When playing poker, there’s a difference between online and live poker. Live poker is a bit more complicated than online poker when it comes to knowing and following the right rules. In online poker, it’s easy to place your bet with just one click, and the rest is taken care of by the poker software. On the other hand, live poker is complicated as the rules are different. You can make several mistakes in live poker, and string bet is the most common. To help you understand here is all you need to know.
What is a String Bet?
It refers to a bet whereby the players do not put all their desired number of chips into the pot in one movement and, instead, do it in multiple motions. It’s an illegal kind of bet in live poker. String betting is not allowed in poker games played in casinos or official poker rooms if you are looking to earn by playing games. Certain poker rules are observed in any game open to the public, making string betting a no-no.
What are the main types of string bets?
There are different kinds of string bets, and all are illegal in casinos. They include
Dropdown chips
It happens when a player picks a stack of chips and drops them one by one over the betting line or table. When this happens, the first chip dropped becomes the bet.
The reach Back
It’s the most common kind of string bet in poker games. Usually, the wanted bet chip is not placed in one complete forward motion. Placing a bet is first done by sliding one amount or a stack of chips in the pot, then the second in forwarding motions. Also, it happens if a player doesn’t verbally announce beforehand. If the player first places forward calling chips, then put the amount of the raise in a secondary forward motion. Then, this is considered a call.
Verbal String Bet
In most Hollywood films, this is the most used string bet. The players use it by saying- I’ll see your $3000 and raise your $3000. They cannot claim a call first and have it followed by a raise when this happens. The action that is said first is binding. It means that if you call, it disregards anything said afterward.
What are the Casino Dependent String Bets?
These are some string bets that can make you penalized. However, some casinos are lenient towards them. These are the moves you should avoid:
The double wrist:
The double wrist is when a player removes several chips from their stack and uses the forward motion of the wrist. Then, they go ahead and toss the chips into 2 spread-out parallel lines with each other. If this is considered a string bet, only the first parallel line of chips will be a bet.
Peel-Off:
Although it’s not a string bet, it has some similarities. It happens when a player picks a large stack of chips into their hand, applies forward motion, or places the chips across the line. Then, they cut out some chips from the stack in hand into small, easy-to-read stacks. Then, they peel back the remaining chips they don’t want to place as a bet. The move is illegal as the player looks like they are betting more than they intended to.
Why is a String Bet Illegal?
String betting is illegal because you use your opponent’s reaction. You bet and then go for more chips, meaning you change your bet and might use the reaction to get information. You can get information by watching your opponent while placing your bet. Surprisingly, most string bets are used by newbies who do not know the poker rules. However, some experienced players use this method on purpose, which is unethical.
How to Avoid String Betting?
The simplest way to avoid string betting is by declaring your bet verbally. When you do this, it becomes irrelevant how you pick up your chips. You can then take your time and even throw a chip at a time. If your announcement is clear and loud enough, declaring your bet verbally is valid. However, you need to be consistent, whether strong or weak. Ensure you declare your raises and bets to avoid exploitation by your opponent.
Note you can make a string bet even without malicious intention. It’s easy to forget the rules in the heat of the moment, or you could drop some chips accidentally from the stack. It can be a problem, especially if you’re part of a big pot.
For example, if you want to raise $100, you say a hundred when the action gets to you. In most cases, this is enough to make your action binding. Then after doing this, you can throw your bet of $5 chips at a time if you wish. Although it’s not advisable, you can still do it, but your opponents will complain you are slowing the game down.
Also Read : Learn How Can Pro Sports Bettor Win in Betting
