Kill Button

[Old Man River]

We have a 3-6 game, and recently we added a full kill. There has been a lot of discussion as to how the kill works, including who gets last action, who had to post what amount in the blinds, etc. Is there any universal system out there that dictates how the kill button works? I have played in several casinos in Nevada, and each of them seems to have their own take on it. What we have decided upon is the following: who ever has the kill button is in for $6. The action will begin to his immediate left, regardless of where the dealer button is. The blinds must post their $1 and $2 blinds, and when the action gets to them, they can fold, complete the bet, or raise. After the pre-flop action, the action resumes with the small button. This ensures that the kill button gets last action on the first round, but then falls into place on the flop, turn, and river.

[Al_Capone_Junior]

I don't believe there is any universal thinking on the procedures used in kill games. However, I really like the system you describe. I've played in plenty of california games with kills, and the action there is typically more complicated and confusing. There, the killer typically gets last action on the first round when it comes to them THE FIRST TIME, but thereafter the action resumes from the SB and continues in order, thus making it quite confusing for most people. Keep it like you said and things should go very well.

I should add that often people play differently when it's a kill pot. This is especially so when there are lots of wild and/or superstitious players involved. You would THINK that people would tighten up, but yea... right!

Al Capone junior

[Old Man River]

Thanks, Al. I have also noticed that players try to defend the kill button with a passion, often to their own detriment. The way to earn the kill button in our game is to either win two hands in a row, or to sweep high and low in Omaha. Often, when a player wins the first hand, they will play hands that they shouldn't, just because they want to earn the kill button. It makes for some easy money.

Tom

[Al_Capone_Junior]

I have often thought that the object of the game, once you have the "no kill" button, is to MAKE IT A KILL AT ALL COSTS. Many players play this way. Also, many players want to be in a kill pot at all costs, just because 'it'll be a big pot." Basically, as I'm sure you've figured out, the stakes are doubled, but the exact pot odds you are getting doesn't change by very much, so your play should not change just because it's a kill. Of course that doesn't include taking into account the dumb plays other player make when it's a kill...

Al