Rabbit hunting in poker: what it is and why it doesn't help you

A rabbit hunt is when, after a hand ends early, a player asks to see the cards that would have come on the next streets. Nobody wins or loses anything: the cards are just revealed out of curiosity.

Example

You fold your flush draw on the turn against a big bet. The hand ends. You ask “can we rabbit?” and the dealer shows the river card that would have come. It was your flush card. Ouch.

Is it allowed?

Live casinos: many rooms don’t allow it because it slows the game and can cause arguments. Some allow it only in friendly or home games. Always follow the house rules.
Online: some sites offer a rabbit-hunt button (sometimes for a small fee or reward points); most don’t.
Home games: up to the group. Agree before you start. See home poker games.

Why it doesn’t help you

Your decision should be judged by the information you had at the time, not by the card that would have come. Folding a weak draw against a big bet can be correct even if the next card would have made your hand.

Rabbit hunting trains the wrong habit: judging decisions by results. Read results-oriented thinking and pot odds and outs instead.

Etiquette

Ask the dealer politely, once the hand is fully over.
Don’t ask every hand; it slows the game for everyone.
Never comment on a hand still in play. See poker etiquette.

FAQ

What is a rabbit hunt in poker?

Revealing the cards that would have come after a hand ended early, just out of curiosity.

Can you rabbit hunt in a casino?

Many casinos don’t allow it; some allow it in certain games. Follow the house rules.

Can you rabbit hunt online?

Some sites offer a rabbit-hunt button, but most don’t.

Does rabbit hunting help you improve?

No. It encourages judging decisions by results instead of by the information you had.