Have you ever wondered what the longest someone has held their breath is?
Do you know the total amount of money that the Bellagio casino keeps securely stored?
Have you ever thought about how many manholes exist in San Francisco, California?
Can you answer any of these intriguing questions? It doesn't matter if you can't. What’s more important is whether you can make an educated guess. Even better, can you anticipate what your friend might guess? If so, you're ready to take on Lodden Thinks.
Lodden Thinks is a betting game based on propositions, invented during the World Series of Poker Europe by the poker professionals Laak and Esfandiari in the mid-2000s. Laak described the birth of the game as a response to their boredom. While engaged in a televised poker game, they found themselves repeating old jokes. Esfandiari encouraged Laak to come up with something fresh. Laak then thought of posing a question directed at Johnny Lodden, another poker pro at their table, while they placed bets on what answer Lodden thought was correct. The exact answer didn't matter; the thrill came from guessing what Lodden might assume. The more obscure the question, the better, as it raised the chances that Lodden would have to rely on his instincts rather than specific knowledge. Soon enough, they were enjoying “Lodden Thinks” more than the actual poker game, and it quickly gained popularity among tournaments and poker enthusiasts globally. playing poker The gameplay is straightforward. First, you need to formulate a question that has a numerical answer. The more challenging and less well-known the answer, the more engaging it becomes. Following this, the two players involved in the bet hold an over/under auction. One player proposes a number they believe the “Lodden” (in this scenario, a third party not involved in the bet) will respond with. The opponent can then either accept the “under,” suggesting that Lodden’s answer will be lower than that number, or they can propose a new, higher bid. After the higher bid, the first player can choose to accept the “under” or make an even larger bid. This back-and-forth continues until one player agrees to the “under,” allowing the other player to claim the “over.” After setting the stage, they pose the question to their “Lodden,” hear the response, and settle the bet.
The excitement of “Lodden Thinks” stems from the need to apply psychological insights and your understanding of how your “Lodden” thinks. If your “Lodden” is someone you don’t know well, you’ll have to make educated guesses based on limited cues like their attire, age, and gender.
In this manner, “Lodden Thinks” integrates many elements that make poker such an engaging and enjoyable experience. Understanding another person's thoughts is crucial, although even a solid read doesn't guarantee you will always win. There's still a degree of chance involved.
Additionally, the auction-based system for establishing the over/under line adds another layer of strategy. One key skill is setting a line that works for you without overshooting your opponent's expectations and giving them an advantageous over. The prime moments arise when you and your opponent have vastly different estimates, allowing you to secure a favorable position. Yet even with a good strategy, Lodden could still throw a wrench in your plans.
Typically, Laak and Esfandiari stake $100 per question when playing “Lodden Thinks,” but some high-stakes players have raised the ante significantly. In Season 6 of Poker After Dark, players participated in high-stakes matches at $1,000 per question. Notably, Phil Ivey and Doyle Brunson wagered $10,000 on how old Daniel Negreanu believed Clint Eastwood to be. Phil Hellmuth commented that this was the largest bet he had ever seen in a game of “Lodden Thinks.” (Ivey emerged victorious by taking the under at 74. Negreanu guessed 73.)
Another enjoyable aspect of “Lodden Thinks” lies in crafting quirky and challenging questions. The more enigmatic and difficult to ascertain, the better! For instance, while someone might easily know Clint Eastwood's age, uncovering how many cars lay at the bottom of Lake Michigan would require delving deep into your “Lodden’s” thought process. One of the most entertaining questions I’ve heard came from a table featuring Shaun Deeb at the Seminole Hard Rock: 'What’s the total number of people that have been murdered by the current patrons of this casino right now?' Just imagine the lively discussion that ensued during the bidding for that question.
Laak mentioned to Epic Poker, “The more you play, the more you begin to notice human behaviors. You start gaining an edge even before the game kicks off.” He noted that consistent play helps you anticipate how individuals will estimate answers related to particular topics. As with many gambling games, your experience can significantly enhance your performance.
This leads us to the curious question: what are Johnny Lodden’s thoughts on the game that carries his name? In interviews, he noted that while he initially enjoyed playing, Antonio Esfandiari has taken it to another level, making it a staple of his play wherever possible. “I’ve played with Antonio numerous times, and I’ve never seen him lose,” Lodden remarked. “That’s the reason it’s remained so popular. He’s outsmarting everyone.”
6 STRAIGHTFORWARD STEPS TO MASTER LODDEN THINKS
1. Appoint someone to act as \"Johnny Lodden\".
2. Pose a question with a numerical answer to that person, asking them to jot down their guess.
3. Suggest a number you think matches their guess.
4. Your opponent can either suggest a higher number or accept your bet.
5. Once someone accepts a call, disclose “Johnny’s” guess.
6. The person who was called must remain under “Johnny’s” guess to win. If they go over, they lose, and the caller wins.
David Hill is a New York-based writer and author, known for his literary works that delve into the realm of gambling, covering from the antics of chess hustlers to the expertise of poker professionals.