The Big Squeeze of Poker

Six-card Option is not just another Poker variation.

Called Big Squeeze, this is a testing Poker variation which places premiums on memory, precise calculation, and applied psychology.

Big Squeeze is Six-card High-low Stud with a one-card draw at the end, and is dealt as follows: one card in the hole and one open, followed by the first round of betting.

The sixth card is dealt in the hole and is followed by a round of betting. Now comes the one-card draw, replacing the discard, in the hole or open, at the stayer's option, and it is followed by the final round of betting.

A stayer may, of course, stand pat, for the purpose of deception or so as not to disturb a hand which may win both high and low.

Big Squeeze is also closely related to Seven-card High-low Stud.

However, the draw at the end of Big squeeze is another matter: it often compels the stayer to make a difficult choice.

Here's one example of how it is being played: the stakes at Big squeeze in this group are one chip ante by each player; two chip limit until a pair shows or the sixth card is dealt; then the limit is increased to four chips. Two raises per player per round are permitted. The chip declaration is used.

Say, you have an open K which beats the board, and another K in the hole. Do you plan to stay?

It should be kept in mind that the staying requirements for this variation apply also to Six-card High Low Stud without the draw at the end. Stay, but be cautious.

With no K's open elsewhere, wired K's warrant staying. To avoid advertising them, a good suggestion is that you check them; then, when the pot is opened, call.

This procedure will also hold down the cost of your staying. Do not stay with wired Q's, J's, 10's, nines, or eights.

Now, player C deals. Open cards are: You-- seven; B-- nine; D- A; E-- Q; F-- eight; G-- three; H-- J; C-- four.

D bets, and E folds. F and G call. H raises, C folds. On your hand, you have another seven in the hole. Raise, call, or fold?

Call. Stay with wired sevens if none shows elsewhere. Stay in the same circumstances with wired sixes, fives, fours, threes, or twos. Stay with wired A's if no more than one shows elsewhere.

In this one, you have caught a Full House. The open cards are: B-- k 2 eight J of Diamonds; E-- two seven two two; H-- Q J nine eight; You-- three two five five.

B discards from the hole and registers joy. E discards the seven and catches a J. H, whose open cards are in different suits, stands pat. You hold a five three in the hole. What do you do?

Your open cards suggest that you hold a lock for low, so do not disturb them. Stand pat; you need no improvement. Then, all the other stayers will probably declare for high; giving you the whole pot.

If the vocal declaration were used, the situation would not be nearly so favorable to you, because you could be maneuvered into declaring before some of the others.

Then, the last stayer to declare would simple beep, 'low' and get half of the pot, for no good reason. The chip declaration makes a much sharper game, and most Poker experts are all for it.