How to Play Standup Poker, Also Known as Squid Poker

Have you ever heard about a poker game where standing up adds another layer of strategy? Meet Standup Poker, sometimes referred to as Squid Poker, a fascinating twist to the traditional card game. Let’s jump into the rules and strategies that define this game so you can get right into it at your next poker home game with friends.

What’s the Basic Idea of Squid Poker?

As a seasoned poker player, which you might be, you are not gonna believe this: When the game kicks off, every player stands! Players get the privilege to sit once they win a pot. This victory could arise from different scenarios such as swiping the blinds or ensuring others fold. However, if there’s a tie or a “chop,” that doesn’t count.

Before beginning the game, all participants settle on a table bounty specified in big blinds (or a range of them). The last player standing is the one who loses and will have to pay this amount to the rest of the players at the table.

How to Play Standup Poker – The Rules

To get you going and start playing Standup Poker (or Squid Poker) here are the rules of the game:

• Initial Position – Everyone starts the game on their feet.
• Sitting Down – A player can only sit after winning a pot, whether it’s from stealing blinds, a walk, or another player folding their hand.
• Chops – If a hand results in a chop, no player gets to sit.
• Bounty for the Last Player Standing – The final player left standing owes every seated player a bounty, typically ranging between two to five big blinds. For instance, in a $1/2 no-limit hold’em game with a two big blind penalty, the last standing player owes each of the other players $4.

Squid Poker Strategy

Strategy is an important aspect of Squid Poker. Naturally you do not wish to be the last person standing, so that is exactly what you will have to avoid. The following tips are important to consider implementing in your Squid Poker game plan

• Increased Action – Standup Poker undoubtedly brings more action. As players desire to sit, they’re less likely to fold hands prematurely.
• Towards the End – The game becomes intense when only a few players remain standing. The action escalates as players aggressively try to win pots.
• Adapting to Opponents – If you manage to sit early, you can adjust your gameplay. Capitalize on the standing players’ desperation to win pots. For instance, by raising higher amounts against standing players or folding weaker hands when you suspect the big blind might counter your play.
• Late Game Standing Strategy – If you’re among the last few standing, it’s essential to adapt. Engage in bigger re-raises, see more flops, and occasionally go all-in on semi-bluffs. Also, play your strong hands quickly.
• Incentive to Win – Always remember, every pot you’re contesting while standing has an added virtual value equivalent to the penalty. So, even if a pot seems small, winning it offers significant relief.

Can You Play Squid Poker in Casinos?

While the game sounds like something you’d want to try out immediately, even in a casino, not all casinos might be open to this side action, especially for small stakes due to practical issues. For instance, if a player takes a restroom break, they might owe everyone upon return. Gaining consensus from unfamiliar players can also be challenging.

However, in private settings or high-stakes rooms where players are familiar with each other, Standup Poker can thrive without hiccups. But, in general casino environments, the conspicuous nature of the game might draw unnecessary attention, making it best suited for private affairs.

The Game Even Has Health Benefits!

Standup Poker injects immediate excitement to your game, but it also works well to improve your health. In times where we all become increasingly sedentary as live or online poker players, getting up and standing for periods of time has shown to be good for your wellbeing and physical posture. Why not add in some squats while you are it?!