11- 5-07, LearnTexasHoldem:

Texas Hold'em Rules: Exposed Cards

One Texas hold'em poker rule that is often discussed and debated is how to handle exposed cards. The issue of exposed cards doesn't come up during online poker, but if you find yourself playing in a live cash poker game or tournament, you'll want to know how to handle this situation.

Top 3 Beginner Rooms

Exposing Cards During a Texas Hold'em Cash Game

The rule on this will vary depending on the casino you are in. Do not assume that it is okay to expose one card to your opponent while the hand is still going on. In California card rooms, it is illegal to give any information about your cards in order to induce or discourage action. This means it is not only not okay to show one of your cards, it is technically a rule violation to tell opponents what you have, or even to confirm if they ask you if you have a certain hand. While many players feel like trying to induce or discourage action is part of the game and should not be restricted, this is the standing rule in many casinos, and you should make sure that this rule is not in place at any casino where you plan to expose cards during the hand. Otherwise, you risk a warning or your hand being declared dead on the spot.

Exposing Cards During a Texas Hold'em Tournament

It is never okay to intentionally expose your cards while your hand is in play (an exception may be if you and another player are heads-up as the final two players in the tournament). The reason for this is that the play of the hand may affect others in the tournament unfairly. For example, there is one player left to be eliminated before players get paid. A short stacked player moves in with pocket aces. He shows the aces, everyone folds, and subsequently, another player is eliminated out of the money. If the first player had not exposed his hand, he might have gotten a call and lost, resulting in that eliminated player getting paid instead.

Accidentally Exposing Cards

If a card is accidentally exposed, because it is turned over by a player mucking his hand or a dealt card makes contact with something that causes it to flip over, it is generally understood that accidents happen and there is no penalty. The dealer should make sure that all players have seen the exposed card if this happens.

Your rating:

Click on the clover of your choice

User Rating: (2 Votes)

  • Share on Facebook
  • Print
  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us