A not so friendly reminder that rabbit hunting is NOT ALLOWED.
Rule 28: Rabbit Hunting
Rabbit hunting (revealing cards that would have come if the hand had not ended) is not allowed.
The rule is simple and clear, yet I still see players violating it regularly, and frankly, I’ve had enough of this disregard for a well-established guideline. If you want to see the next card, you must call the bet—end of story. Rabbit hunting not only undermines the fairness of the game for the player who won the pot but also disrupts the flow of play, especially in tournaments where time is already limited due to accelerated blind levels.
From now on, I will start penalizing any dealer who facilitates rabbit hunting. It doesn’t matter who requests it or whether all players at the table agree—it is strictly prohibited. The penalties will be as follows: a warning for the first offense, a one-orbit sit-out penalty for the second, and for any subsequent violations, the offending player's chips will be removed from the table, and they will be expelled from the tournament. If someone asks you to rabbit hunt, just say no—it’s that simple.
If you still need another reason to stop, consider this: rabbit hunting is a behavior primarily associated with BAD players. To drive the point home, here’s a short essay for you to reflect on:
Why Only Bad Players Rabbit Hunt in Poker
In poker, "rabbit hunting" refers to revealing what cards would have come on future streets if the hand had continued. While it might seem harmless or satisfying to satiate curiosity, it is widely considered a behavior of less skilled players. There are several reasons why experienced and skilled poker players avoid rabbit hunting, as it undermines strategic play and mental discipline.
Lack of Strategic Value
Poker is a game of incomplete information, requiring players to make decisions based on probabilities and their opponents' behavior. Skilled players focus on analyzing the information available at the moment of decision. Rabbit hunting offers no practical value—it doesn’t change the outcome of the hand or improve decision-making skills. Instead, it distracts players from the essential aspects of the game: strategy and discipline.
Emotional Tilt
Rabbit hunting can lead to emotional instability, commonly referred to as "tilt." If the cards reveal a favorable outcome that would have resulted in a win, it can cause unnecessary frustration or regret. Conversely, seeing cards that confirm a good fold may foster overconfidence. Both emotions can cloud judgment in subsequent hands, leading to poor decision-making.
Poor Table Etiquette
Poker is a social game, and maintaining a respectful atmosphere is crucial. Rabbit hunting often disrupts the flow of the game and can irritate other players who prefer to keep the game moving. It also sends a signal that the rabbit hunter may not fully understand or respect the game's unwritten rules, which experienced players value.
A Mark of Inexperience
Ultimately, rabbit hunting is viewed as an action stemming from inexperience or lack of confidence. Skilled players rely on statistical analysis and intuition honed over time rather than indulging in curiosity. The best players understand that poker is about playing the long game, not obsessing over individual outcomes.
In conclusion, rabbit hunting is a hallmark of bad poker players because it provides no strategic advantage, risks emotional instability, disrupts the table's harmony, and signals inexperience. To excel in poker, players must focus on making sound decisions and accepting uncertainty as part of the game.
So, there you have it. If it's still not clear, I consider rabbit hunting to be a vile stain on the landscape of poker and I am making it my mission to eradicate it from our league. Act accordingly.
Dead Man's Hand Poker uses the rules set forth by the Poker Tournament Directors Association. The Poker TDA is a voluntary poker industry association founded in 2001. The TDA mission is to increase global uniformity of poker tournament rules. The Poker TDA rules can be found here.
This is one of the least important rules IMO. I would never engage in this behavior myself, and don't see why others rabbit hunt.... there is no advantage to be gained. The main disadvantage is that it slows the game down- and annoys the Poker Purists.
But consider this scenario... It's the last hand before a break. Down to 2 players. Player 1 pushes all in on the turn... Player 2-(also the dealer) takes several minutes to act before deciding to throw away his Top Pair with Flush Draw.
If Player 2 wants to see what the River would have delivered... I'd say it's a victimless Crime.