There are specific rules dictating when and how a player can show their hand in poker. There are exceptions too.

There are multiple phases and scenarios in any game of poker that dictate whether or not you can show your hand. If there is a showdown, then the remaining players have to show their hands to determine the winner. If everyone has folded and there is only one player standing with a bet in then there is no show of hands. The last player standing wins that round. There are other types of instances when some players show hands before the others.

Different Phases and Scenarios in Poker

It is necessary to isolate every scenario and consider each as a standalone issue, whether you are playing poker at a land based casino or online at Pokerace99. Let us imagine a round when all players have folded but for one. This last player does not show their hand, yet wins the round and the money. If there are two or more players with bets in after the fifth card or the river has been revealed, then all their hands must be exposed to be compared to determine a winner. All rounds are played in accordance to this rule till all players have exhausted their chips to have only one winner in the end. There can be two winners in the end if they have equally valuable hands.

There is a distinct scenario in many versions of poker where a side pot is at play. This happens at land based casinos and online at Pokerace99. A side pot is necessary when someone goes all in but is unable to match the amounts bet by others. The all in amount that is the least from among the players goes in to the main pot. A side pot is created with the additional or excess amounts that some players have managed to afford. There can be more than one side pot if players have different amounts to bet. All remaining players show their hands after the betting round is complete. The hands are weighed and winners are determined for the main pot and every side pot.

Showing of hands is not allowed in any stage of the game when betting is on. Players can call, check, fold, raise or re-raise but cannot reveal their hands till the end of the betting round. Those who fold are not required to reveal their hands and should not, so they do not have to expose their bluffs. But if there is any sign of collusion then a dealer may choose to compel a player who has folded to reveal their hand.