Preflop and Split Pot Rules

[pidrare]

Hello everyone,

I have a question regarding the rules of "PRE-FLOP" in Texas Hold 'Em.
When watching poker on TV, it seems that the players can only look at their hole cards when it is their turn to act,
and all the remaining players who are waiting for their turn cannot look at their hole cards until it is their turn to act.
Is this the correct way of playing Texas Hold 'Em?

And I also have a question regarding "SPLIT POT" with an odd chip.
This question has been answered in some websites but it's not very clear to me.
If there is a 1 odd chip in a split pot in a 1/2 game, the odd chip will be given "starting to the left of the dealer".
Does this mean it will be given to the player who posted the Small Blind even if he is not in the pot (he folded his card)?

I appreciate your help. And I hope it would help a lot of people too.

Thank you very much

[crack]

Question 1) No, this isn't a rule. You can look at your cards when you want. Personally I like to look at my cards as soon as they are dealt.

Question 2) There are a few ways that this is done with the odd chip. No, the SB does not get the odd chip unless he is in the pot at showdown. The odd chip can only be rewarded to the players that are in the hand till the end.

[HalfSugar]

The reason you might see people looking when it is their turn is because this is quite a good practice to get into. One reason is that you are paying attention to the other players rather than your cards as the action is moving round and that is never a bad thing.

Odd chips are usually given out to the left of the dealer as you say but to the first player to the left that was in the pot that split at the end. If a player has folded, they cannot win any chips.

[crack]

The reason I prefer to look at my cards straight away:

A) It takes like 2 seconds to look at your cards.
B) If you have a big hand you have time to calm yourself down before it's your turn to act
C) When the action is on you and you look at your cards, people will generally be looking at you. Looking quickly when you have just been dealt the cards stops this.

That's my opinion anyway.

[pidrare]

Thank you very much for your bright answers.

[clarky]

Well in a split pt one should look for hands that will allow him to scoop the entire pot. I feel that the position is decreased during the heads-up and that pot odds and strategy. Just keep an eye to the odds your getting on you hands.