Run It Twice in Poker: Complete Guide to Running the Board Multiple Times
What Is Running It Twice?
Running it twice is a cash game option where, when players are all-in with cards still to come, the remaining community cards are dealt twice. Half the pot is awarded to the winner of the first board, and half goes to the winner of the second board. This practice is designed to reduce variance without affecting expected value—a concept that appeals to both recreational players seeking protection and professionals managing their bankrolls.
According to research published by the Carnegie Mellon University School of Computer Science, poker involves significant variance even for skilled players. Running it twice addresses this mathematical reality by allowing players to experience outcomes closer to their expected value in individual hands, while maintaining the same long-term results.
The practice originated in high-stakes cash games where single pots could represent massive sums. As documented by PokerNews, running it twice became mainstream in the 2000s and is now offered at most major poker rooms. Today, it's a standard feature in live cash games and many online poker platforms, though rules and availability vary by venue.
Understanding when and why to run it twice is essential for any serious cash game player. While the decision doesn't affect your expected value, it significantly impacts your variance, psychological comfort, and bankroll stability. This guide covers everything from the basic mechanics to the mathematical theory behind this popular cash game feature.
How Running It Twice Works
The Basic Mechanics
Running it twice follows a straightforward process that occurs after all betting is complete and at least two players are all-in:
- All-In Situation: Players must be all-in with community cards remaining to be dealt.
- Agreement Required: Both (or all) players involved must agree to run it twice. If any player declines, the board runs once normally.
- First Runout: The dealer deals the remaining cards (turn and/or river) normally for the first board.
- Second Runout: Without reshuffling, the dealer deals another set of turn and/or river cards from the remaining deck.
- Pot Division: Half the pot goes to the winner of board one, half to the winner of board two.
Example Scenario
Consider this common situation:
Setup: $500 pot on the flop. Player A has A♠K♠ (nut flush draw). Player B has Q♥Q♣ (overpair). All money goes in on the flop of J♠7♠2♦.
Running it once: Dealer deals turn and river. One player wins the entire $500.
Running it twice:
- Board 1: Turn 9♠ (flush), River 3♥ → Player A wins $250
- Board 2: Turn 5♦, River K♣ → Player B wins $250 (queens still best)
Result: Players split the pot instead of one taking all $500.
Running It Multiple Times
Some card rooms allow running it three, four, or even five times. Each additional runout further reduces variance:
| Runouts | Pot Split | Variance Reduction | Common Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Run Once | 100% to winner | None (baseline) | Universal |
| Run Twice | 50% per board | ~29-30% | Very common |
| Run Three Times | 33.3% per board | ~42% | Some rooms |
| Run Four Times | 25% per board | ~50% | Rare |
The Mathematics of Running It Twice
Expected Value Remains Unchanged
The most important mathematical fact about running it twice: your expected value (EV) does not change. Whether you run it once, twice, or ten times, your long-term average outcome remains identical. This is because each board is dealt from the same deck, and each runout represents an independent sample of possible outcomes.
According to probability theory as outlined by the American Statistical Association, when dealing multiple runouts without replacement, the expected value of winning the pot equals your equity multiplied by the pot size, regardless of how many times the board is run. This mathematical certainty is why running it twice is considered a neutral EV decision.
Mathematical Proof:
If Player A has 40% equity in a $1,000 pot:
- Running once: EV = 0.40 × $1,000 = $400
- Running twice: EV = (0.40 × $500) + (0.40 × $500) = $200 + $200 = $400
- Running three times: EV = 3 × (0.40 × $333.33) = $400
The EV is always $400 regardless of runout method.
Variance Reduction Explained
While EV stays constant, variance (the statistical measure of how much individual outcomes deviate from the average) decreases significantly. This is the primary benefit of running it twice. The variance of your results determines the magnitude of your swings—both winning streaks and losing streaks.
