Article updated on February 23, 2025
Some moments, like a first kiss, a job interview, or meeting your partner's parents, don’t allow for do-overs. However, in poker, there are ways to minimize risk, poker isn't always one of them.
"Why?\" you might ask.
This leads us to the notion of 'running it twice'. You may have heard this phrase before, but what does it truly signify in the realm of poker?
- How does \"run it twice\" in poker work?
- Can you explain what it means to run it twice in poker?
- Is it beneficial to learn how to implement running it twice in poker games?
What Is Running It Twice?
The process of running it twice consists of dealing out two separate boards in an all-in scenario. For instance, if two players commit all their chips before the flop, the dealer will first present a flop, a turn, and a river. This is followed by dealing a second set of flop, turn, and river cards beneath the first.
As with any poker hand, players utilize their hole cards to construct their strongest possible hand.
- Each runout operates independently, allowing players the flexibility to use any combination of their hole cards on either of the boards. poker board .
- Since each runout is only eligible for half the pot, to secure the entire pot, one must possess the superior hand on both boards. This outcome is referred to as scooping.
Should you have the top hand on the first board but not on the second, you'll take half the pot, a common scenario in flip situations.
When Can I Run It Twice?
In poker games , keep in mind that running it twice is contingent upon every player in the hand being all-in and consenting to the idea.
Can I Run It Twice Post-Flop?
What does it imply to run it twice in poker after the flop? In this case, the dealer will execute the remaining portion of the hand twice. For example, if two players are all-in following the flop, the dealer deals the turn and river as usual, then another set of turn and river cards.
Similarly, if players are all-in during the turn, the dealer proceeds with two rivers, each one holding the value of half the pot.
What If One Board Is a Split Pot?
Sometimes, one player will win one runout while the other will take the other, which can occur, for instance, when AK faces AQ. Picture boards like K662Q for the first runout and JTQK3 for the second.
In this scenario, AK manages to win the first runout with two pairs, while both players achieve a straight on the second board.
Consequently, the player holding AK will receive three-quarters of the pot, and AQ will claim the remaining quarter. However, such situations are infrequent, much to the relief of dealers! poker hand Even though running it twice is possible in multi-way pots, certain casinos restrict this option to heads-up encounters only.
Can I Run It Twice in Multi-Way Pots?
In card rooms, there is frequently a side pot available for players opting to run it twice in multi-way situations, as individuals often have varying stack sizes. Like regular side pots, only those who contributed to the pot can claim its profits.
Are There Any Advantages to Running It Twice?
Many hold a common misconception that running it twice brings strategic benefits, but this is not the case.
The decision to run a hand twice is irrelevant in the grand scheme because all potential combinations of outcomes will ultimately manifest over the long run.
For instance, if your hand comprises A♠️K♠️ against 8♥️8♦️, your equity rests at 47.5%, meaning you can expect to win roughly that percentage of the pot over time.
Although your long-term winnings remain unaffected by the choice to run it twice, opting for this can help mitigate the financial volatility of
Should I Run It Twice?
. The best method to lessen the impact of short-term variance is to engage in playing as many hands as possible. poker variance Without delving too deeply, while individual results may vary drastically in the short term, they tend to balance out as the number of hands played (the sample size) increases.
Consider a situation with J♠️T♠️ versus 8♣️8♦️ in an all-in conflict. This matchup is close to a 50/50 proposition in poker language.
If you run it just once, you cannot fulfill the anticipated winning ratio of 50%, as you would either win or lose entirely.
On the contrary, if you run it twice, three possible scenarios emerge:
Win Pot: This will occur 25% of the time.
- Lose Pot: This scenario too will happen 25% of the time.
- Split Pot: This outcome is expected 50% of the time.
- Even with merely two runs, achieving a 50% win becomes plausible and the likely result. Although this example simplifies the situation, the tendency holds true as you repeatedly run the hand.
In theory, to minimize variance, you should always run hands as many times as possible, but you may opt out whenever you wish to indulge in a more casual gaming experience.
After all, pulling off a miraculous win is tough, yet managing it twice proves even more challenging than chewing a steak without teeth!
Why Is Running It Twice Not Allowed in Tournaments?
So, what does it mean to run it twice in a tournament setting? There are valid reasons why this option is absent in tournament poker.
It counters the competitive essence of this variant of poker, which emphasizes its life-and-death stakes.
- This approach potentially encourages overly aggressive pre-flop play, leading to numerous split pots.
- An abundance of split pots could substantially prolong tournaments, which would not likely garner positive reception, given their already lengthy nature.
Why Are We Unable to Run It Twice in Tournaments?
Additionally, increased blind levels and shorter stacks would result, diminishing the thrill for thrill-seekers as well. Split pots lack excitement, and having two chances to win undermines the risk involved in going all-in. world poker tournaments into more of a crap-shoot as a result.
Given these considerations, it's improbable that running it twice will ever become integrated into tournament poker formats.
The initial appeal of running it twice emerged in live cash games, where players sought to cushion against the financial upheaval that can arise in poker.
The History of Running It Twice
This rationale becomes even more vital in live poker, where hand play is notably slower, complicating the quest for a significant enough sample size to manage variance effectively.
Television series about poker, such as Poker After Dark and High Stakes Poker, popularized the idea of running it twice, rendering it trendy. Consequently, even inexperienced players, unfamiliar with the math, began emulating their favorites, boosting its widespread appeal.
Interestingly, these shows granted players the freedom to run boards as many times as desired, often executing two, three, or even four runs. This led to a fun experience, which eventually made its way into many local card rooms.
Until just recently, running it twice was a perk reserved for live poker settings and imaginative settings.
However, advancements in software now permit players to run boards twice, thrice, or even four times as long as all participants consent. poker movies So there you have it—clarity on what it means to run it twice in poker!
Let’s put your newly acquired knowledge to the test with a brief true or false quiz:
True or False --- SCROLL DOWN for answers
Does running it twice make achieving a surprise win easier?
- Did Phil Ivey pioneer the concept of running it twice?
- You can only run a board twice?
- Is it true that running it twice provides no strategic benefit?
- Does running it twice assist in lessening the influence of luck in poker?
- You can only run it twice online?
- Is running it twice a privilege exclusive to cash games?
- Does running it twice complicate winning?
- Only fish run it twice?
- Can you not run it twice if your opponent is opposed to the idea?
- Meet Dan O'Callaghan, a professional poker player who launched his career in the online poker sphere under the alias danshreddies, amassing over $290,000 in online winnings.
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ANSWERS - Run It Twice QUIZ
- False
- False
- False
- True
- False
- True
- True
- False
- False
- True
See Also