Prop bets

Marcus Bateman / Marcus Bateman / 10 November 2008 / Leave a Comment

Following on from the look at big flips, it is worth looking at the other common form of gambling at the poker table (apart from just the poker of course) - props. Props are small bets that take place during cash games that can range from total luck, such as betting on what colour cards the flop will be, all the way to quite skilled bets, such as an agreement that a player has to pay a certain amount to an other player(s) if they show down a certain card or hand.

The pure luck prop bets actually serve a useful purpose to the good player. They are usually placed with the rule that if you do not spot it, the other person does not have to pay. This keeps your attention focussed on every hand - not just the ones you are playing.

This is often one of the hardest things in poker - and being forced to watch every flop or street of stud games really helps you observe every bit of information at the table. It can also prove a decent cash cow if you find a player who regularly misses asking you for their dues when their cards come up - over the long run you will make a nice profit from a player who you don't always have to pay when they win, yet who always pays you when you do.

The more skilled bets can radically change the dynamic of the game. I have played in games where the bets on props - such as showing down an ace have been equal (or close to) the buy in of the game. This completely changes how the game is played, as players constantly have to try and work out whether a player would make a specific play at a certain board (say AcAhx) with the ace when they have so much to lose, as well as changing what starting hands are the strongest for you to play.

These sort of games really give a sizeable advantage to very skilled players, who are able to think through the relevant variables much quicker and more accurately than anyone else. If you feel you do not understand the implications of these sort of bets, just sit out of them.

Perhaps the king of these games is the deuce seven game. This game simply means that all the players at the table have to give a specific sum (usually between one and three big blinds) to any player that wins a hand with two seven. This game is great fun at the table, as many players start making crazy moves just to try and get those extra big blinds - just look at this video to see just how crazy the two seven game can get.

Just like in any situation at the poker table, if somebody asks you to gamble on something you do not really understand or want to do just say no to it. Conversely, if you spot a player who seems like they might be up for these sort of games but not really understand them, do your utmost to get them involved - over the long run it will definitely pay dividends.

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