When running it twice, your possible outcomes become more concentrated around the expected value. Instead of winning 100% or 0% of the pot, you have additional outcomes of winning 50% or 100% or 0%. This clustering effect reduces the standard deviation of your results.
| Scenario | Run Once Outcomes | Run Twice Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| 40% Favorite All-In | Win $1000 (40%) or Lose (60%) | Win $1000 (16%), Win $500 (48%), Lose (36%) |
| Possible Results | +$1000 or $0 | +$1000, +$500, or $0 |
| Most Likely Outcome | Lose (60% chance) | Split (48% chance) |
Card Removal Effects
One subtle mathematical consideration involves card removal between runouts. When dealing the second board, the cards from the first runout are not reshuffled back into the deck. This creates slight dependencies between outcomes, though the overall EV remains unchanged.
For example, if you're drawing to a flush and hit it on the first board using two spades, those spade cards cannot appear on the second board. This slightly reduces your flush chances on board two. However, this effect is mathematically balanced—the cards that would have helped you are as likely to help or hurt you on each board, maintaining your overall equity.
When Should You Run It Twice?
Reasons to Run It Twice
Running it twice makes sense in several situations:
- Bankroll Protection: If the pot represents a significant portion of your session bankroll or total bankroll, running it twice reduces the risk of a devastating single loss.
- Psychological Comfort: Some players perform better with reduced variance. If big swings affect your decision-making in subsequent hands, reducing variance improves your overall performance.
- Playing at Stakes Limits: When playing at the upper edge of your bankroll requirements, running it twice helps manage risk.
- Staying in Action: Recreational players who want to keep playing longer benefit from variance reduction—it's harder to go broke quickly.
- Big Pot Situations: In unusually large pots (relative to the stakes), running it twice can turn a potential $5,000 swing into a more manageable $2,500 swing.
Reasons NOT to Run It Twice
Running it once may be preferable when:
- You're a Significant Favorite: While EV doesn't change, some players prefer the higher probability of winning the full pot when heavily favored.
- Small Relative Pot: If the pot is small relative to your bankroll, the variance reduction is less meaningful.
- Opponent Preference Matters: If your opponent clearly wants to run it twice, declining may have psychological or game selection benefits.
- You Prefer Swings: Some players genuinely enjoy the excitement of single-board drama and bigger score opportunities.
- Tournament Mindset: Players training for tournament poker may want to experience full variance to build mental resilience.
Decision Framework
Consider this decision matrix when deciding whether to run it twice:
| Factor | Run Twice | Run Once |
|---|---|---|
| Pot Size vs Bankroll | Large (>10% of session) | Small (<5% of session) |
| Tilt Susceptibility | High (swings affect play) | Low (emotionally stable) |
| Session Goals | Preserve bankroll | Maximize score potential |
| Bankroll Health | At risk / rebuilding | Healthy / well-funded |
| Playing Style | Conservative / grinding | Aggressive / shot-taking |
Strategic Considerations
No Strategic Adjustment Needed
Because running it twice doesn't affect EV, your pre-flop and post-flop strategy should remain unchanged. The decision to run it multiple times only comes after all betting is complete—it cannot influence optimal play during the hand. According to Two Plus Two Publishing, game theory optimal (GTO) play remains the same regardless of post-all-in runout preferences.
Table Image Considerations
Your runout preferences can affect how opponents perceive you:
- Always Running It Twice: May signal you're playing cautiously or at the edge of your bankroll. Some opponents may exploit this by applying more pressure.
- Never Running It Twice: Projects confidence and willingness to gamble. Can intimidate recreational players who prefer reduced variance.
- Selective Approach: The most balanced approach. Running it twice in big pots but not small ones appears reasonable and gives away less information.
Interaction with Game Selection
Running it twice affects game selection dynamics in subtle ways. As discussed in our table selection guide, recreational players often prefer running it twice. If you're known for declining, you might make some players uncomfortable. Conversely, always agreeing creates a friendly atmosphere that recreational players appreciate.
Psychological Factors
The mental game aspect of running it twice is significant. According to research on decision-making under uncertainty published by the American Psychological Association, reducing variance can improve cognitive performance by lowering stress and anxiety. If big swings negatively affect your mental game, running it twice may indirectly improve your overall win rate by keeping you in a better psychological state.
