What is a Hanger in Poker?
A Hanger in poker refers to an unintended exposure of the bottom card in the deck during a hand, often due to dealer error. This small mistake can provide a player with unintended information about the game, potentially influencing poker strategy. Key points to understand about a Hanger:
- Accidental Exposure: The hanger happens when the bottom card of the deck is accidentally revealed, usually because of poor deck handling.
- Dealer Error: It’s considered a dealer mistake and is not intentional, often caused by improper card handling.
- Impact on the Game: Even a small glimpse of the bottom card can affect decision-making, giving some players unfair information.
How Does a Hanger Occur in Poker?
A hanger typically occurs when the dealer mishandles the deck while dealing. If the deck is angled or shuffled carelessly, the bottom card may become visible. This can happen in live poker games, especially with less experienced dealers. For instance, if a dealer lifts the bottom card too high while dealing, it might reveal part of it to the players. Even a small portion of the card can offer valuable information to observant players.
FAQ
Is a hanger common in poker?
Hangers are rare, especially in professional games with well-trained dealers. However, they can occur in casual or home games with less experienced dealers.
What should I do if I notice a hanger in a poker game?
If you notice a hanger, inform the dealer or floor staff immediately to ensure fair play. Ignoring it could lead to unfair advantages and disrupt the game.
Can players use information from a hanger to their advantage?
Using information from a hanger for strategic decisions is unethical. Poker depends on fairness, so exploiting unintended information undermines the game.