Quote:
Originally Posted by Jon_locke
when 2 people play their hands completely normal and want to do whatever on the river when it has no effect on me I don't care. I would only care if it would influence their decions on previous streets if they know they are getting free cards
As with the showing your hand thread, the whole key here is the exception.
The exception encompasses more situations than the rule so it's more like the exception is the rule. Once two people have agreed to check it down once, they know for the future they will likely get to check it down. So what you're asking for is for two people to know they get to check it down but don't act on it. That's a pretty tall order.
In Howard's case, I'm relatively indifferent about the checking flop and turn. Although I wouldn't, I understand if people do. It's like you have "potential for collusion" on one side and the possible utility on the other side, and possible utility outweighs the potential for collusion.
But checking the river with the nuts is different enough that there are actual written rules about it in tournaments (I think you have to be in position, but the premise is similar - the potential for collusion outweighs any possible utility that the move may or may not have).