Champion of Poker

Hello,

I’d start by sharing that for three times a week, I play live N/L tournaments near my hometown. There’s one player I usually encounter in my games. I believe he is one of the best amongst the locals and I heard he runs the NL tournaments. Just last week, I saw him and actually got the chance to play with him.

I remember I was the button and he was the small blind. The big blind was the only other player in the hand. Well, I had A9 off-suit and an A flopped. Back then, no one folded and the turn was another A. Both then checked while I placed a bet and he folded with no doubts on his face. Afterwards, the big blind called. Then the river came and was a 5. Big blind checked and so I then placed a minimum bet to the big blind. For three times my bet, he re-raised me. I then called. Later on, he showed AJ and so I lost. I then threw my cards towards the muck. I remember the next shuffler was about to pick them up when the small blind said he wanted to take a look at my cards. I disagreed but then he insisted and so eventually he got the chance to turn my cards up. Because of my cards, I believe he got some information that he can use for his advantage. Do you think what the small blind did was legal and acceptable?

Please, I need your help.

Thanks!

Best,
Reynolds
Reynolds,

In a tournament, a player may not request that you show your hand. This is acceptable in cash games when a call is made, but not in a tournament.