Each poker room possesses the authority to establish its own rules.
In certain poker rooms, using your cell phone at the table is permitted, but not in all. I personally would prefer if none allowed it. Similarly, some poker rooms permit players to reveal their hand in heads-up situations if they are about to close the action, whilst others do not permit this.
Rules vary.
Generally, this isn’t a significant issue as most players have the knowledge to understand that revealing their hand in a heads-up pot may be against the rules in an unfamiliar card-room. You have the option to inquire about their specific rules, or merely play the hand “straight up”, assuming that the rules are universally strict.
The crux of the matter is, you need to understand that poker room rules may not be the same everywhere. However, they are generally standardized and any deviations are not likely to completely surprise players.
However, some rules are so unconventional and poor that they surprise players, even those with extensive experience.
The Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada, with its small poker room situated next to its sportsbook, has a unique rule in place. Despite not allowing access to their rulebook, one of their many less-than-ideal rules stands out, which is what I will be focusing on.
It seems they have a policy stating that declarations are binding, a rule that appears logical until you learn it still applies even when the action isn’t on you! This rule’s existence, enforcement, and confirmation by the poker room itself can be explored in this 2+2 thread, where numerous individuals verify its implementation.
Even worse, the rule is neither posted nor included in the small guide provided to players.
Mandalay Bay isn’t just home to one peculiar rule in the poker room – it inexplicably provides free poker magazines, but forbids you from reading them at the table.
Returning to the 2+2 discussion, excluding the part about whether he said “probably” or not and whether that’s a declarative statement (which is another issue for another time), I have two significant issues with this rule.
Issue #1: Poker is about deception
In essence, Mandalay Bay has transformed the phishing questions of your adversary into a possible perjury offense if you respond to them.
Apologies, but as far as I recall, poker is a game of deception. How does lying to your opponent differ from bluffing? There’s a considerable difference between stating, “I raise to $80,” and responding to a player’s query about your intended action when it’s your turn.
If Mandalay Bay were running the NFL, players would be required to run in straight lines, announce pass or run before the snap, and trick plays would be completely off the table.
Assuming that the players are aware of this rule, it simply fosters an environment where players tend to be less sociable. The rule instills fear that any conversation or answer to a question may be interpreted as a declarative statement, thereby discouraging them from talking at the table.
How would you feel if you were a victim of this rule? What would your sentiments be towards Mandalay Bay or even Vegas as a whole? This is undoubtedly terrible customer service.
Issue #2: The rules help angle shooters
My main issue with the rule is that it inadvertently provides a safe haven for those looking to exploit angles.
The circumstance in the 2+2 thread perfectly illustrates this, with the victim remaining entirely oblivious to the highly uncommon rule. In contrast, the game’s regular player is well-versed with it and exploits this information. This issue is further exacerbated by Mandalay Bay’s refusal to disclose its rulebook to anyone.
A regular poker player who gets the best hand on the river can ask another player, “How much will you call?” or “Would you call if I go all-in?” in an attempt to freeroll them. Similar to bluffing, this strategy doesn’t have to succeed every time. As long as you manage to get one player each day to respond to your question, you can use this tactic to generate a nice profit.
The only word that comes to my mind is despicable.
If your poker room is dependent on regulars who exploit loopholes, and you essentially foster such behavior with your secretive rulebook, then it may be best to shut down your poker room.
Rules should be implemented to clarify ambiguities and stop players from manipulating loopholes, not to create such situations.
If I happened to be a poker room manager, the thought of unsuspecting players being fleeced by the policies I’ve implemented or enforce would keep me up at night. Is Mandalay Bay operating a poker room or a Three Card Monte scam?
Bear in mind, Mandalay Bay is not just some obscure local casino; it’s a popular tourist resort located on the bustling Las Vegas Strip.
Why is the rule in place?
Frankly, I cannot identify a single purpose this rule fulfills or a single problem it resolves.
I’m also wondering why no other card room I know of has this rule in place.
I’d appreciate an explanation of the “issue” that necessitated the implementation of this rule. Also, could you clarify exactly what this rule is designed to prevent?
I’m also interested in understanding why no one is permitted to view Mandalay Bay’s rulebook, the reasons their nonstandard rules aren’t evidently displayed, and why no explanation is provided for them (refer to the 1:36 mark).
I would advise caution when playing at the Mandalay Bay until these questions are answered… There’s no telling what other unusual rules they may have in place.
