Is this legal??
 

We were playing poker at a friends house the other day and one guy folded before the flop and showed his cards. We tought this wasn't legal since this could give an advantage to once of the players that are actually wanting to play the hand but he kept saying he could do it if he desired. Can anyone clear this up? Is this legal??

No, I think it's against the rules.
 

And even if it wasn't, he's still a dick for not quitting.

I just read "Poker, the real deal" by Phil Gorden and he talks about something similar and according to him at least it is illegal. (if i read it right)

It is certainly against Poker Etiquette. Players can be barred from poker rooms for such conduct. There is a PDF file on this site that explains the rules for home tourneys. That should go for all games as well.

exposing cards
 

a player exposing cards while other players are not all-in is illegal and can be barred from the game. Let your person know that watching poker on TV and playing it is two different things. Yes, we all have seen the pro's expose their cards but only when there is no more action and one of the two players left are all in and both players have allready acted with no raises to be called.

cards exposed
 

At any time a player may expose their cards. A player may play an entire hand while cards are exposed. There are no rules that bar you from showing your cards and no rules that say you may only show them at a certain time.

I believe it depends on the rules of the particular room you are playing at. In most all cases, it is a breach of poker etiquette and is usually an illegal play in most rooms. Check Roberts Rules, I'm not sure if it is in there or not.

You are probably one of those fools who does it. Wouldn't suprise me.

exposed cards
 

Contraty to popular opinion, exposing your cards IS NOT illegal. It is against poker ethics and can get you tossed from some casinos and home games, but there is no rule stating that this action is illegal. The only restriction is that if you do, you must show all players at the table your cards, this way everybody at the table benefits from the same information. ( and NO, just because I am a little more informed than most DOES NOT mean I do this!)

In every Casino I've played in an exposed hand before the showdown is considered dead. Not sure what you mean by illegal though, It's a home game right. Decide on a rule and stick to it 100%.

kick him out
 

Make a rule and then don't invite him back. Yes it's legal but it's bad form.

No rules say you can't. If a card or cards or shown by mistake while being mucked, All players must see them.

Now if someone does it on purpose, the hand is dead. You can also get hurt in the back room if you do it all the time.