[mr_jmac]

Hey,

One way to think about your question is to compare your situation with a similar situation in a raked game.

For example, a $5/$10 HE game with a 10% rake up to $4. The maximum rake is almost a small bet (actually 80%). If you raise and there is no flop then there is no rake and you win both blinds.

In your situation the time charge with 8 players at the table is also 80% of a small bet. If you raise and there is no flop, the time charge is not taken and you win the blinds.

In the raked game if you are called there will be at least $25 in the pot if there is no further action. Let's assume the maximum rake will be taken. So, we actually have identical situations.

So, your question is practically identical to a question I have been curious about for quite some time: "In a raked game, should you be less inclined to bring it in for a raise where the outcome is i) winning the blinds and no rake taken or ii) playing a probable headsup pot with a rake?"

I would like to hear others opinions on this because I have been very curious about this for quite some time. The majority of pots played in my $5/$10 raked game are multiway in which the rake percentage is lower than 10%. However, when I find myself on the button looking down at KQs or ATo I wonder is it even worth it to play the hand because of the rake ( as opposed to a rake free game where I definitely raise and play the hand).

Later,
JM



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Hi Everyone:

In the $80-$160 game at The Bellagio an interesting situation frequently occurs.

It's a time game where every 30 minutes $8 per person is collected from the pot. Since the game is full at nine handed, as much as $72 will be collected. However, the money is only taken from the pot if there is a flop.

In other words, if someone raises and no one calls, that person gets both the small and big blinds and the time is not taken. Instead, the next pot becomes the time pot, but again there must be a flop for the time to come out.

Now what frequently happens is that if you're the first in raiser in a time pot, your chances of winning the blinds go up because people are less likely to call since they are aware that the pot is approximately 2 small bets smaller. However, even though you are more likely to win this pot before the flop with a raise, it is much smaller if someone does play against you.

So the question is: Should you be more inclined to raise first in in a time pot or less inclined?

I have my opinion on this, and will get back a little later with it.

Best wishes,
mason

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