3 Cards on the Button!

[LloydFontillas]

(This scenario actually happened while I was assisting at the World Series of Poker 2009)

You are on the Button and everyone folds to you, you move all in, the Small Blind folds and the Big Blind calls you having you covered. Dealer announces, “showdown please”, you go to table your hand. Only to find out that you have 3 cards!

A Tournament Director is called for...... What do you think is suppose to happen and which rule will support this ruling according to World Series of Poker set of poker rules? Most of all how would you feel if you were the guy rolling over the 3 cards in this situation? 

[edwinhui]

Substantial action has occurred, making it impossible to declare a misdeal. (all in, fold, call actions)

It is a fouled hand, so he must muck his hand, but he has been called, so the rules would stipulate he must lost all of his chips as he was called.  (if uncalled he only loses the amount of the call, in this case, the BB).

However, he was called, so he should, by this rule, lose the all in.

In spirit of fairness, invoking rule 1, the proper punishment would be to penalize him for a min raise, or 2BB in this case.

Player on the button should be slapped in the face and told ... LOOK AT YOUR CARDS MORON, or at least pretend to, so you won't be called down by Queen high by the blinds.

[sykora]

Substantial action has occurred, making it impossible to declare a misdeal. (all in, fold, call actions)

It is a fouled hand, so he must muck his hand, but he has been called, so the rules would stipulate he must lost all of his chips as he was called.  (if uncalled he only loses the amount of the call, in this case, the BB).

However, he was called, so he should, by this rule, lose the all in.

In spirit of fairness, invoking rule 1, the proper punishment would be to penalize him for a min raise, or 2BB in this case.

Player on the button should be slapped in the face and told ... LOOK AT YOUR CARDS MORON, or at least pretend to, so you won't be called down by Queen high by the blinds.

I would abide by this but would penalize the button more than 2BB. If he was not called by the blinds he'll win BB, SB +antes. He probably done that (pushing all-in without checking his card due to the size of the pot w/ antes) to steal the pot. For me he should be penalized for 1 M.

[LloydFontillas]

Substantial action has occurred, making it impossible to declare a misdeal. (all in, fold, call actions)

It is a fouled hand, so he must muck his hand, but he has been called, so the rules would stipulate he must lost all of his chips as he was called.  (if uncalled he only loses the amount of the call, in this case, the BB).

However, he was called, so he should, by this rule, lose the all in.

In spirit of fairness, invoking rule 1, the proper punishment would be to penalize him for a min raise, or 2BB in this case.

Player on the button should be slapped in the face and told ... LOOK AT YOUR CARDS MORON, or at least pretend to, so you won't be called down by Queen high by the blinds.

I would abide by this but would penalize the button more than 2BB. If he was not called by the blinds he'll win BB, SB +antes. He probably done that (pushing all-in without checking his card due to the size of the pot w/ antes) to steal the pot. For me he should be penalized for 1 M.

You lost me here sykora? Let's start over. The guys with 3 cards moved all in and he was called. What do you think should happen? Are you saying that he should only be penalized? If he is not going to lose all of his chips how much do you think he owes to the other guy? What kind of penalty will you give him? (that is if you think he only deserves a penalty)

[Steve]

Button has dead hand and he loses all his chips. Must have 2 cards to win hand, he is responsible for knowing how many cards he has, something I am sure he will never do again. No penalties, make sure you count the stub, that this player didnt have a card he was hiding that accidentally fell out of his sleeve. As a tournament official, should always be on the lookout for not so honest poker players. Probably just a stupid mistake, but you never know and cant let it slide.

[jhed03]

The hand of the button player is considered a dead hand, due to substantial actions folded to the button, raise and a fold by SB and raise and a call by BB.

As per WSOP rule no. 78

78. In stud-type games, if any of the players' two down cards are exposed due to a dealer error, it is a misdeal. In flop games, exposure of one
of the first two cards dealt is a misdeal. Players may be dealt two consecutive cards on the button. The following situations may also be
cause for a misdeal, if during the initial deal: a) two or more extra cards have been dealt b) the first card was dealt to the wrong position c)
cards have been dealt to an empty seat or a player not entitled to a hand or d) a player has been dealt out who is entitled to a hand provided
substantial action has not occurred. Substantial action is considered: three folds, three checks, two or more calls, a fold and a call, or a bet
and or a raise or a call and or a fold.

[LloydFontillas]

Button has dead hand and he loses all his chips. Must have 2 cards to win hand, he is responsible for knowing how many cards he has, something I am sure he will never do again. No penalties, make sure you count the stub, that this player didnt have a card he was hiding that accidentally fell out of his sleeve. As a tournament official, should always be on the lookout for not so honest poker players. Probably just a stupid mistake, but you never know and cant let it slide.

Thanks Steve for the post! By the way guys, Steve is one of the top guys managing the WSOP and many more events throughout the world. I worked under him during WSOP 09 & 10 and he was the one I called over to make the ruling here because at the time I felt I did not have the heart to tell the guy "sorry but you are going to be eliminated from the tournament".

I can't forget the look on Steve's face.

As Steve was walking through the room I called him over and at first he said "Lloyd what did you do again?". I replied "I need you to make a decision for me" and as the dealer was explaining to him the situation, he was like "Oh shit" (under his breath of coarse). Than made the ruling like a true professional, explaining how it's a player's duty to know how many cards they have before allowing so much action.

Great times Steve and thanks again friend! I did learn a lot from you!

[edwinhui]

Seems pretty harsh for a first infraction to eliminate him out of the tournament.

I would be more inclined to give him a warning and penalty, and then do this if he commits it a second time.

It is his responsibility, but this is a bit harsh when it was more than likely a careless, but not malicious, mistake.

Button has dead hand and he loses all his chips. Must have 2 cards to win hand, he is responsible for knowing how many cards he has, something I am sure he will never do again. No penalties, make sure you count the stub, that this player didnt have a card he was hiding that accidentally fell out of his sleeve. As a tournament official, should always be on the lookout for not so honest poker players. Probably just a stupid mistake, but you never know and cant let it slide.

Thanks Steve for the post! By the way guys, Steve is one of the top guys managing the WSOP and many more events throughout the world. I worked under him during WSOP 09 & 10 and he was the one I called over to make the ruling here because at the time I felt I did not have the heart to tell the guy "sorry but you are going to be eliminated from the tournament".

I can't forget the look on Steve's face.

As Steve was walking through the room I called him over and at first he said "Lloyd what did you do again?". I replied "I need you to make a decision for me" and as the dealer was explaining to him the situation, he was like "Oh shit" (under his breath of coarse). Than made the ruling like a true professional, explaining how it's a player's duty to know how many cards they have before allowing so much action.

Great times Steve and thanks again friend! I did learn a lot from you!