Honesty in a Poker Game
There are many clichés regarding the concept of honesty. Unfortunately, in today’s world the concept of honesty seems to be situational for many players. I have noticed this to be especially true of poker players. There are players that will be honest if it benefits them.
This week I have been playing a series of poker tournaments in Las Vegas. They were mostly mixed games. I was fortunate enough to make a final table in one and just miss the final table in another event. During the event I made the final table of, the concept of honesty came up numerous times.
First, there was a pot in which a player had called my bets to the river in a split pot game. I showed a strong low and they showed a weaker low. I didn’t have any sort of a pair. At showdown, both players should really show their cards. Many will muck a losing hand in a limit game. In this case, I looked at my opponent and said, “No pair?” He stopped his muck action and looked at his hand again. He found he had a pair of sixes and we split the pot. Someone at the table remarked, “That will be the last time he speaks in a pot I bet.”
The remark actually annoyed me a little bit. Basically it implied that I should be dishonest just for the sake of winning a pot. I think that this is a bogus way of thinking and acting at a poker table. A few hands later, a player showed his hand thinking that his low was outdrawn and the dealer failed to see they made a flush. I pointed it out and the dealer split the pot. The opponent didn’t like this much, but players at the table are actually supposed to help the dealer if they make a mistake.
Yet another example came up later where the dealer moved the button twice by accident. As a result, my big blind was skipped. Nobody noticed except me. I pointed it out and the dealer looked a little confused when I told him that I should be the big blind. Many players discovering this would allow the big blind to skip them to save them money. I could have done this, but it isn’t honest.
A man or woman is only as good as their word. Part of your word is the integrity you show at the poker table and in life. I personally believe that a person will act the same way at a poker table as they do in life. I believe in fair play and will go out of my way to make sure the rules are upheld, even if it costs me.
Actually in this case it did cost me. The player I asked whether he had a pair of sixes actually outlasted me in the event. The event paid only 3 spots. I finished 5th in the event. Chances are he made the money. If I would not have been honest, there is a chance he doesn’t make it to the final table and outlast me. I really don’t care. I would rather him outlast me and be able to walk away from the table with a clear conscience than to cheat him and always know that it may be part of the reason I won. Some players have no problem with being dishonest in a poker game. I do.
Another thing I believe in is karma. I do think that what you put out does come back to you in the end. Chances are I cost myself a cash and maybe even a win as a result of my honesty. However, later that day I hit two of the biggest wins I have had playing video poker to cover my tournament entry fee and give me some money left over. I finished up on the day.
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