Mike and Thomas, do you agree that the wording could be changed to make our rule better?
I think many of the TDA rules should be rewritten to make the grammar and understanding of the rules better. But that's not my place to determine. I'm not a board member. Although I am a TDA member, I think the board should determine to word things.
Thomas, one more question. Do you have any written European Rule Set that supports your claim that the button must show first if no bets are made on the final betting round?
Here's
my thread on links to rule sets of different tours. It needs updating.
But......
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EPT Rule 50. Showdown - After all action is completed, the player who made the last aggressive action must show first and it proceeds clockwise. Whether that was on the river, the turn, flop or pre-flop. In Stud games, the same rule applies going back to 3rd street if necessary. If there was no aggressive action on the entire hand, the player to the left of the button (for Flop games) or the third street bring-in (for Stud games) must show first and it proceeds clockwise.
Players may refuse to show their cards in turn and are allowed to fold, thereby relinquishing their claim on the pot.
Players who refuse to show their hand or fold will be subject to the actions from Rule #51b.
FIDDPA RULE 71 SHOWDOWN
71-1.
If all betting has been completed and no further action is possible, players will be in a “showdown” situation.
71-2.
The player who made the last aggressive action on the final betting round must show their hand first. In situations where all players have checked the last betting round, the player to the left of the “dealer button” must shows first and shall continue in a clockwise direction.
a) In Stud games, the player with the high board must show first.
b) In Razz, the lowest board shows first.
c) “All-In,” if a player is “all-in” and no further betting action is possible, the dealer must stop all action and instruct the players to turn their cards “face up,” players will be in a “showdown” situation. Dealers must ensure that all cards are exposed before continuing with any action. If a player is “all in” or any player involved in the “showdown,” accidentally or intentionally folds/mucks their hand before cards are turned “face up,” the dealer must immediately bring this to the attention of a Floor Person or Tournament Director. Management reserves the right to retrieve the folded/mucked cards, if the cards are clearly identifiable. Venues/ House Rules that are governed by juridical gaming laws pertaining to a retrievable rule shall apply.
d) If there is a “side pot,” players involved in the “side pot” should show their hands first. “Side pots” will always be awarded before the main pot.
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As far as button showing first.... doesn't appear that is the written rule. But thats what the unwritten rule appears to be,
because that's what the players do.
For the life of me I can't figure out why the button player would even think of showing first but that's what happens in real play more often then not.