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Poker Etiquette

Poker is a classy game. However, due to those few ill-mannered professions we view on television, our supposed role models, many people do not respect the unwritten rules associated with poker behavior. Players have forgotten the simple etiquette that should be followed at any poker table to allow every person there to feel comfortable and able to play well.

• Swearing – It is impolite to use explicit content during a poker game. I know it is done often, but in the end it will leave people bitter with your actions.


• Verbal or Physical Abuse – Generally you want to keep on everyone's good side. Do not ridicule any other player or try to offend them.


• Playing Slowly – Try to act as quickly as possible to keep the flow of the game moving. I know some decisions are difficult and may take some time to ponder but keeping the game moving will benefit everyone.


• Betting Sloppily – It is improper to throw your chips in the pot if there are too many to easily count. Be sure to try avoiding this and making sure to stack your bets so that they can be easily verified.


• Acting Out of Turn – Refrain from making your move before it is your turn. This is one thing that can get you kicked out of tournaments. If you act before it is your turn, you give other players information before they act.


• String Betting – This is where you act I a way to get a response from the other players around the table before you make a final decision. Something such as saying “I call… and raise.” This is considered a string bet and is not permitted at any game. Also only grab the specific amount of chips you intend to bet.


• Talking about your hand or someone else's – You shouldn't speak about your own hand at any time. This also goes along with talking about other people's hands when you are not in the game. You don't want to give unfair advice to anyone. Also if you fold, do not tell anyone what you had until that particular hand is over because that would be giving someone else an unfair advantage by knowing what you just threw away.


• Don't be rude – Don't try to cause a fuss. Even after a big beat, try to refrain from any harsh actions because people's true personalities come out during this game. Also that goes for winning as well. Be a gracious winner…this world can only stand to have one and only one Mattias Anderson running amuck. Also, watch your tableside manners. By this I mean don't talk about other players during a hand and be respectful. The trick is to keep your emotions at a minimum and just play the stupid game.


• Mucking Cards – If someone really wants to see your hand, never show it to them. You will usually want to muck your cards because you don't want to give your opponents a read on you unless they pay the price to see your hand. Occasionally, however, if you make a very good bluff, sometimes it could be beneficial for you to show your hand in order to set yourself up for ones to come. Just show them sparingly and be smart about it.


• “Dealing it Out” – Resist the erg to look at dead cards. Meaning when everyone has folded, do not deal out or ask the dealr to deal out the cards that would have come if you had stayed in the hand. You will never benefit from this. You made your decision, and doing this will only make you a less secure poker player.