Rake and rakeback explained for beginners
Rake is the fee a poker site takes for running the game: a small percentage of each cash game pot, or a fee added to a tournament buy-in. Rakeback returns part of that fee to you. For a regular player, rakeback can turn a small loss into a small profit, so it’s worth choosing a site and club that pay it.
How rake works in cash games
Section titled “How rake works in cash games”The site takes a small percentage of each pot, usually up to a cap (a maximum per pot). Small pots that end before the flop are often rake-free, depending on the site. The exact percentage and cap depend on the site and the stakes.
How rake works in tournaments
Section titled “How rake works in tournaments”The fee is shown next to the buy-in: in a $5 + $0.50 tournament, $5 goes to the prize pool and $0.50 is the site’s fee.
What rakeback is
Section titled “What rakeback is”Rakeback is a percentage of the rake you paid that comes back to you, as cash, points or bonuses. There are a few ways to get it:
- The site’s own program. KKPoker, for example, starts with 5% instant rakeback from day one and goes up to 50% with higher levels.
- Welcome bonuses that release as you pay rake, such as KKPoker’s 100% match up to $1,000.
- Club rakeback. Clubs return part of the rake their members generate. Ask us about the current rate in our club.
A simple example
Section titled “A simple example”You play cash games and pay $100 in rake in a month. With 20% rakeback you get $20 back. If you lost $15 at the tables that month, rakeback turns it into a $5 profit.
- Compare rakeback, not only the welcome bonus: rakeback keeps paying every month.
- Check how rakeback is paid (cash, points or bonus) and when you can withdraw it.
- Rakeback is a reason to choose a site, not a reason to play more than you planned.
What is rake in poker?
Section titled “What is rake in poker?”The fee a poker site charges: a small share of each cash game pot or a fee added to a tournament buy-in.
What is rakeback?
Section titled “What is rakeback?”A share of the rake you paid that the site or your club returns to you as cash, points or bonuses.
How much rakeback does KKPoker give?
Section titled “How much rakeback does KKPoker give?”KKPoker starts with 5% instant rakeback and goes up to 50% at higher levels. Clubs can add their own rakeback.
Is rakeback worth it for beginners?
Section titled “Is rakeback worth it for beginners?”Yes. Even small amounts lower the cost of learning, as long as you don’t play more just to earn it.