Quote:
Originally Posted by sassyfrassy
This is a legitimate questions as this is the first time I've thought this through.
How are the 'innocent bystanders' in a multi-way pot hurt by OOT action?
In my mind, they have the same information as everyone else in the hand( so it's not like an exposed card for example). Unless you are last to act, there is ALWAYS a chance of a c/r or re-raise of your call/bet.
What is the new 'harm' introduced to the other players by binding OOT action in a multi-way pot?
Couple of ways:
Imagine that you are first to act. You have a strong hand. You want to build a pot. What are the things you need to consider.
You could bet. But betting from early position tends to indicate strength. You need to be concerned you don't get calls. Ideally you might want a raise along the way. But you can't count on that. What is the other option. Check, and hope you get a bet (and maybe some calls) let others build the pot for you. Then you could raise (or maybe even just call if there are more streets and you feel really strong and want to give others a chance to trapped). This could build you a bigger pot.
But if you do that you risk that there won't be a bet and you won't get a chance to get any money into the pot.
This is the disadvantage of early position. You are faced with a decision with imperfect information. And you might choose the worse of the two options
But now the next player bets out of turn. You know that it's binding if you check. Now you no longer have to make the decision if you want to bet or check. You check because there is no longer any chance that it checks around behind you. You are guaranteed the opportunity to raise. You are now making your decision with perfect information. Everyone else is hurt because you no longer have the opportunity to make the wrong decision.
In essence the skipped player is given the button. Now it is true that having the information that the oot player tried to bet can influence the action in the same way even if it is not binding. The oot player will likely bet even if not required to .... But at least it is possible that he doesn't. So even though there is damage .... The possibility that the player doesn't bet does still exist and a wrong decision can be made.