The game of poker is a battle between players as everyone tries to outplay and outwit their opponents. When two players go all-in on a hand, it can be a thrill to see who comes out on top. But even more exciting is when the same players go all-in again, twice. So why do many poker players decide to “run it three times”? Let’s explore this phenomenon.
Common Reasons for Running It Three Times
Have you ever seen a poker player run it three times during a hand? Wondering why they do it? Here are some common reasons why:
- Reduce Variance: In high-stakes games, running it three times can reduce variance and lower the risk of losing a significant amount of money on one hand. Instead, spreading out the outcome over three separate runouts can minimize the impact of luck on the result.
- Splitting Pots: Running it three times is often used in situations where two or more players are all-in and the pot cannot be split evenly. By running it three times, the pot can be divided into three equal parts, giving each player an opportunity to win a portion of the pot.
- Protect Against Collusion: In some cases, running it three times can also protect against collusion. If two or more players are suspected of working together to cheat, running it three times can prevent them from manipulating the outcome of the hand in their favor with a pre-determined outcome.
Next time you see poker players take the option to run it three times, you’ll have a better understanding of why they did it. From reducing variance to splitting pots and protecting against collusion, it’s a strategy that can be used to manage risks and optimize results.
Advantages of Running It Three Times
Running it three times is not mere superstition. It can give players an edge. Here are some reasons why poker players run it three times:
1. Reduces Variance: Running it three times reduces the variance, and therefore the luck factor, in a poker hand. For instance, if a player has rivered a flush draw against a set on the flop, running it three times gives the player three separate opportunities to win at least a portion of the pot, instead of losing all of it in one go. It helps to smooth out the results, and players can avoid feeling that they are badly beaten by what could have been essentially just a flip of a coin.
2. Share the Wealth: The fundamental gameplay goal of all poker is to win money, and running it three times can encourage players to be fair and ethical. If both players come to an agreement to run it three times, the pot is split into three, and each run is a distinct opportunity for each player to win, share or lose the pot. This brings about a certain camaraderie between players, and a fair distribution of the pot that leaves everyone satisfied.
Disadvantages of Running It Three Times
There are some disadvantages to running it three times that poker players should take into account. For one, it can slow down the game considerably. If you’re playing in a cash game and decide to run it three times, you’ll need to wait for all three river cards to be dealt before determining the winner of each of the three mini-pots. This can really eat up a lot of time, especially if multiple players are involved.
Another disadvantage is that running it three times can disrupt the natural flow of the game. Poker is a game of psychology as much as it is a game of skill, and anything that interrupts the players’ focus can ultimately affect the outcomes. When you’re playing poker, you need to be able to keep your opponents under pressure, but if you suddenly take a break to deal three separate sets of turn and river cards, you’re giving your opponents a chance to regroup and refocus. This is particularly true if you have a marginal hand that might benefit from running it three times. In that case, your opponents can use the time it takes to deal three separate sets of boards to analyze your hand and come up with a counter-strategy. So while running it three times can be a useful tool in some situations, it’s important to be mindful of its drawbacks as well.
Considerations before Running It Three Times
When deciding whether or not to run it three times, there are a few factors to consider that may affect your decision.
Firstly, keep in mind that running it three times doesn’t always guarantee a fair split of the pot. In some situations, it may actually increase the chances of someone winning the entire pot. For example, if you have a flush and your opponent has a straight draw and you decide to run it three times, if your opponent hits their straight on the first or second run, they may end up winning the entire pot. This is because the remaining runs won’t change the outcome and there won’t be anything left to split.
Another factor to consider is the emotional toll it may take on you and your opponent. Running it three times may seem like a good way to avoid the agony of losing a huge pot, but it can also drag out the experience and make it even more painful. Additionally, if you’re playing against someone who is particularly agitated or emotional, running it three times may just escalate the situation and make things even worse.
In summary, there are pros and cons to running it three times and it’s important to weigh them carefully before making a decision. It’s also important to communicate clearly with your opponent and come to an agreement before the run-out begins. Whatever you decide, just remember that poker is a game of chance and sometimes there’s nothing you can do but ride the ups and downs of the cards. So next time you are scrolling through your online timesheets, you may come across a statement that reads: “Running it 3 times”. Now you know why. Poker players use this method as an additional approach to secure the winnings and enhance the strategic game. With enough practice, agility, and dedication you too can master the art of “running it three times”.