Quote:
Originally Posted by chillrob
You're right, some of those examples you gave have varying levels of being problematic. I just would draw the line at a different place than you would. I would not allow a married couple or any two players who are known to share the same bankroll, in the second manner I described above.
This is assuming the game is big enough that it is possible for players to make a decent amount of money through collusion, and that other players don't like them being allowed to play together. If none of the other players minds them playing together then I wouldn't prevent them from playing together.
I agree with a of this.
I would also say that if I am at a table where two players make it clear they have a prior relationship, I think it is imperative to find out what that relationship is and how it affects their play.
For one, (obviously) making sure they are not openly cheating. I will specifically look for signals or tells between them.
More importantly, to see how it affects their play. For better or worse, players will play differently against players they have a relationship with. It make be subconsciously deciding to call with pocket Jack's rather than reraise, or it might be even result in more aggression instead. Some way their play will change. I want to know how.