Run It Twice
跑两次
Context: Term: Run It Twice In Texas Hold'em, when two players are all-in on the flop or turn, both parties agree to deal the remaining community cards twice. Each runout is settled separately, and each player ultimately wins half of the pot.
Context: Term article: Run It Twice
Overview
Run It Twice is a common agreement in cash games, typically used to reduce short-term variance. When two players are all-in on the flop or turn, if both agree, the dealer will run out the remaining community cards twice, each time independently determining a winner. Ultimately, the pot is split into two equal halves, with each half corresponding to the result of one run.
Rules Details
- Applicable Scenarios: Usually only used when all-in on the flop or turn, and requires mutual agreement from both players. If either player disagrees, the hand is run once in the normal manner.
- Dealing Method: After the first run, the dealer places the used cards into the discard pile and deals the second set of community cards from the remaining deck. The two runs do not affect each other.
- Pot Distribution: The pot is divided into two equal halves. If Player A wins the first run and Player B wins the second, each gets half the pot. If the same player wins both runs, they take the entire pot.
- Tie Handling: If a run results in a tie (e.g., both players have equal hand strength), the corresponding half of the pot is split equally between the two.
Strategic Significance
Run It Twice primarily affects variance, not expected value (EV). Mathematically, running it twice does not change a player's long-term expected value because each run is independent and fair. However, it significantly reduces the volatility of a single all-in, making results closer to the theoretical win rate. For example, if a player has an 80% chance to win when all-in on the flop, after running it twice, the probability of winning the entire pot is 64% (0.8 × 0.8), winning half the pot is 32% (2 × 0.8 × 0.2), and losing the entire pot is only 4% (0.2 × 0.2). This aids in bankroll management and reduces emotional swings.
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception 1: Running it twice changes the win rate. In reality, the win rate for each individual run is exactly the same as for a single run; only the distribution of outcomes is more concentrated.
- Misconception 2: Run It Twice is only for cash games. While less common in tournaments, some events do allow it, though it usually requires advance agreement.
Related Terms
- Run It Once: Dealing the community cards only once, i.e., standard play.
- Deal: In tournaments, players negotiate a split of the pot or prize money, which differs from Run It Twice.
- Variance: Variance; Run It Twice is intended to reduce variance.