Assume that the river card was already revealed and no betting to expect. Then when revealing of the pocket cards came, player A flipped just one card over, he had a pair of Q’s. Player B followed and flipped his two cards over, he had a straight then and so started to collect his winnings. However, before he was able to collect everything, player A flipped his other card over and surprisingly he had a full house. Player B was upset but then insisted that once player 1 unveiled he had a pair of Q’s, he can’t already change that. Player B also said that player A can’t use his other card to have his full house because it was already too late.

Is it significant, the way you reveal your cards?

Thanks in advance.

Kind regards,
David Myers
David,

How you reveal your cards does not matter. Since Player A had a full house, he gets the pot. This is however a serious breach of etiquette known as slow rolling. In tournaments you can receive a penalty for such actions. In a cash game, you are likely to receive a punch in the face.

I got the chance to read your comment about the rule on show one show all. Well, I’m not sure but to me it appeared that in the event I am in a hand to the river and I call someone else’s´ bet, and he has me beat, he has the right to see what I have. Am I right? I admit, in my opinion, if this is the case it’s actually unfair.

Let’s assume that you have a pair. Then you bet into someone from pre-flop to river and fortunately was able to have the third card to have a winning set. It would be nice then if you could ascertain if you actually need such card or not. And on the part of the losing player, well, it’s up to him to show you if you were correct with your findings.

Any comment?

Thanks in advance!

Chris Brown
Chris,

It doesn’t matter if he has you beat or not. If he calls your bet on the river, he has the right to see your hand. He paid for the right to see your hand and can exercise it. If you paid money to see a movie, you would expect to be allowed to see the film right? The movie theatre can’t take your money and say, “Oh, we don’t feel like allowing you to watch the movie.”

I hope you are not so busy for I have three questions for you. Thank you in advance.

1. Assume that I’m the dealer but unfortunately I’m out of the hand and then there’s player 1 and 2. Player 1, at some point, revealed his cards and announced he has a pair. But without knowing, he has a straight instead. Player 2 has a higher pair and then made some efforts to win over the pot. Personally, do you think it was just right to call the straight as the winning hand as after all I’m the dealer? Or instead I’ll just wait for some things to happen as the decision was for both players to make?
2. Do you burn the cards during the dealing of two hole cards right after the deck is cut?
3. Do you know any rule about who cuts the cards during a game?

Thanks again!

Bill Stull
Bill,

1. In Holdem games, cards speak. This means that it is the dealer’s responsibility to call the hand and award the pot. Other players can assist. The only difference in this is if you have a home game where the rules require you call your own hand. In that even, you are not allowed to help. In casinos and professional games, the rule is cards speak.
   
2. You do not burn card before dealing each player their hole cards.
   
3. In a holdem game, the dealer is supposed to cut the cards. However, in many home games it is customary to have the player on your right cut the cards.