Rules and Etiquette
Standard Rules
While rules vary by poker room, the Tournament Directors Association (TDA) and most card rooms follow these guidelines:
- Mutual Agreement Required: All players involved in the all-in situation must agree to run it multiple times. One player declining means the board runs once.
- Declaration Before Cards: Agreement must be reached before any remaining cards are dealt.
- No Reneging: Once agreed, players cannot change their mind mid-runout.
- House Rules Apply: Some rooms cap the number of runouts or have specific procedures. Always check local rules.
- Multi-Way Pots: In three-way or larger all-in situations, all players must agree. Some rooms simplify this by having a table-wide running it twice policy.
Etiquette Guidelines
Follow these etiquette guidelines related to running it twice:
- Don't Slow Roll the Decision: Decide quickly whether you want to run it once or twice. Taking excessive time is poor poker etiquette.
- Don't Use It to Angle: Some players try to gauge opponent reactions when asking about running it twice. Make your decision independently of their response.
- Be Consistent (Mostly): Constantly changing your approach based on whether you're ahead or behind looks suspicious and is considered poor form.
- Accept Both Answers Gracefully: If your opponent declines, don't complain or make them uncomfortable. It's their right.
- Ask Clearly: When offering to run it twice, ask clearly: "Do you want to run it twice?" This avoids confusion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Problem | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Thinking It Changes EV | Making decisions based on false math | Remember: EV is identical regardless of runouts |
| Conditional Requesting | "I'll run it twice if I'm behind" looks bad | Have a consistent policy regardless of position |
| Table-Talk Fishing | Trying to guess opponent's hand from their preference | Make your decision independently |
| Slow Decision Making | Holding up the game to calculate odds | Decide before looking at cards (have a policy) |
| Complaining About Results | Blaming the runout format for losses | Accept variance as part of the game |
Running It Twice: Online vs Live
Online Poker
Many online poker platforms offer running it twice as an automatic option in cash games. As noted by American Gaming Association research on online poker, digital platforms streamline the process:
- Pre-Set Preferences: Players can set a default preference in their account settings
- Automatic Matching: If both players have "run it twice" enabled, it happens automatically
- Visual Display: Online platforms clearly show both boards and pot divisions
- Speed: No physical dealing required—both boards appear instantly
Live Poker
Live card rooms have additional considerations for running it twice:
- Dealer Procedure: Dealers must follow specific procedures for shuffling (or not) and dealing multiple boards
- Verbal Agreement: Players must verbally agree before cards are dealt
- Table Dynamics: Social pressure may influence decisions more than online
- House Rules: Each casino may have slightly different rules—always ask the floor if unsure
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run it twice after seeing one card?
No. The decision to run it multiple times must be made before any remaining cards are dealt. Once any card is turned over, it's too late to change the runout method.
What if we want to run it twice but there aren't enough cards?
In rare situations (like heads-up with very few cards remaining), there may not be enough cards for multiple runouts. Most rooms have procedures for this—typically running it as many times as possible with the remaining deck.
Does running it twice affect rake?
No. Rake is calculated on the total pot size before runouts are determined. The pot remains the same size whether you run it once or multiple times.
Can one player win both boards?
Yes, absolutely. You can "scoop" by winning both boards, resulting in the same outcome as running it once. This happens when your hand holds up on both runouts.
Is running it twice available in all poker variants?
Running it twice is available in any poker variant with community cards where players can be all-in with cards to come. This includes Texas Hold'em, Omaha, and other community card games. It's not applicable to draw games like Five Card Draw.
Related Tools & Resources
Enhance your understanding of variance and poker mathematics with these tools:
- Variance Simulator - Visualize how running it twice affects your long-term results
- EV Calculator - Calculate expected value for any poker decision
- Bankroll Calculator - Determine proper bankroll requirements for your stakes
- Hand Equity Calculator - Analyze equity matchups in all-in situations
- Pot Odds Calculator - Understand the math behind poker decisions
- Poker Probability Guide - Complete guide to poker mathematics
Responsible Gambling Note
Running it twice is a variance reduction tool, not a bankroll protection guarantee. Always practice responsible bankroll management and never play with money you cannot afford to lose. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact the National Council on Problem Gambling at 1-800-522-4700.