Question about "Jacks Or Better"

Pete · #1 (**permalink**) 02-12-2007, 11:25 PM

Hey Gang,

Often, after our tournaments have ended, we usually deal some old school "dealers choice" pot limit cash games........ya know, all the carnival games like "Baseball," "Criss Cross," "Lo-Hole," "Guts" and "Pass The Trash" amongst others. Well, at our last gathering, a debate occured regarding "Jacks or Better to Open/Trips or Better to Win." The issue at hand concerned bluffing. I understand that you can't bluff "openers" but, is a bluff allowed during the "trips or better" round of betting? And, if so, what happens if the bluffer is called but the caller doesn't have at least trips either? Would the highest ranking hand of the two non qualifying hands take the pot down or should both hands be declared dead and the game continue on? Obviously, I'm not sure what the official ruling on this would be so, that's why I have come to you oh fine citizens of Chip Talk! Any suggestions/advice would be greatly appreciated!

2_hotty · #2 (**permalink**) 02-13-2007, 12:04 AM

It's not really a bluff, it's just another betting round. After the openers, anyone can bet. If you fold, and no one has trips or better to win, you're out for the rest of the game. If you call and no one qualifies, then all hands are dead, and you re-deal.

Short answer= yes, you can bet even if you don't have it. It's part of the game.

JHickle · #3 (**permalink**) 02-13-2007, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2_hotty

It's not really a bluff, it's just another betting round. After the openers, anyone can bet. If you fold, and no one has trips or better to win, you're out for the rest of the game. If you call and no one qualifies, then all hands are dead, and you re-deal.

Short answer= yes, you can bet even if you don't have it. It's part of the game.

That's exactly how we play. But didn't know you could bluff openers

legend · #4 (**permalink**) 02-13-2007, 08:21 AM

The only person who has to have openers is the person who opens the betting.

JHickle · #5 (**permalink**) 02-13-2007, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by legend

The only person who has to have openers is the person who opens the betting.

Correct, but you cannot bluff having openers.

2_hotty · #6 (**permalink**) 02-13-2007, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JHickle

That's exactly how we play. But didn't know you could bluff openers

You can't bluff openers. As a matter of fact, we have a rule that states that anyone can ask to see openers if they think someone tried to BS.(after the betting rounds are over) Also, if you break up your openers during the draw, you have to declare it. If you're caught bluffing the opener, you pay the pot, and you're out for the rest of the game.