I didn't even realize this is what happened when I was in the hand. I knew I didn't think he had any more chips, so I assumed his hand happened to be over his stack. It was only after he rebought that the lady in the 1 seat to my left pointed out he had been picking up his stack, and pointed out that he was doing it again multiple times after the hand.

And to be clear, I acknowledge my original screw up at the start of it (and I was expecting to be forced to play with my hand face up, I didn't think turning it back was even an option).

Somewhat ironically, this was largely caused by how much I hate the whole "who will show first?" dance in all-in hands or bets on the river. As a result when the betting is over, I always flip my hand immediately just because I think it is better for the game and everyone's enjoyment to just move on to the next hand quickly. Whoops.

Not related to this OP exactly, but when I played 2/5 at Horseshoe Cincy over the weekend it was very common for players to put their black chips under their whites. I never said anything since I was paying attention to stacks, but it could've been an issue for someone else especially at the 1/2 level. At 2/5 the game is slower and players tend to ask/verify stacks more often.

As for this OP ... I think it's up to the room to tell the dealers what they can or can't do. I do prefer that the dealers wait until after the hand (unless it affects the hand) to instruct players on how to act. At some casinos the A8 would've been declared a dead hand for exposing it too quickly, regardless of winning or losing hand value.

Any rule/ruling can be 'modified' by the 'for the good of the game' clause. And this was a good spot for the dealer to protect the integrity of the hand, but I also wouldn't expect it from all dealers in all rooms. GL

Guy shouldn't have his chips in his hands, i.e hiding his chips. His fault, also karma for his terrible play.