Explaining Crossbooking

The cash games are still hot and heavy and I'm still avoiding the smaller tournaments at the LAPC.

But today I wanted to talk about a subject many people may not understand: Crossbooking!

Crossbooking is a bet between two players that raises the stakes between them. In tournaments, it's a payment of the difference between what each player cashes for.

In cash games, the two players add their total chips together to determine what is on the table. At the end of the session, they calculate the difference between the two stacks of chips.

Whatever the difference is, the loser has to pay the winner the percentage they've agreed upon.

In cash games, players will crossbook for 25% up to 100% normally, although I've played games where they've even gone up to 200%. In tournaments, crossbooking is normally a lower percentage (1-10%).

Players crossbook for a variety of reasons. Some want more action and excitement and need the higher stakes to keep them excited about the game. Others feel like they have an edge in the game and want to maximize it.

Still others may feel like they have a larger bankroll and want to put more pressure on an opponent by increasing the stakes.

In cash games, normally the two players will continue until the loser calls it quits. Lately, I've seen more people agreeing that either player can quit on the hour. It can be deadly for some players who are running bad, quickly evaporating their bankroll and even putting them in debt to another player.

Lieu: Playing good and running good - killer combination.

I will crossbook, but I avoid doing so if I'm running bad or don't feel as confident. My strategy is to never quit playing when I'm playing good and running good - a killer combination that all of us are always looking for!

I've been in some of the big cash games at Commerce the past couple weeks where everyone is crossbooking one another for 100%. Talk about some sick swings at $400/$800!

The $10k main event starts this weekend and I'm definitely playing this event. These cash games have really reinvigorated me, and I have a new excitement about poker. I can't wait to sit at the felt each day.

Stop by www.lizlieu.net, drop by www.Chilipoker.com whenever you have a chance, or come by the Commerce. You'll see more and more players later this week, and the weekend will hopefully be a great one for me.

Wish me luck! Cheers!

-- Liz Lieu
Pro Poker Player - Poker Diva

More Blogs from Liz Lieu:

• Still in Love...With High-Stakes Cash Games
• Commerce Teeming, But Big Games Struggling
• My First World Series Final Table Part II
• My First World Series Final Table Part I