Cash Game Big Blind Ante (1 Viewer)

[Mojo1312]

Cash Games

Thoughts on the big blind posting an ante in NLHE?

For example, .50/$1 + a $1 BB ante or $1/$2 plus a $2 BB ante.

 

[SeanGecko]

I like them in tournaments because I want them to not drag on.

I like antes in cash games but I am one the side that everyone should ante. If you had quarters that might be a good ante chip.

In our big game we did 25¢ ante 50¢ SB and $1 BB

 

[SlowPokeTony]

Don’t really see the point of an ante in a cash game. You’re better off playing with a straddle instead if the point is to get action.

 

[grebe]

Just another thing to deal with. In a 1/2 game, I just don't see the need to create more action.

 

[LeLe]

I saw it apply in live poker stream a few time and I like the idea

Adding a BB ante help to add some change to regular SB BB NLHE

The dynamic will change as this add additional dead money to contest for and allows People to play looser range

I wanted to try that once the covid restriction is lifted here

 

[Legend5555]

I like antes. And BB ante makes more sense in a cash game than a tourney. There are some weird niche cases in tournies with BBA that make it "unfair," but aren't a big deal in cash. Though I still think it's better than everyone anteing because of how annoying it is to make sure everyone antes (and how slow everyone anteing can be). But I digress.

Traditionally, NLHE is played with an ante even in cash. And while it's no longer in fashion outside of high stakes, it's actually important from an action standpoint theoretically. Without an ante, it's theoretically correct to play extremely tight. Something like less than a 14% average VPIP at a 9 handed table.

I'm practice though, people tend to play as if there are invisible antes. Opening too makye pots and for too large an open size. But I still like antes in NLHE cash games.

 

[detroitdad]

Just another thing to deal with. In a 1/2 game, I just don't see the need to create more action.

I agree. The action in my game is just fine. I don't need to find ways to increase it lol.

 

[SlowPokeTony]

I agree. The action in my game is just fine. I don't need to find ways to increase it lol.

Also agree. I avoid 1/2 just for this reason. 1/1 people are happy to raise to 3 or 4 bucks but 1/2 you get $12 raises with 3 callers.

 

[buzzmonkey]

Depends on the game. In low limit 7CS we use a dealer ante since we don't play with anything smaller than a quarter. So a $.25 or $.50 ante does the job in most cases, but if we're playing 2/4 or 3/6 stud, than it might be convenient to have a single player post the full ante for the table. Typically with mixed games we only have 6 or 7 players at the table so everyone posting their own ante isn't usually a big deal.

 

[Coyote]

Why not dealer ante (if any ante is deemed necessary)?

 

[SeanGecko]

The dislike for an ante on a chip forum....moar chips people. MOAR CHIPS.

Also antes and straddles in NL games. Come people get the chips on the table in the home games. Pretty quarters!

 

[Poker Zombie]

If you need an ante to make bigger pots, shouldn't you just raise the stakes?

 

[SeanGecko]

If you need an ante to make bigger pots, shouldn't you just raise the stakes?

No

 

[Poker Zombie]

No

Why?

 

[SeanGecko]

Why?

Cause MOAR CHIPS.

I think it really depends on the group of players of course. Some folks might not want to play in a $1/$2 game but would play in a 50¢/$1 with a 25¢ ante. Look at credit cards people paying the minimum balance for years but actually paying more due to what they perceive as less initial cost.

I have seen people tighten up in a game that went from 10¢/25¢ ante 5¢ to 25¢/50¢ bit this same group was splashing and straddling in the 10¢/25¢ ante 5¢ game.

***I was attempting to be funny in the terse NO. Might not have landed appropriately. It went differently in my head.

 

[SteveEH]

My flop games' stakes have been designed for sustainability so I don't have to recruit random degens from the bar tourneys, casino, pool hall and sandwich kiosk at the bowling alley An ante would just rock the boat.

 

[SeanGecko]

My flop games' stakes have been designed for sustainability so I don't have to recruit random degens from the bar tourneys, casino, pool hall and sandwich kiosk at the bowling alley An ante would just rock the boat.

"Dude you need a beer oh you forgot your ante." Easy fix.

 

[SeanGecko]

Why not dealer ante (if any ante is deemed necessary)?

Everyone ante is good enough for Doyle good enough for me.

 

[Mojo1312]

Traditionally, NLHE is played with an ante even in cash. And while it's no longer in fashion outside of high stakes, it's actually important from an action standpoint theoretically. Without an ante, it's theoretically correct to play extremely tight. Something like less than a 14% average VPIP at a 9 handed table.

I'm practice though, people tend to play as if there are invisible antes. Opening too many pots and for too large an open size. But I still like antes in NLHE cash games.

The idea is compelling. An ante does not affect the size of the big blind, it simply adds one BB to the pot. Unlike a $100 buy-in to a $1/$2 game where you have 50BB's, players have a 100BB's in a .50/$1 NLHE game with a $1 BB ante. players can enter the pot for a $1 or raise accordingly.

To your point regarding opening too many pots and opening too large. Does a BB ante effect hand selection and opening raises at low stakes the same way it does in high stakes? (Put another way, is it your view that it is group dependent or stake dependent?)

 

[Geedy]

The ante is generally used in the high stakes games ($10-$20 and up) - on the high stakes shows they’re playing even bigger $100-$200+

the purpose is just not needed at $1/$2 or lower. Even $2/$5 not needed. The idea is for players to not be able to sit on chips and force more players into pots - usually out of position/defending wider.

Also more dead money to go after. If you do want to use an ante - the games I’ve played with one seem better on the button rather then the BB. Adding money from a 3rd player to pot.

Imo it’s simply not needed in lower stakes games.

 

[SeanGecko]

The ante is generally used in the high stakes games

the purpose is just cool and everyone should do it!!!

 

[rjbf65]

I was considering a BBA of .50 for a .25-.50 cash game with a Holdem/PLO round by round rotation.

Does the ante affect the opening raise amount for PLO? Don't think I've seen it addressed before.

With no ante the raise could be $1.75. I've also heard of people assuming the small blind equals the big blind for easier math which makes up to $2 possible.

Does the BBA mean it could be $2.25? (or $2.50)

I would imagine it does.

 

[ArielVer18]

I was considering a BBA of .50 for a .25-.50 cash game with a Holdem/PLO round by round rotation.

Does the ante affect the opening raise amount for PLO? Don't think I've seen it addressed before.

With no ante the raise could be $1.75. I've also heard of people assuming the small blind equals the big blind for easier math which makes up to $2 possible.

Does the BBA mean it could be $2.25? (or $2.50)

I would imagine it does.

There's no consensus. You can do perfect pot calculations online, but for live poker, some kind of rounding is advisable. You can also ignore the antes preflop for the purpose of pot calculation. You can also assume the SB is complete.

For example, WSOP ignores the ante preflop, but does not round up the SB.