Think it's good once in a while to challenge these rules which may or may not have become outdated. Our local gala STILL antes people when they miss a round of the button and cannot really justify why they do this. Such a tilting ridic rule but seems to remain because it's a rule they've always had
I agree, but top of the list to review HAS to be the way the string-betting rule is used in the UK.
I am not sure I have ever seen an intended string-bet, to be honest, or advantage gained from one. OK, some smartalec will remember one or two, but its out of all proportion to the arguments it causes, especially for newbies struggling to learn the game, whom we should be encouraging.
AGREE! Most outdated ridiculous rule ever.
YES YES YES to you both, without question the stupidest rule in poker.
I agree tikay I have never seen anyone deliberately string-bet in a live game, or try gain an advantage (one of the most famous ones was on the main when a guy who couldn't speak english moved 2million chips over, then brought them back and only bet 1million - was an obv string bet) but iv never seen in person.
What I have seen however, more times than i can count, is someone trying to bet £200, but mistakenly dropping £25 first as he puts his money over the line and another player in the pot (who will happily call £25 but doesn't want to call £200) getting the floor and insisting the bet is £25. How that isn't considered an angle-shoot is beyond me. its a rule that just relentlessly allows people to angle really innocent little mistakes.
In america they use the rule of "forward motion" where regardless of what you do with your chips it's the interpreted INTENTION that count's. so if i make a gesture the shows an intention to bet £200, then it stands, if i drop a few chips by mistake they don;t punish you. Much much better rule.
And ye, no to both initial questions, I can't think of any good reason why the dealer shouldn't be allowed to count the pot but I don't care cos it makes no difference to anyone's life. If people ask the dealer whats in the pot in hands vs me, I just tell them myself wat's in the pot I can't see how it makes a single difference, but as I say, I don't care
agree with george. lots of outdated rules, need to be looked at.