When I'm playing NL hold 'em at the casino, this happens a lot: I make a big bet on the river and the other guy is thinking about folding. Then, he'll ask, "Will you show if I fold?"
I never know what to say, so I usually don't say anything. If I say yes, I'm afraid they will take it that I want them to fold. If I say no, I'm afraid they will take it that my hand is very strong. But, in either case, I'm giving away information.
What do you do?
Do not respond in any way. No smile, no frown, no twitch, no tells. Don't look at him. He may try a long, awkward silence. Ignore it. Think about flowers or basketball. May seem rude, but he is rudely looking for tells.
ReplyDeleteI agree with crash. That's also the advice of Tommy Angelo in Elements of Poker. When I ask that question, I'm fishing for more information.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments.
ReplyDeleteI thought there might be something I could say to manipulate the other player into doing what I want him to do. I wasn't sure what that is, though, so I just took the 'zip the lip' approach.
I'm with the other commenters. When I'm in a hand, I never utter a word unless it is to announce a bet / raise / call. There are so many ways that you can accidentally give away valuable information if you open your mouth.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the other commentors, although I have to add that, in my limited live experience, anytime someone has said this:
ReplyDeleteA) they've usually decided they are going to fold before they ask the question
B) they're too stupid to figure out what to do with whatever information I would give them anyways
Against more experienced poker players, I say just stay quiet.
Thanks for all who commented.
ReplyDeleteLate entry here. I agree with the others. I just do the blank stare away from the person.
ReplyDeletebtw -- I rarely show my hand unless it is something special like DQB or a straight flush. No need for my opponents to know what I have.
Right, I agree with most of the previous commenters who say you shouldn't give away free information.
ReplyDeleteThere are situations where you could try to manipulate your opponents with an answer though.
For example, if you want to play mind games with an opponent, you could say you'll show in hopes that he'll read that response as strength and fold to your bluff.
I personally wouldn't try it because I don't have a ton of experience in live poker, but I can see how an experienced player could make such a situation work to his advantage.