Rush Poker Strategy and Information

Get Addicted to Fulltilt's Rush Poker

As a well-recognized online poker room, Fulltilt Poker is known for its unconventional ways of putting a spin in a poker game. One proof of Fulltilt's reputation is its newest invention -- the Rush Poker. Now before you rush into Fulltilt's site and try your luck at this exciting poker variation, read on first to know more about this action-packed game that has both pros and amateurs asking for more.

The nitty gritty on Rush Poker

Basically, Rush Poker allows you to play at a table and once you fold, you are immediately whisked into another table and are dealt with a new hand quickly. This game is so-called because of the fast play action you'll enjoy at each game. This new concept from Fulltilt works by putting the players in a group. Fulltilt then chooses several players, arranges them to play at a poker table, and provides each player with a hand. Once a player chooses to fold his or her cards, he or she is placed back in the big group and becomes eligible again to play at a new table with a new hand.

What players can expect

Now this concept won't work smoothly if the casino experiences a lot of lag and if the playing pool is small. Fortunately, Fulltilt poker seems to have overcome these possible issues. Based on initial plays, Fulltilt's Rush Poker went on smoothly, and the different poker hands were dealt with fluidly. Because you will be handling more than the average number of hands when playing Rush Poker, you'll definitely feel some adrenaline rush as you fold and are dealt with another hand.

Once you get into the game, you'll be randomly seated at a poker table with other players from the group or pool. Due to the game's fast-paced environment, you don't have to wait for the hand to actually finish. Once your chance is over or you folded, you will be immediately bumped into a new poker table, giving you a new hand to start the game. If you want something faster, simply click the quick fold option. Doing so will automatically fold your cards and transfer you to another table with a new hand.

You also have the option to play at several tables all at the same time, which is also known as multi-tabling. When playing at multi-tables, keep in mind that you are allowed a max of four tables of any given Rush Poker limit.

Rush Poker limits

Rush Poker cash games are available in PLO, LE, and NLHE. Both six-max and full ring variations are available for fixed limit and no-limit Hold 'em. However, only six-max poker tables are available for Omaha (pot limit).

If you want to test your luck in a tourney, Rush poker tourneys are held several times within a day at Fulltilt's lobby. For the buy ins, the price is usually 450 or lower.

Tips when playing Rush Poker

Even though this game follows the basic rules of poker, everything becomes different because of the fast-paced environment. In a Rush Poker game, you don't have the chance to study carefully the playing and betting patterns of your opponent, or even determine who among your opponents are fish or are pros. And because this is a fairly new variation, there are no basic strategies that can dictate wins.

Play tight

Some players have suggested that playing tight is one good move, especially since every time you join a table, your playing record is swept clean. By playing tight, you'll be able to increase your chances of making money through rakebacks. Because poker rooms earn money by raking in or taking a part of the pool money as a sort of entrance fee, online poker sites also offer rakebacks or refunds. These refunds are usually transferred directly into the players' accounts, allowing you to save on gaming costs and come back for more.

Bluff more

Aside from playing tight, another tip is to keep in mind that bluffing becomes more effective in Rush Poker. This is because every player becomes an anonymous opponent; to make the right impression in a super-fast game, bluff a raise once you sense a weakness in a player. That player won't really know the truth because the game is so fast-paced.

Take breaks

If you plan on multi-tabling, make sure that you can handle the adrenaline rush and mental fatigue. Rush poker is several times faster than an ordinary game, and the fast-paced action increases as you also increase the tables you're playing in. To lessen the stress, make sure that you take quick breaks in-between games, since you literally have no time to wait in between hands.

Make notes

Although it's difficult to open a notepad and make a note on each player because of the fast action, this is helpful when trying to gauge an almost anonymous opponent's tactics and reactions to certain moves. HUDs or heads-up displays are nifty tools that can help you assess opponents by organizing all your notes on each player accordingly, giving you a quick view on an opponent's betting habits.