The term hit and run in poker describes a situation where a player wins big shortly after joining a cash game then leaves immediately afterwards. It’s generally considered good etiquette to continue playing and give players a chance to win their money back.
In reality ‘hit and running’ on a cash game table confers no specific advantage and should not be considered cheating in any way but it might make us unpopular in the casino nonetheless.
In this guide we’ll learn the following -
Why is it Called ‘Hit and Run’ in Poker?
The term hit and run carries the idea of a swift action (or attack) followed by immediate withdrawal. It is often applied to motorists who flee the scene after causing a car accident. In a poker context it refers to a player who wins a huge pot shortly after joining a cash game but then immediately cashes out from the game with all his winnings.
Why is ‘Hit and Run’ Bad Etiquette in Poker?
Players may get frustrated if they don’t have a chance to win their chips back after losing a large pot. In reality it really doesn’t matter whether they win the chips back against the opponent they lost them to or against a completely different opponent. This etiquette concept doesn’t therefore have a grounding in reality. People can’t always help the way they feel about things though, even if illogical.
Is It OK to ‘Hit and Run’ in Poker?
There is no rule against ‘hitting and running’ at a poker cash game table. It doesn’t confer any specific advantage to the player. Having said this, it might upset other players at the poker table and is considered a violation of etiquette even if not directly illegal. If we don’t want players to avoid playing with us in the future it might be a good idea to keep them happy and stick around for a bit after winning a large pot.
Is ‘Hit and Run’ Considered Angle Shooting in Poker?
Winning a big pot in a cash game and immediately leaving (known as hit and run) confers no specific advantage to a player and is therefore not considered angle shooting. It is however considered bad etiquette and may make you unpopular in your local casino. In online heads up cash games, if a player is dealt in on the button, plays one hand, then leaves, this might be a form of angle-shooting known as grimming.
What Should I Do if My Opponent Hit and Runs Me in Poker?
Although players often get upset by this, it shouldn’t actually make a difference in the long run. It might be worth keeping in mind that our opponent is 100% allowed to join and leave the table at any time and should not be pressured to stay just because they have won a big pot. In online heads up cash games, if a player is dealt in on the button, plays one hand, then leaves, this might be a form of angle-shooting known as grimming. Suspected foulplay should be reported to the poker room.
How Can I Avoid ‘Hitting and Running’ in Poker?
It’s pretty simple, we can just make sure we avoid immediately leaving the table after winning a big pot. All we need to do is stick around for another orbit or two before leaving. Although it’s not against the rules to leave the table immediately after winning a big pot, it may help to prevent other players from becoming incorrectly upset (although some might argue that this is not our problem).
Summary of Hit and Run in Poker?
The term 'hit and run' in poker describes a situation where a player wins big shortly after joining a cash game then leaves immediately afterwards. Although such a player is well within their rights to leave the table immediately, some of the other players may become frustrated if they don’t have a chance to win some of their chips back.
