showing your cards

[FlyingSaucy]

Typically I never show my winning cards, but recently I decided to experiment with table image in a $5 6 handed SnG.

Early on in the tourney when the blinds were small, I played and bet only winning hands. Every time it was folded to me, typically I had a good preflop and flop hand, and I decided for this tourney I would show my winning hands. I did this for maybe 10 winning hands or so, until it was down to 3 players (top two ITM). At this point I played even more conservatively preflop. I think my combination of this conservative preflop play as well as all of the winning hands I showed earlier in the game is what helped me steal blinds when they were big. For example, 3 handed, I was UTG with J7o. Big stack is in the small blind, and small stack is the big blind. I did this 3 or 4 times late in the tourney, and managed to double my stack almost strictly on blind stealing.

I'm not sure if showing my cards early in the Sng had anything to do with their fear of me, or if they just happened to have absolute crap every time I raised, but thought I would share to see what you think about showing cards, and if it can be valuable to show them very often.

[Vaun21]

I'd say it's situational. If you think that the table you're at will develop some fear if you show some huge made hands, then by all means, go for it. Personally, I don't like to give out any free information if I don't have to. And in complete contrast, I would rather show a complete bluff hand as opposed to a made hand. Many times I have had people call me with Ace high or bottom pair at the river after I have shown a bluff when I actually have a very strong, winning hand. But again, I think it's all relevant to your situation and the players at your table.

[zenbitz]

I don't think showing cards helps you steal blinds.
Maybe you get the first one for free, but on the second, everyone knows you're stealing. Your cards aren't relevant - only the blinds' cards are.

[michael1123]

Typically, you want to have a reason to show your cards. If people are folding to your bets more than you'd like, showing a few bluffs can loosen them up to your bets. If people are calling you too much, showing some big hands can help you steal more.

Late in tournaments with high blinds, its pretty simple. If you're playing tight and passive you should barely ever show your big hands and you're playing loose and aggressive you shouldn't show your bluffs.