A predetermined hand where all players contribute an equal amount to create a significantly larger pot before any cards are dealt. In a standard Texas Hold’em game, for example, instead of blinds being posted by only two players, every participant at the table might be required to deposit a fixed sum. Then, the hand is played as usual, with all players having pre-invested in the outcome. This creates a high-action, volatile situation where the pot is substantially increased from the start.
The appeal stems from the increased excitement and potential for larger payouts. It injects an element of unpredictability, as every player is incentivized to play the hand aggressively due to their pre-existing investment. Historically, these situations often arose spontaneously in live games as a way to liven things up or break up a period of slow play. They have since become formalized variations, sometimes featured in televised poker events or offered as a structured option in certain poker rooms.
