[zeno]

Duplicate Poker

Saw this in CardPlayer and I got some free money to sign up, so I tried it.

Very interesting. It is presently legal in most states as it is classified as a skill game.

In a nutshell, you play (for example) heads-up against another player for like 10 hands. After every hand chipstacks are reset to their starting values. You then score points based on how you did for a given hand. At another table (which you cannot see) there are two other players playing the EXACT same cards at the same time. They are also scoring points based on how they perform in a given hand.

After the 10 hands, you win if you scored more points than the player at the other table who was playing the same cards as you. In essence, if you were a better poker player with the cards you were dealt over the 10 hands than the guy who played these same cards at the other table, then you win. So, the outcome is skill based. You may have been unlucky to get crappy cards but the person you're trying to score points against has the same crappy cards. You may have gotten hammered in every deal, but if you scored more points than your alter-identity at the other table then you win. Whoever plays the cards better, wins. The emphasis here is really on extracting the most value out of any hand - know how to push your hands for value and lay down when you're beat.

This is a common way to play bridge hands (duplicate style). They've extended the idea to poker, and I must say that it works pretty well. It is really fun. I would actually really like to see professionals go up against each other using this format as I believe that it really does reward good play.

Stakes are generally micro and low. They have cash games, sit-n-goes, and have several scheduled tourneys every hour. Traffic on the site is lite but not terrible - it's pretty easy to get into a game.

They are offering a free $5 to sign up. Right now they have a 100% sign up bonus with a reasonable play-through requirement. I had no problem depositing with a credit card. Cash-outs are via check.

If you are a moola member (Moola.com) you can sign up through their affiliate link and get $80 cash back just for signing up and depositing $30.

GL.

[ipgyst]

Sounds fun. Anybody have a moola.com invite to spare?

[7thSeat]

Interesting though you do not play the same player as your oponant at the other table.

If he goes up against a poor player and you a good one he will win even if you are a better then him.

Did I got it right???

[zeno]

Originally Posted by 7thSeat

Interesting though you do not play the same player as your oponant at the other table.

If he goes up against a poor player and you a good one he will win even if you are a better then him.

Did I got it right???

In the cash games, yes. You don't get to choose your opponent, though - you sign up to play and when enough players are available seat assignments are made randomly. So, if you play enough you should work through the variance introduced via seat selection.

Tourneys are offered in a round-robin fashion, though - every player plays the other at some point, which works to further eliminate this inequity.

[7thSeat]

Originally Posted by zeno

In the cash games, yes. You don't get to choose your opponent, though - you sign up to play and when enough players are available seat assignments are made randomly. So, if you play enough you should work through the variance introduced via seat selection.

Tourneys are offered in a round-robin fashion, though - every player plays the other at some point, which works to further eliminate this inequity.

Thanks.

The tourney structure sounds quiet fun.

[zeno]

Originally Posted by 7thSeat

Thanks.

The tourney structure sounds quiet fun.

I have to say - it really is a hoot.

I would *love* to see pro's play in this format. Everyone brags about being the best. Here's a way to prove it (well, to at least get closer to proving it) by removing the luck of the draw. Now, let's see who really is the better player.

In the beginning, the tricky part is remembering that you're trying to score against an opponent in your seat at another table, not against the maniac who is sitting across from you. You wonder if your opponent made the big laydown that you're sure you just correctly made. You wonder if he was able to push his 5-2 off all the way and get his table opponent to lay down, etc. It's a trip.

[whataboutj]

Sounds fun. I'll hafta checkit out when I get home. Thanks for sharing
J

[may012]

I recently read about duplicate poker on the 2+2 forums. You can find the thread here. In summary:

1. The game is easily vulnerable to collusion.
2. The game doesn't really remove luck from poker, it just changes which part of the game is the "lucky" part.

[zeno]

Originally Posted by may012

I recently read about duplicate poker on the 2+2 forums. You can find the thread here. In summary:

1. The game is easily vulnerable to collusion.
2. The game doesn't really remove luck from poker, it just changes which part of the game is the "lucky" part.

1. Don't believe everything you read at 2+2.
b. The stakes are low, so collusion would be an idiotic waste of time.
c. It is fun variation, you should try it.
32. It would be fun to watch pro's matched up like this.

[dad604]

I feel that with this game, the good player will have even greater advantage over the average player than with the regular game.