Big Two Strategy?

[Nsight7]

First off, has anyone ever played it other than me?

Second, for those that have, do you have any strategy for play?

As an aside, it is a fun game of, from what I understand, chinese origin. It was actually taught to me by my chinese lab-partner. It plays very well in mixed-game format with Chinese poker as it is also a four-player max game where 13 cards get dealt to each player, though it is a bit more action-packed. A great social game too, as there is not much mugging one another down and contemplating the size of a raise as in NL Hold 'Em and such.

[mothmandan]

Big two is a massive time killer in many poker rooms for the dealers when there are no tables open (at least at my casino). You are not the only player in the world who has played it.

As for strategy I like to lead with poker hands, then go trips, pairs, and singles. Other people like to use up the singles first and then play poker hands when the other players have likely thrown away straights and pairs.

I don't think this game has one kill all strategy, just be flexible and toss the deuces if you feel you are losing control.

Dan's 2 cents

[elus2]

my friends and i used to play where we paid out $0.25 for every card we had left over to the winner. each 2 we still held would double the amount to be paid out. for example with 10 cards and one of which is a 2, we'd pay out 20 units = $5.00. we'd also double if the loser had greater than a certain number of cards. very fun to play while sitting around someone's house and chilling out.

[gull]

Some lessons from bridge (if you ever played) can be applied.

1) Don't cash winners unnecessarily.

2) Keep entries.