04-26-04, LearnTexasHoldem:
Showing Cards After the Hand
Some players I've talked to say that anytime you show your cards when you don't have to you give the players information that can hurt you.
Other players say that if you play tight in the beginning and show those good cards even when you don't have to, you get it in the other player's heads that you only play premium hands. That gives you the ability to bluff more effectively later in the game.
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Answer: Thanks for the question Jones. I'm not a big fan of showing my hands when I don't have to but that doesn't mean that there aren't situations when it could be useful. The reason I don't show them is because I make the most money when people don't have any idea how I'm playing. I would prefer that scenario to one where people think I'm just playing premium hands.
The biggest pots that I make in a session are when people undervalue my hands. For example, if you get dealt three raising hands in a row, by the third hand people will give you very little respect -- and that's when you can pull a big pot. I wouldn't show my hands to reinforce my tight table image because that to me is counterproductive. I would show my cards for a couple other reasons though.
The first reason is to take a stab at another player. You may want to do this in a tourney for morale or even in a live game to put someone on tilt. I don't suggest doing this often since it can backfire but stealing a pot is much more fun then winning one legitimately and if you show the bluff then it is all the better.
The second reason is similar to one you mentioned above but exactly reversed. Instead of showing my hand to support a tight table image where I only play premium hands, I show it when I'm not getting enough action. Let's say you have had a really dry spell all day with no great hands. Everyone now at the table thinks you are a rock and only play with AA, KK and AK. Now when you do actually have those hands the chance of getting any action goes way down. Showing your cards when you have little or nothing but won still can win you some larger pots later since people will not respect you as much.
The whole issue of table image and respect is a tricky one. You don't want too much respect or no one will call but you also don't want everyone there raising you since they think you are weak. Knowing your table image is key to winning in poker and if you play within its limits or just outside you'll make the most money. Showing your hands every now and then can help carve the table image but in the end it will be your overall play that does it. So go ahead and show some winners now and again but do it sparingly.
* Note "table image" is how the rest of the players view you and your play.
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