3 Patterns for a “Chop” in Poker! How to Distribute Odd Chips and Handling Blind Chops

A “chop” in poker is a term that refers to a “draw” where the pot is shared, but behind it lie detailed conditions that beginners often tend to overlook.

In fact, if you keep the rules vague just because it occurs infrequently, you might suffer disadvantages such as losing out on chip distribution when the time comes or causing discomfort to other players at the table.

In this article, we will provide a detailed explanation of not only the basic rules but also the three conditions for its occurrence, the complex priority of odd chips, and the blind chop which is essential in actual play.

What is a Chop in Poker?

The poker term “chop“ means a tie.

In Texas Hold’em, commonly used in tournaments and cash games, hands are formed from a total of seven cards, and victory is determined by the strength of each player’s hand.

However, keep in mind that if the strength or numbers are exactly the same, it results in a “chop” (tie), and chips are distributed to each player.

While the probability of a chop occurring is quite low, there are various patterns that can happen during an actual game.

The next section introduces the three patterns that result in a chop.

3 Patterns for a Chop in Poker

Although chops are rare, here are the three patterns for a chop.

When Hand Strength is the Same

When players show down with the same hand, win/loss is determined by the strength of the numbers, but if the numbers are also the same, it is a chop.

For example, if it’s a battle between straights like in the image below.

Generally, victory is determined by the strength of the kicker (cards not involved in the hand), but even if Player A’s kicker is a 10, Player B’s kicker would also be the 10 from the community cards, making the kicker strength equal.

In cases like this, it results in a chop.

When Hole Card Numbers are the Same

If hole card numbers are the same at showdown, there is a high probability of a chop.

A clear example is a battle between one-pairs of the same number.

The probability is very low, but in such cases, since a winner cannot be determined by numbers, it is a chop.

Also, while many Japanese poker rules assign strength to suits (marks), internationally, there is basically no suit hierarchy.

Therefore, be aware that in tournaments and online poker, victory is almost never decided by suits.

When Community Cards are Stronger than the Kicker in your Hand

In Texas Hold’em, victory is decided by including the community cards.

For this reason, even if your hole card kicker wins, if the community cards are stronger, it can result in a chop.

For example, a battle between one-pairs like below.

If the pair numbers are the same, victory is decided by the highest kicker value.

Looking only at the hole cards, it would be a battle between a 5 and a 2, making Player A the winner, but since the strongest number “A” is among the community cards, the “A” kicker takes precedence.

Therefore, this game is also judged as a chop.

Handling Chips in a Chop and Odd Chip Distribution

Normally in poker, the winner takes the whole pot every game, but the handling of chips changes in a chop.

When a chop occurs, the pot is divided among all players who remained until the final showdown.

If odd chips remain after distribution, the rule is to distribute them to players in disadvantageous positions.

*SB = Small Blind

Please distribute to the SB or the player in the position closest to the SB.

The Small Blind is generally a disadvantageous position because they must act first, but they have the advantage of receiving odd chips when a chop occurs.

For those who want to check positional locations, the article “What are Poker Positions | Order and Advantageous Playstyles with Starting Hands Explained” is recommended.

How to Handle a Blind Chop

Among chops, there is also a case called a “blind chop.”

A blind chop is a system that can only be used if everyone up to the BTN folds pre-flop, resulting in a blind heads-up where the SB and BB agree to it.

When a blind chop is performed, the SB and BB chips are returned to each player, avoiding the rake.

When a blind chop is proposed, you can refuse it. However, consistency is important, such as agreeing regardless of the hand once you’ve agreed to it before.

Please be careful, as acting in a way that always favors only yourself may be seen as poor etiquette.

Play Without Worrying about Chop Judgments in Online Poker!

“Chop” in poker refers to a “draw” where the collected chips are split among everyone when hand strengths are equal.

It seems simple, but if you don’t know detailed rules like “who gets the odd (leftover) chips,” you might lose out in unexpected situations.

In particular, etiquette like “allocating the odd chips to the player in the disadvantaged seat” is very important in live play.

If the calculations or manners seem difficult, online poker is recommended because the system processes everything automatically.
Right now, you can even get a bonus worth up to $45 at KKPoker. First, register for free and practice in a safe environment without any mistakes!