Is it unethical to look if someone tips their hole cards?

flytrap · #1 10-13-2006, 07:01 AM

We've all been in this position. Our opponents don't properly protect their cards when looking at them, and by glancing over we can catch a peek at what they are. If I know someone is tipping them, is it unethical to look when they are looking, or is it a welcome edge? It is especially tempting when its a live one that is steaming or otherwise out of line. It would be impossible to not make use of the information once it's aquired, but am I wrong to purposely glance over when my opponent is looking?

govman6767 · #2 10-13-2006, 07:05 AM

Maybe unethical but don't do it near me cause I'm going to use it to bust you.

A lot of people say they would warn the player next to them if they were doing it.
I would not I would take their money for being stupid.
Now I'm not going out of my way to see their cards that's freaking cheating.
But if they are just donking them out there for hellen keller to see I'm gonna use it to bust em dry

Andy B · #3 10-13-2006, 09:12 AM

The majority of respondents will tell you to go ahead and look, but they will be wrong. Looking at the other guy's hole cards is unethical. The issue is that you can use information to which you are not entitled against the other players, and it's not their fault that he won't protect his hand. I warn people every time.

prayformojo · #4 10-13-2006, 09:19 AM

[ QUOTE ]
The majority of respondents will tell you to go ahead and look, but they will be wrong. Looking at the other guy's hole cards is unethical. The issue is that you can use information to which you are not entitled against the other players, and it's not their fault that he won't protect his hand. I warn people every time.

[/ QUOTE ]

This is the correct answer. Moral relativism is such an easy and common cop out when playing poker. The fact that you are trying to win other players' money does not give you carte blanche to be a bad person.

govman6767 · #5 10-13-2006, 10:29 AM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
The majority of respondents will tell you to go ahead and look, but they will be wrong. Looking at the other guy's hole cards is unethical. The issue is that you can use information to which you are not entitled against the other players, and it's not their fault that he won't protect his hand. I warn people every time.

[/ QUOTE ]

This is the correct answer. Moral relativism is such an easy and common cop out when playing poker. The fact that you are trying to win other players' money does not give you carte blanche to be a bad person.

[/ QUOTE ]

Don't get me wrong I'm not attacking you at all.
But you can take the moral highground all you want. He's stupid he loses his money.

Now as I said I firmly believe there is a diffrence between me activly seeking to sneak a peek at his cards. And him just holding them out ther for the world to see.

I will not look or even attempt to look.
But if he holds them out there like a donk. I'm gonna do everything I can to get his money I don't care if you say it's dishonest. I WOULD BE THE SUCKER if I did not try to get that money.

Oh yeah the 1-3 stud game at the el cortez is famous for this It's the only reason I play. Usually halfway through a hand the WHOLE TABLE falls asleep ....... I use this time to sneak around the table and switch everyones cards so I have the best hand. The best part is it works because the tar from the cigarette smoke covered the camera. I usually make at least 18 dollars a week with this play.

BriMc · #6 10-13-2006, 10:57 AM

I don't try to see them, but if someone flashes them into my line of sight, and I'm in a position to use the info, I use it. Later I'll probably tell them to do a better job protecting thier cards.

KurtSF · #7 10-13-2006, 11:27 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Oh yeah the 1-3 stud game at the el cortez is famous for this It's the only reason I play. Usually halfway through a hand the WHOLE TABLE falls asleep ....... I use this time to sneak around the table and switch everyones cards so I have the best hand. The best part is it works because the tar from the cigarette smoke covered the camera. I usually make at least 18 dollars a week with this play.

[/ QUOTE ]

lol awesome!

cpk · #8 10-13-2006, 12:05 PM

Because I'm a regular kind of guy, I'll give two warnings to the leaker. First, a quiet warning so as not to embarrass the person. Then, I'll say it loud enough for the table to hear, so everyone at least knows it's happening. After that, fair game.

DonkTilt · #9 10-13-2006, 04:09 PM

This has happened many times to me, and as someone said the natural answer is ''what do you think? or take a look'' I warn them and then I will try not to look but who am I kidding curiosity can get to us and Ill catch myself glancing. At least toss the warn out and if someone makes a comment you can say I know I told them already

bernie · #10 10-13-2006, 06:52 PM

[ QUOTE ]
The majority of respondents will tell you to go ahead and look, but they will be wrong. Looking at the other guy's hole cards is unethical. The issue is that you can use information to which you are not entitled against the other players, and it's not their fault that he won't protect his hand. I warn people every time.

[/ QUOTE ]

I take it you warn the dealer if you're able to frontload off them too. Kind of the same thing...

It's not unethical if you're not trying to see the cards. But, I do agree, that if you see it, you should tell the guy to watch his cards.

Going out of your way to see his hole cards is pretty bad.

However, you also shouldn't have to go out of your way to not see them. Sometimes I have to as I tend to watch the areas around peoples (literal)hands alot. Personally, I'd rather not have the info. Well, unless the guy's an A-hole. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

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