[ThinkQuick]

[ QUOTE ]
So wait...someone says "QJ looks good", and thats a penalty?

If the board is QQJ, I think most people can tell what looks good, is it really so bad if I say it? Perhaps you're thinking of a different instance, but thats what comes to my mind.

If 2 hearts are on the flop...and the turn drops a heart. Is it a penalty to say "ohhhh someone might have made a flush!"..I mean really, any poker player can see that someone COULD have made a flush, its not like its a huge revelation.

Certain things aren't good...like saying "you have odds to call" or "call, he's bluffing"...basically, I don't think its right to TELL a player how to play, or give suggestions. But if you're simply commenting on the board...i don't think it should be taken seriously.

[/ QUOTE ]

Both of your examples are actually 'bad' things to say.
Official ruligns make it clear that it is a players responsiblity to read the board and evaluate their own hand.

It is not appropriate for you to point out that there are three hearts on board, as this could let a player see something that they hadn't previously noticed.

Your argument that "any poker player can see that someone COULD have made a flush" is not really correct, nor is it a useful way to determine when to apply the "not talking" rule; as Jon pointed out, "where do you draw the line?".

While the QQJ example is indeed even more obvious, I'm sure you can see the reason that it would be inappropriate for you to say anything. There is a no talking about the hand while it is in play rule. You cannot suspend this when the board is "sufficiently obvious".

This of course depends on how friendly the game is, as some home games have everyone talking about every hand and that's ok.

However, as far as 'casino-style' rules - you are not permitted to say 'a flush is possible' OR 'QJ looks good' for good reason