Any strategic value in showing your hand when uncecessary?

[lstream]

I have noticed an increasing number of players who will show their hands when they don't have to - i.e. when everyone folds on fourth or fifth. Often it is an agressive player, and usually they have a winning hand when they show. They must think they are working some kind of angle.

I never show what I had and thought that keeping everyone guessing is the best play. Is there any reason to break this rule? I just don't see the sense in giving away this form of information. What am I missing?

A friendly game like some of our private tables is another matter - the primary purpose of these is to have a good time. At least that is what I tell myself when you sharks take all my money. Also, the times when a Roland and Cashola do this do not count since we are "friendly adversaries".

[beta1607]

I never show a hand, unless there is a friendly fish who is losing a ton that asks to see it so I can keep them happy, but I wont show them a bluff (more applicable live).

Its also ok to tell "friendly adversarys" what you have just dont do it to try and make a statement by showing a huge bluff or something, that is dumb.

Also, is Cashola a 2p2er?

[Jeffage]

I never show.

Jeff

[Jacob_Gilliam]

I can't imagine that there's any real value in showing ever. So I never show. Also, I never chat with the other players while playing online.

[Roland]

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Also, I never chat with the other players while playing online.

[/ QUOTE ]

Why not?

[Jacob_Gilliam]

Because there's no need to. I don't want them thinking anything about me or remembering me if we play against each other in the future. I just want to be anonymous.

[Roland]

[ QUOTE ]

Also, is Cashola a 2p2er?

[/ QUOTE ]

Lol, no. He’s my favourite fish. [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[lstream]

[ QUOTE ]
Because there's no need to. I don't want them thinking anything about me or remembering me if we play against each other in the future. I just want to be anonymous.

[/ QUOTE ]
I can see how some people wish to play this way - strictly business. In my case, chatting with some of the regulars and others adds a lot to the social aspect of on-line play. Rather than just grinding it our all by yourself on the PC, it can be enjoyable to spice things up on the chat or even AOL. This has added a lot to my enjoyment of on-line poker - maybe not pure +EV from a win rate perspective but a lot more fun. It can also help when you are running bad to have someone to share war stories with. Chatting with a guy like Roland who is an ocean away is a cool thing I think. Same with Beer - he sure adds to the enjoyment of an activity that is kind of solitary all by itself.

[Alchemist]

In Stud/8 I often show my raised split Aces when everyone folds, especially if I'm in steal position to show people I'm not FOS. It also might throw people off later if I raise a good low with an Ace later on (I don't think that really gains me much at all, at least at $1/2).

[beta1607]

I thought I was your favorite fish
[img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]