Betfair Official Blog

When To Reveal Your Poker Hand

WHEN a player has position and checks to his opponent on the river, his opponent is obliged to reveal his hand.

So writes Luke Kim, on his Las Vegas blog:

Oftentimes, the out-of-position opponent will verbally concede the hand by saying, "you got it" or something to that effect.

This player will often get upset if he is forced to table his hand, even if it is a complete bluff. I have played plenty of both live and online poker, and if I am supposed to reveal first, I do so without hesitation.

I have also irritated several opponents by checking a strong hand in position like two pair on the end and forcing my opponent to reveal his busted draw. I don't do this to needle the guy, although, if I call his bluff, the embarrassment factor could play a part. I'd be interested to hear what the opinions are.

In my opinion, to say, "i missed" or something to that effect without mucking your hand immediately is a total angle-shoot at either gathering information and/or claiming the pot.

In online games, all hands to showdown are essentially face-up. I've often what the effect on live poker would be if every hand were turned up at showdown.

Heads down - for a bonus

• Poker