Need A Ruling Answer...

I'm holding pocket queens and raise before the flop. I get one caller who is in front of me. On the flop, Q-3-5, I hit a set of queens. I make a bet and the other guy pushes all in. I of course call and turn my cards over. After seeing what I have, he immediately mucks his cards without seeing the turn and river. A jack comes on the turn and a ten comes on the river. Everyone else at the table asked him why he threw his cards in explaining that if he would have had A-K, he would have it the straight. Of course, he turned his mucked (A-K) cards over and he was awarded the pot. Is this right or should I have won the pot? I have heard both sides. Someone give me the correct ruling. Thanks.

Hey Homer;

I've seen this before an imo your a winner, however I went on-line for the official answer an got this.

First things first, if this is a cash game you have every right to muck your cards if that is your desire. No other players can prevent this occurrence, so if you were playing a cash game, and player 2s cards entered the muck, then player 1 wins because his/her opponent folded.

P.S. I got this from the pokercoach.com

SHERMSTICK

I'm pretty sure you should have one this hand. A player shouldn't be able to take his hand out of the muck. Were you playing at a casino or was it just a home game?

It was just a little home game...thanks for the replies. I thought I was right also.

Once cards are mucked, no more dealing should have even been done.

yeah, you got screwed over. it's pretty easy to prove how horribly unfair it would be if you were allowed to do this. anyone could just muck their hand once they see the other player's cards, and then only "unmuck" them if the turn and river give them the win. so they would get the advantage of not having to show anyone the hand they made their play with unless they win or outdraw. again, obviously unfair and against the rules. there is no "unmucking" and the idea is idiotic. once he mucks, the hand is over and you win. essentially he sacrificed his minor chance at a miracle for the privilege to not have to show his cards down and give the other players information. he can't have it both ways

you're supposed to say "hes stupid for throwing in his cards before all the cards are dealt, so its my pot. screw you guys"

That is assuming you outweigh "you guys" or are close to the exit.

I'M like the one person said ,no more dealing .once you fold you fold,gather the cards and deal on player!!!!!

Once a hand touches the muck, it's ruled dead. This might be a grey area in home games, but it's definitely the case in casinos.