Coming to Terms With the Terms

by Jan Fisher | Published: Feb 27, 2004

It seems there are as many terms in poker as there are in medicine or any other highly involved subject. Well, maybe there aren't really that many, but it sure seems like it sometimes. I recently received a letter from Thomas P., a CPA from Southern California. He asked about some tournament jargon. Part of his letter follows:

Hi, Jan:

Thank you for your informative articles in Card Player. I just read the Dec. 5 issue and would have to agree with you about the jargon, especially at the final table (not that I've been to one yet, but I've come close enough that my wife is almost happy).

Recently, I witnessed someone being taken advantage of at a final table in a deal, not only because of the jargon used but also because of the swift decision that was made and some misunderstanding on his part. Since your column is Poker 101, could you please cover some of the jargon involved, such as "save" and "swap"?

I think that is a great idea. With the explosion of poker, especially tournament poker, there are more and more deals proposed and many opportunities made or lost based on discussions in what seems to be a third language. It is awful when someone agrees to a deal he doesn't fully understand, and also when someone passes up a great offer of a deal because he doesn't grasp it fully and is too intimidated or embarrassed to ask all of the questions. Let me see if I can help.

The two main words you hear when someone proposes a deal at a final table or someone wants to "share" action with you from the beginning of an event are "save" and "swap." These terms can really be used interchangeably. A save and a swap are basically the same thing. A save is a set amount or a percentage agreement specified between two or more players entering the same tournament of how they will distribute any prize money they might earn. For example, if you and I agree to save 10 percent and I win $10,000, I must give you $1,000. In the same event, if you win $5,000, you owe me $500, so the net would be that I give you $500. There are many types of saves. Sometimes, two people have preset conditions for a save, such as it being applicable only if the prize money is X amount or more. Sometimes, a save is for a specific amount; for example, you and I agree to save $500 if either of us makes the final table of a tournament. If I made it to the final table and you did not, I would give you $500. If we both made it to the final table, the money owed would cancel each other out. Usually, in those cases, new negotiations are made for final-table performance of both players.

If you get involved in a save or swap, there are lots of potential problems that should be discussed in advance. Is the buy-in deducted before the prize money is split? Is the dealer toke deducted before the prize money is split? In a rebuy tournament, is the amount of the rebuys deducted before the prize money is split? All of these factors should be covered in your agreement or you are asking for trouble. It doesn't matter how you do it, but it is imperative that you know what you are agreeing to before you do anything. Also remember that a deal is a deal, and your word is your bond.

When playing in tournaments and making swaps, it is important to realize that you still must play to win the tourney at all times. You can't let your friend who is in the event affect your play. If you get in a pot with the person with whom you have made a save, you must try to bust him out of the tournament. It is your duty as a player to do so, and anything short of tough play on everyone at the table is unethical. It is, in fact, cheating. This is one reason why it is my belief that save agreements should be made only in small amounts – amounts that can add to your "sweat" enjoyment, yet not come close to influencing how you might play a hand. If thoughts of soft-playing against your buddy occur, you should not be making these deals.

As tournament play continues to explode, you will meet more and more new players and continue to see the same players. You will make some great friends while playing poker. You also will make some deals; some will be good, and some will be bad. The best advice I can give you is to understand the deal you are making, ask questions, repeat what has been agreed to, and then honor your commitment. Also, make these deals only with folks you know to be honorable and trustworthy. There is no room for welshing, and you don't get a second chance to make a good first impression. Class dismissed.