Cash Poker with Jackpots

I expect to play some cash NLHE in Biloxi next week. I think that most or all of the card rooms there have jackpot promotions. I'm confident in my poker game, but I've never played with jackpots before. Don't wanna look like an idiot. Are there any adjustments that I should make because of jackpots?

If you have a big hand or big draw it is often better to bet small or call so everyone can get to the river. This is especially true if you think your opponent has a big hand. Most bad beat jackpots require the use of both hole cards and that there is a bet on the river.

If the jackpot is big enough pretty sure there is value in all pocket pairs, and eventually all suited connectors, even with gaps. See the flop even for a raise or two, but tighten up if you don't hit a jackpot draw.

If you're talking about BBJ where quads have to be beaten, then you make virtually no adjustments to your play. You might slowplay a flopped quads for one street since the value of letting someone catch up is very slightly higher in a BBJ game. Otherwise, don't delude yourself into thinking the BBJ justifies calling a raise preflop out of position with your garbage 35s.

For other promotions, you have to understand the requirements and determine if they require play adjustments. For example, if you are going to get $5,000 for a royal flush and flop 4 to the royal, then you probably need to check call to the river as your EV from the promo is > $100 and is most likely greater than the EV you give up by not betting.

double post

Quote: dwheatley

If the jackpot is big enough pretty sure there is value in all pocket pairs, and eventually all suited connectors, even with gaps. See the flop even for a raise or two, but tighten up if you don't hit a jackpot draw.

No

Quote: DRich

If you have a big hand or big draw it is often better to bet small or call so everyone can get to the river. This is especially true if you think your opponent has a big hand.

If you think your opponent has a big hand, why would you bet small in order to prevent him from folding? He isn't folding a set, quads, or straight flush draw on the flop or turn.

Quote: sabre

If you're talking about BBJ where quads have to be beaten, then you make virtually no adjustments to your play. You might slowplay a flopped quads for one street since the value of letting someone catch up is very slightly higher in a BBJ game. Otherwise, don't delude yourself into thinking the BBJ justifies calling a raise preflop out of position with your garbage 35s.

For other promotions, you have to understand the requirements and determine if they require play adjustments. For example, if you are going to get $5,000 for a royal flush and flop 4 to the royal, then you probably need to check call to the river as your EV from the promo is > $100 and is most likely greater than the EV you give up by not betting.

+1

I don't like playing with jackpots. I wish there were more options to avoid them.

I would rather not pay the jackpot drop but I do think that bad players like jackpots, and I like to play with bad players.

Quote: sabre

If you think your opponent has a big hand, why would you bet small in order to prevent him from folding? He isn't folding a set, quads, or straight flush draw on the flop or turn.

I think a three card straight flush draw after the flop would seriously consider folding to a big bet with two aces on the board. If you are holding the third ace with a big kicker, or the monster pocket aces, it is in your best interest to give your opponents a chance to catch up.

I would not be afraid or embarassed to ask how the jackpot promotions work. There are so many flavors of promotions, that players would probably appreciate the refresher.

You may also be able to work out a "Codeword" with the others if you have a potential jackpot hand, and need folks to call and check it down.

Quote: Ayecarumba

You may also be able to work out a "Codeword" with the others if you have a potential jackpot hand, and need folks to call and check it down.

Most cardrooms are too smart for that, and will invalidate any jackpot if they catch you doing this.

Thanks you DRich for this straightforward tip. I'll bring this to the poker table next time. Actually, I really like poker, but I think poker doesn't like me. I have lost some money, but here I am again waiting to go to the nearest casino.