Pot-Fold poker format, also called Pot or Fold, is a niche game type that has gained popularity in some live Casinos, primarily in the UK.
Now this niche format is also available to be played online, but if you have not heard of it before, this article will help you understand the Pot-Fold rules and where you can play it.
What is Pot-Fold Poker ?
Pot Fold is a fast-paced poker format designed to create immediate, high-action decisions and frequent showdowns. It cuts the preflop aspect, similarly to bombpot, but it plays out differently. It is slightly more welcoming to newcomers, giving them a chance to get used to it, by wagering smaller pots.
On the other hand, the variance is even higher, as there is not much control in most of the spots.
Which Game Types Support the Pot-Fold Variation ?
Pot Fold can be played in:
- No-Limit Hold’em (Regular)
- No-Limit Hold’em (3-1)
- 6+ Hold’em
- Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO) (Hi/Lo not included)
- Mixed Games
Pot-Fold can be played every hand, or it can be scheduled to run at a fixed interval (for example, every 5th hand, every 7th hand, or any other agreed number). The interval is decided and agreed by the table before play begins.
Pot-Fold Poker Format Rules
Here is a quick breakdown of the rules :
1. The Key Difference: No Blinds, Everyone Antes
Instead of posting blinds, in Pot or Fold, all players put the initial ante, and the game proceeds to the flop. The small blind and big blind players do NOT post any additional blinds. The Pot-Fold ante is set as a multiple of the big blind. It can be 1 BB, 2 BB, 3 BB, or any other agreed amount. All pre-flop antes go into the pot and show the initial pot amount.
2. Start of the Hand
The pre-flop is skipped after everyone posts the mandatory ante. The flop is dealt. The hand begins on the flop.
3 Action on the Flop
Action starts with the player in the small blind position, then continues clockwise. Everyone choose from two options :
A) Call the Pot – Put in chips equal to the initial pot amount.
B) Fold – Muck your hand and you are out of the hand
Here the options are similar to All in or Fold format ( AoF). The difference is that players do not call with their entire stack. They call only the pot amount.
4. Turn and River ( The End )
After all players have either called or folded, the hand goes directly to showdown. You cannot bet, fold or raise on the Turn & River. After they are dealt, players reveal their cards. Best hand wins under the normal rules of that game (NLH, PLO etc).
TLDR version of the rules
Everyone antes → flop is dealt → starting from the SB each player calls the initial pot or folds → immediate showdown → whoever has the best hand after the turn and river are dealt, collects the full pot.
Where to Play Pot-Fold Poker Format Online ?
Currently, the format can be found in two of the main PPPoker unions. The platform supports the format, so the growth and availability will be based on the interest of players. If it goes viral, many other PPPoker clubs will adopt it.
From our experience, getting in early and studying a fresh format is always an EV+ decision, to grab an early advantage.
