Against the rules?

[aces_empty]

the problem isn't him exposing his cards really, it's the other people are the table telling him what to do. If it was at a casino, i'm sure he would have been forced to fold for showing his cards, however. The thing is, it doesn't make a difference if he shows you his cards or not, if he calls, he's going to turn them over, if he folds, you just got that information from him. I'd say the real issue is the big mouths sitting at the table

[Fat Tony]

correct. the issue is totally about getting advice from people who were previously involved in the hand because they have inside knowledge as to what cards have been folded and are giving the other guy an unfair advantage. if he wants to show his cards in a heads-up situation, that's up to him. but no help from other players.

[thepheonix]

The WSOP rules say that you can do anything pretty much in heads up. You can show your opponenent one card or both. You can say whatever. The advice actually isn't illegal, but IT IS COMPLETLY UNETHICAL!!! It should have broke out in a riot. But as far as rules, it is allowed by the rules of poker. Those fools should get a beating however.

[charlidontsurff]

I can't see how it's possible under WSOP rules. One guy got a ten minute penalty for accidentally lifting his folded cards high enough to the audience could see, even though no one at the table could. You are NOT allowed to expose cards. Then you could guage other players' reactions who had folded even without asking for advice, and calculate your odds of what the other headsup player has.

[Matt T]

I like 2 of the 3 'house' rules they use in the NLHE tourneys on the gambling boat I play on.

1) Do not expose any cards until the showdown or all all-ins have been called, etc. Exposed cards is a dead hand. If you were all-in, you're out.

2) No talking about the hand during the hand whether you're in/out or heads-up. Doing so results in disqualification from the tourney.

3) There is a line around the perimeter of the table about 12-18 inches in from the edges. If you do not verbalize the amount of your bet/raise, any and all chips that cross the line are your bet/raise.

That last one gets people all the time because they're not used to it. No picking up a huge stack of chips and then just dropping a couple in (unless you've verbalized your amount first). Several times I've seen folks pick up pots because they "accidentally" bet way, way more than they intended and nobody could call. It's also a way to play possum! "Awe darn, you mean I now HAVE to bet the whole stack. Well, (sigh) it's too late now."

[thepheonix]

See... those rules apply to whole tables. But once it gets down to two people. Those rules change. I know this. I am going searching now. You can say/ flash your cards to your opponents. To intimidate them or whatever. You know there is no collusion between them at this point, whereas before it could be a major problem. Let me find the rule........

[Always_Bored]

most places call that a dead hand. He can not expose any of his cards while the call is still pending. Asking for help is just worse.

[thepheonix]

TADA! Offical Rules:

Players, whether in the hand or not, may not discuss the hands until the action is complete. Players are obligated to protect the other players in the tournament at all times. Discussing cards discarded or hand possibilities is not allowed. A penalty may be given for discussion of hands during the play.

A player who exposes his cards during the play may incur a penalty, but will not have his hand killed.

So his hand is valid and does play, but depending on the tournement director he might incur a penalty (usually a 10,20, or 30 minute ban from the table where his cards are folded). Still.... very rude and should not be done, but he does take down the pot.

This is from the TDA (Tournement Directors Association) that governs most WPT events and WSOP.

[Holtzdog]

Question....you say he is all-in, did he go all -in after you raised 4 dollars or was he all-in because he was out of money?? If he was all-in after you raised him then did you call him before he showed his cards?? if he was all-in and you called then it should be a showdown.......