"Violates Poker Ethics"???

[Garland]

Watched the last WPT broadcast where Paul made a bet on the turn (checked flop) with J /images/graemlins/diamond.gif7 /images/graemlins/diamond.gif on a board of:

3 /images/graemlins/diamond.gifJ /images/graemlins/spade.gif10 /images/graemlins/club.gif2 /images/graemlins/heart.gif

Mel Judah caught bottom pair on the turn and went over the top all-in with A /images/graemlins/club.gif2 /images/graemlins/diamond.gif.

Paul Phillips said "I have top pair" with the distinct intent on gaining a read.

Mike Sexton said "that violates poker ethics in these tournaments. You're not allowed to call your hand to your opponent."

I don't understand if it is illegal to announce your hand whether you have it or not. Tournament vs. Live play?

But can't you turn your hand up when it's heads up and you are faced with an all-in bet as seen at the WSOP? Let his opponent see the top pair and then read his expression (or lack of it).

Can anyone tell me the precise rules of this?

BTW, I think Paul made a couple of bad moves from what I saw. This last one was not as bad as the QQ as he had the overpair and flush draw. TJ Cloutier had AJ and flopped top pair, best kicker. If he feared TJ having the actual flush, he should have known TJ would probably not simply call $100,000 in a pot of $82,000 with just a draw. He probably would have bet the hand himself or checkraised I would imagine.

Paul all-in with KQ vs Mel Judah's AQ was a big head-scratcher too. When Paul Raised, Mel reraised and Paul went over the top.

Garland

[Mikey]

The reason why T.J. was able to bluff him out with the AJ, is because of this.

T.J. earlier showed a busted flush with KJ of diamonds, when he very well had an abundance of outs and missed.

Now that sticks in Paul's head. So when T.J bets 200k, Paul "the game theory expert" folds. Also T.J. feels he may have the best hand.

"Paul all-in with KQ vs Mel Judah's AQ was a big head-scratcher too. When Paul Raised, Mel reraised and Paul went over the top."

I'm pretty sure it was that Paul limped from SB after TJ folded 22 on the button. Mel Raised, Paul went over the top and Mel called.

Poor T.J. though, the guy gets so far and gets outdrawn. I was very very very happy to see him play on WPT. I hope to see him more, He is great.

Now onto the Poker ethics, you see here I think I don't see anything wrong with discussing your hand especially heads up, but at the same time if WPT has rules governing discussion of your hand..... then it is wrong and his hand should be declared dead.

[LetsRock]

Announcing your hand (honestly or not) is an angle that some people use to get reads. Heads up, it's not a real big deal (just a matter of preference), but with multiple players it's really frowned upon. It can inapropriately influence others yet to act and is (as I understand it) against the rules.

[Bozeman]

In tournaments it is generally not allowed to show your hand, because there are instances where it could be to your advantage (not just from the read you get) to have your opponent know your hand. People thought that this didnt belong in the game of poker, so they disallowed it.

Craig

[MicroBob]

"But can't you turn your hand up when it's heads up and you are faced with an all-in bet as seen at the WSOP?"

the rules for turning up your hand are the same on the WSOP and on WPT. you turn them over heads-up after someone's all-in has been called (or if everyone is all-in if you have more than 2 participants).
this is completely different from trying to angle-shoot by telling your opponent your holding BEFORE making your decision.
typically, if you turn your hand-up BEFORE calling a bet it is construed as a fold.

[ohkanada]

I know in many tournies you can not tell the truth when discussing your hand. So it is okay to lie and say your hand is AA, but don't tell them that when it is really your hand.

In most live tournies I have played you can not expose any of your cards unless all remaining players are all-in.

In live games for the most part you can expose away although some casinos may have specific rules against it.

Ken Poklitar