Look at a players cards when they are holding them out?

I've played next to players that don't keep their cards on the table and they are holding them out almost in plain view. I know I could easily look and see what they are but I try not to because I don't want anyone else to notice I am doing this?

What exactly is the rule for this sort of thing? Is it up to the player to keep their cards protected? If I don't even have to move my head to look is that considered cheating?

Ken Warren suggest to sit next to the player and glance at his or her cards ONLY when you're in the hand. But considering the crappy quality of his book I don't know if ANY of his advice is ANY good.

I have mentioned it to people but they were mostly newbies that were at a friend's house. If it happened at a casino I think I would still tell somebody because although I like to win, I don't want to cheat to win.

I'd tell them, but I wouldnt keep reminding them =)

During the hand if you see it you should fold and tell him to keep his hand more concealed. I guess im sympathetic cause i used to do that too.

I believe it is the player's responsibility to conceal and protect his cards at all times...

If someone is being a complete fool and I see his, I have no issues with using the information but I will not go out of my way to take advantage of it.

- sed

Pretend you have a great read on him and predict his cards, suits and all. Be poker God for the rest of the game and watch them all fold to your steals.

I think maybe a little reminder, "Hey, people might be able to see your cards," would be in order. After that, if you don't even have to turn your head its their fault for showing you the cards. Never go out of your way to try to see, but if they show you, its their problem. imo

Originally Posted by IowaSkinsFan

During the hand if you see it you should fold and tell him to keep his hand more concealed.

replace you should fold with he should fold and i agree.

I was playing in a home game over the weekend, and had a slightly different situation. Between hands, I got up to grab everybody drink, yes I'm a good hoast for a home game, get you good and drunk, (smile) but they dealt out the cards as I was handing out drinks, no big deal, except my neighor at the table decided since he was having his ass kicked and kicked again, to maybe have a peak at my cards.

Well, I didn't say anything pretended not to notice and saw that I had a suited 8 9. I was sb, so what the heck right? An unraised pot, may as well see the flop for a nickle. Landed a strait on the flop, but by this time, my drunk friend didn't remember what I had and made a large bet. He was small stack so I reraised him all in and he calls. After dealing out turn and river, and me clearly having him beat he blerts out for the room to hear, "Even when I look at your cards and know what you have you still beat me!" I proceded to give him a long lecture about cheeting and move him accross the table.

Anyway, nothing to do with whats on topic, but funny story I thought. In principle I shouldn't have him back to my home games, but since his money tends to constistently head my way at the table, I think I might.

it's their job to protect their cards. it's yer job to take their money.

He clearly got your hands confused in his head :P

at a b&m card room/casino, I always give one warning and one warning only. If they do not protect their cards after that, I cannot be held accountable for what info I gain. It's like when one guy at the casino was talking to his wife in spanish. he said something like "Comprar un tres" meaning "to buy a 3" and I know Spanish A 3 popped off on the river and he bet out and i folded knowing he was drawing to the gutshot wheel.

Originally Posted by outphase

at a b&m card room/casino, I always give one warning and one warning only. If they do not protect their cards after that, I cannot be held accountable for what info I gain. It's like when one guy at the casino was talking to his wife in spanish. he said something like "Comprar un tres" meaning "to buy a 3" and I know Spanish :) A 3 popped off on the river and he bet out and i folded knowing he was drawing to the gutshot wheel.

Kick ass.