A poker tactic that some players use strategically and others seemingly at random is that of showing cards. When used as part of an overall strategy, this can be effective. When used out of some kind of etiquette or out of a sense of ethical obligation, it can hurt your poker success. When is it and is it not okay to show cards?
Show Cards To Advertise
If you make a big bluff and don't get called, sometimes it's okay to show your cards. Don't do this every time because your opponents will know that when you muck without showing, you had a big hand, and when you show, you're bluffing, information they might be able to use against you. However, if you are trying to get more action on your big hands, or you think you can put one of your opponents on tilt, it's okay to show your cards when bluffing.
Don't Show Cards To Show What a Great Player You Are
Let's say you have a big pocket pair, flop undercards, bet, and are raised. You are dead certain that your opponent flopped two pair or a set, so you throw your hand away. There's no need to show your big laydown at the table. Being able to make big laydowns is great, and you should feel free to tell your friends about it later. When you show it though, you're just advertising to your opponents that they can get you off big hands if they bet aggressively enough.
Don't Show Cards To Show What a Great Player Your Opponent Is
This is the worst infraction. When you flop a J T 8 to your 7 9, bet, and an opponent shows J T and mucks, the worst thing you can do is show your cards. Some people feel that an opponent who makes such a great laydown is entitled to know they made a great laydown. Wrong. Your opponents would be perfectly happy to take every dime you have, and you don't owe them anything. Would you rather play against a good, confident player or one who is second guessing himself? In fact, rather than show your hand, you should shake your head and say something like "You laid that down? Wow," as if you consider yourself quite lucky or the play quite bad. If your opponent is that great, he can get to a televised final table and see his great laydowns on TV.
This addresses showing cards after the hand is over. Showing cards during a hand is not allowed in many card rooms, especially during a tournament. If it is allowed, you can certainly do it to gain information from your opponent's reaction, but you are clearly giving away a lot more information than you are getting. While some players utilize this tactic, it is generally not that useful.
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