. For many, it transforms high-variance spots into more manageable risks, fostering a more stable and perhaps even enjoyable playing environment.

Conclusion: A Modern Tool for Poker Management

Running it twice has firmly cemented its place as a standard practice in many contemporary cash games, especially at higher stakes. It stands as a testament to poker players' constant search for methods to manage the game's inherent unpredictability. By offering a pragmatic approach to poker variance reduction, it serves as an invaluable tool for bankroll management, emotional stability, and maintaining a healthy perspective amidst the swings of professional play. While it may not appeal to every purist, its benefits in fostering a more sustainable and less volatile poker experience are undeniable, marking it as a sophisticated agreement within the rich tapestry of poker cash games strategy.