Poker, a game of skill and strategy, has become a global phenomenon with millions of players worldwide. However, few players understand the impact of rake on their bankrolls. In this article, we will delve into the world of rake, its different forms, and how it affects poker players.

What is Rake?

Rake, in the context of poker, refers to a scaled commission fee taken by a cardroom operating a poker game. This fee is generally 2.5% to 10% of the pot in each poker hand, up to a predetermined maximum amount. The rake is primarily levied by an establishment that supplies the necessary services for the game to take place.

Types of Rake

There are several ways for the rake to be taken:

1. Pot Rake: A percentage rake is taken directly from the pot. This is the most common method, where the dealer manually removes chips from the pot while the hand is being played and sets them aside to be dropped into a secure box after completion of the hand.
2. Dead Drop: The fee is placed on the dealer button each hand by the player in that position and taken in by the dealer before the cards are dealt.
3. Time Charge: A fixed amount is charged per hour, regardless of the number of hands played.

Impact of Rake

Rake has a significant impact on poker players, especially those who play frequently or at high stakes. The continuous loss of rake can add up quickly and eat into your bankroll. For example, if you play $1/$2 cash games with a 5% rake, you could lose around $20-30 per hour in rake alone.

Rakeback

To mitigate the effects of rake, some online poker sites offer rakeback programs. Rakeback is a player rewards method that began in 2004, whereby some online poker sites or their affiliate partners return part of the rake or tournament entries a player pays as an incentive for them to continue playing on that site.

****, rake is a silent killer of poker profits that can have a significant impact on your bankroll. Understanding the different forms of rake and how it affects you can help you make informed decisions about where to play and how to manage your funds. As online poker continues to evolve, players must stay vigilant and adapt to changes in the industry.

References

1. "Poker Rake – Calculate Poker Room Rake – Calculating the Rake". www.pokerstars.com.
2. "View The Rake and Blind Structure For Cash Games at partypoker". www.partypoker.com.
3. Trang choi poker, archived from the original on 2015-09-15, retrieved 2024-03-07
4. "Poker Article: The Effects of the Rake or Time Charge on your Bottom Line By: Dave in Cali – The Poker Forum.com". www.thepokerforum.com.
5. "Is Rakeback Legitimate?". ProfessionalRakeback.com.
6. flopturnriver.com (2010-01-13). "Make Thousands by Playing at PokerStars in 2010". Flopturnriver.com. Retrieved 2010-01-29.

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