Expert: Al Pepper - 2/9/2009

Question
Hey, in official casino rules, are you able to
TALK about your hand? to use psychology as a tactic?

for example, if you have a 2,4 suited and the flop is AK4
could you start stating out loud, that you have the Ace?

like is that acceptable? to talk openly about your hand?>

Answer
Hi Bobby: From an etiquette standpoint, you shouldn't talk about your own hand at any time. This also goes along with talking about other people's hands when you are not in the game.  If you fold, it's wrong to tell anyone what you had until that particular hand is over because that would be giving someone else an unfair advantage by knowing what you just threw away.  In poker, I avoid any situation that would make me out to be perceived as an A-Hole.

It has always been illegal to talk about your hand in any aspect when there were more than two players in the pot.  The rules have also been refined where most places have adopted a so-called "Jamie Gold Rule" during tournaments.  The rule states, once heads-up, players can say whatever they want, as long as they do not state outright what their cards are.   Or, if they do specify their holding, they have to be bluffing (i.e. if you have Pocket Aces, you can't say, "I got an Ace.")  This rule also applies to showing one of your cards (which Gold also did).  The penalty constitues sitting out for nine hands, which could be disastorous when blinds and antes are high and you are short stacked.

So in your scenario, if you were in a heads up situation, you could feasibly get away with what you said.  But if you had A4-suited, now you are in violation of the rules.  Besides, a tournament director could still rule against you if your opponent is very vocal about you taking about your hand.  

My guidance to you is, DON'T TALK ABOUT YOUR HAND!!!  You may bluff someone out of a winning hand, but you will make enemys of everyone at the table and it would give them great satisfaction to trap you or even apply the same psychology to you.  Most good players already have a good read on what you have, whether you talk or not, based on previous hands you showed and your betting patterns.

Regards/AP