Gadfly3d

I earn a living running cash poker games. I have been doing it all my life for half a century. I was borne in a house that ran a game.

I have already explained briefly how games are played with regard to “Table Stakes“ and “Playing Behind“ and “Bet or Pass”, but it is self evident from what you have just said, that you just do not get it. Might I suggest that go to a casino and speak to the card room manager who should be able to explain it to you to your satisfaction. He will also most likely tell you that in the casino it is table stakes only as that is the usual rule in casinos, but not all casinos.

From "The Official Rules of Card Games: Hoyle up-to-date":


The word "agreement" is significant. It implies that this is by no means a universal practice. While it is a common practice in many games, it is not the only betting structure there is.

I remember playing this game back home. I reraised quite few times, as I did stacked deck. It ended up guy going to borrow money to call me, wasn't much but still all good cash.

Thing is that the way you bet, call, raise and play at all depends on rules at the time.

I'll stick with my statement that table stakes is the norm, and that no intelligent player would play otherwise. Further, the real issue is the use of artistic license-even before the movie much ink has been spilled to the effect that this is a hoary, and unnecessary plot device.

Gil Scott

Tom, Dick and Harry are playing poker. Tom is playing a $100 behind Dick $200 behind and Harry $300 behind. They each have a $100 on the table in front them.

Harry bets his $400 .
Tom calls “all in” for his $200.
Dick calls “all in” for his $300.

The pot and side pots will be worked out just the same as if it was “table stakes”

You seem to be under the impression that no one can go “ALL IN” if they play behind and guys can just buy pots which is not so. It is best to play table stakes only and it is the norm. Poker is table stakes unless some other agreement is declared.

Having said that if I was making a film that had a poker game in it, I would have them use table stakes, just to keep every one happy. After all most casino poker players and people who watch it on TV think that is the proper way to play. It is the norm why not stick to it.

Tommy what you describe is table stakes, the problem with the movie is the suggestion that if player A can't match the pot he loses.