What Does Rabbit Hunt Mean in Poker?
In poker, a “Rabbit Hunt” refers to revealing the remaining community cards that would have been dealt had the hand continued. This typically happens after a player folds, purely to see what might have happened. It’s a curiosity play-fun, but strategically meaningless.
When You Might Hear or Use the Term “Rabbit Hunt”
Rabbit hunting usually occurs in casual live games where the mood is more relaxed. A player folds a hand like a draw, then asks the dealer or another player to reveal what the turn or river card would have been.
In casinos or online poker rooms, rabbit hunting is often disallowed to maintain pace and prevent tilt.
In-Game Example
You’re on the turn with a flush draw and face a big raise. You fold. After the hand ends, someone asks the dealer to rabbit hunt the river card. The dealer reveals it — and, of course, it completes your flush. It’s a classic moment of poker pain, but your fold may still have been the correct decision.
“Rabbit hunting is pure curiosity – just don’t let it mess with your head. You folded for a reason.”
Strategy and Tips
- Best Practice: Treat rabbit hunting as entertainment, not information.
- Common Mistake: Letting rabbit hunt results affect your strategy or tilt your mindset.
- Pro Tip: Focus on making correct decisions based on real-time odds and information—not what might have been.
- Live vs Online: Rabbit hunting is more common in live games. Most online platforms don’t allow it.
Rabbit Hunt vs Run It Out
These two terms are sometimes confused, but they describe very different situations:
| Term | When It Happens | Cards Shown | Affects Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rabbit Hunt | After a fold, when the hand is over | Remaining community cards | No |
| Run It Out | After all players are all-in | Remaining community cards | Yes |
Note: Some players casually use the phrase “run it out” incorrectly to refer to a rabbit hunt. Technically, running it out is an official part of the game when the outcome is still undecided, such as in all-in situations.
Alternative Names
Occasionally, players might refer to rabbit hunting as “seeing what would have come” or “running the board,” but these are informal and imprecise. True “running it out” happens during a live hand when all players are committed.
FAQs
Q: Does rabbit hunting affect the game outcome?
A: No. It has no impact on the result and is purely for curiosity.
Q: Is rabbit hunting allowed everywhere?
A: No. Many casinos and online platforms restrict or ban it to maintain game integrity and pace.
Q: Can rabbit hunting tilt players?
A: Absolutely. Seeing a card you “would have hit” can lead to emotional play. It’s best not to dwell on it.
