Modern poker apps are increasingly introducing non-standard game formats such as bomb pots, Pot-or-Fold, and double-board setups. These formats can be found on PPPoker, ClubGG, and X-Poker, especially in private unions with custom rules. These formats make the game more dynamic and engaging — especially for recreational players. Overall, most casual players are already quite competent in standard NLH and PLO formats, but these new variants remain an unsolved puzzle for them, where they may leak far too much EV.
That said, these formats often increase variance and lead to higher rake. Without rakeback, playing them can become unprofitable — even for skilled players. But with strong deals from PokerDealsHub partners, these formats can be turned into a profitable edge.
Bomb Pots: Starting with a Flop
In bomb pots, each player antes up before the hand begins, and the action starts directly on the flop. This means you’re always in a multiway pot and facing opponents with a full, 100% hand range.
In these situations, it’s important to play hands with strong nut potential — suited connectors, high pairs, or hands that can make straights or flushes. Conversely, you should avoid overplaying sets on boards with flush or straight draws: the chances that someone has the nuts in a multiway pot are much higher.
Double Boards: Two Flops, Two Fights
In this format, two separate flops are dealt. Victory is determined for each board individually, and the pot can be split. This adds depth to the game but also increases rake pressure — as rake is charged even on split pots.
One typical risk: you lose on one board and split the other, walking away with just one-fourth of the total pot — effectively losing half of your investment. Rule of thumb: apply pressure when you have the nuts on one board or near-nuts on both.
Pot-or-Fold: Minimal Choices, Maximum Pressure
Pot-or-Fold appears in both NLH and PLO. Every player posts an ante, a pot is formed, and the flop is dealt immediately. Each player has only two options: go all-in for the size of the pot (pot bet) or fold.
The key strategy here is to consider your position (how many players are left to act), the position of the bettor, and how many players have already called. The later your position, the wider your attack range can be — as long as no one has bet yet. Alongside value hands with strong equity, you should mix in semi-bluffs — hands with weaker equity but good potential. Respect bets from early positions and only enter the pot with strong hands. But when you’re on the button, be aware of your minimum defense frequency to prevent late-position players from “printing money” by bluffing too frequently against you.
Rake Rises, but It’s Not the End
In all these formats, pots tend to grow larger, and total rake increases over time. This makes rakeback an essential part of any winning strategy — it’s the only way to consistently offset commission losses and stay profitable.
At PokerDealsHub, you’ll find rakeback deals with boosted percentages for PPPoker, ClubGG, and X-Poker. Play smart, take advantage of these formats, and start earning rakeback from your very first hand.