Timed tables

[p4594spa]

I am thinking of moving up to a limit that at most Casinos are played timed rather than raking every hand. I have seen 2-3 different posts about these being taken out of a pot when they are due. Also seen some people say they would just pay their own time.

Overall this left me pretty confused. Can someone please explain how this actually works. And what they right strategy is?

[AngusThermopyle]

Say 10 handed table. $6 per half hour charge.
1. Everybody pays their own charge. No time pot.

2. Time pot. One person (George) puts up the $60. First pot over $X (depends on limit, etc), the winner gives George $60. This way the 'winner' pays the rake for the half hour.
Alternative: First pot over $X, the winner gives George $30. Next pot over $X, that winner gives George $30. That way the charge is spread out.
If you play 8 hours, you would be charged $96 in time. If you win 3 $30 time pots (out of 32 in an 8 hr period) you "pay" $90.

3. If there is a time pot, you do not have to join. It is voluntary. Say 8 players join. The other two pay their $6 each directly to the house. George puts up the other $48. George gets his money from the first (or first two) pots over size $X won by one of the 8.

4. Fewer pots you win, fewer time pots you pay. So, if you are tight, you should end up paying a bit less than by just paying your time.

5. Some games, the action tightens up when playing for time pots, since there will be a $30 'rake' on the pot. Some games, no discernible difference.