String Betting

A string bet is an illegal bet where a player makes more than one forward motion when putting chips in for a raise. It could also be a string bet if a player states "I see your call...and I raise you...". String bets are problematic because it is confusing and ambiguous. The proper way to raise is to say "I raise" or simply push all the chips you intend to bet in a single forward motion.

String betting can also be a trick where a player attempts to gain an advantage by reading another player's reaction to a raise. The idea is that a player could say "I call", then try and read another players response, and based on his/her reaction, elect to also raise. The dealer will determine where to draw the line, but if you suspect that somebody is employing this tactic, you should learn to defend yourself and call a person on it. Don't be too quick to call somebody on it however, because it is a common accident, and nobody likes somebody that is constantly making unfair accusations. If you are certain that they are doing it on purpose, you may want to watch that person for other signs of cheating.

As a dealer, nine times out of ten when this happens will be an accident. It is quite common for players to do this, so you should remind them to use one forward motion when raising. Now the question is what to do with their sloppy bet. If the first forward motion is less than half a legal raise, then it is just a call. If it is between half a legal raise and a minimum raise, then the player must make it a minimum raise. Anything more is a regular raise that you should clarify for all players. Only include the first forward motion of chips however, the rest should be refunded to the offending player. If a large chip is thrown in that is larger than a call and is not immediately declared to be a raise, it is merely a call and should be refunded as such.

For reference, robert's rules mentions string betting under betting and raising. Here's the quote: 14. String raises are not allowed. To protect your right to raise, you should either declare your intention verbally or place the proper amount of chips into the pot. Putting a full bet plus a half-bet or more into the pot is considered to be the same as announcing a raise, and the raise must be completed. (This does not apply in the use of a single chip of greater value.)

Enough talk, take me to the featured poker room.

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