|
When you’re playing online, you’re free to talk to others in the room about your
hand, watch TV at the same time, etc. In live play, there are many more things that
you should remain aware of when observing poker etiquette.
- Avoid string bets
A string bet is when you put chips into the put using more than one motion. When
raising or betting, simply announce the word “raise”. After you’ve done that, you’re
free to make unlimited trips back to your chip stack for more.
This is done to prevent players from putting money out to gauge an opponent’s reaction,
then going back for more chips.
- Don’t talk about your own hand while you’re still in it
This includes announcing your hand to get a reaction from your opponent.
- Be nice to the dealer
Yes, the dealer is being paid to be there, but they have nothing to do with
your bad cards. Treat them with respect.
- Don't hold up the game
Doing things like talking on your cell phone, chatting with someone sitting behind
you, or just not paying attention are OK in moderation. Be aware of how you might
be slowing the game down for other people in the process.
Certainly, there's no shame in taking your time to make good decisions. In general,
nobody will fault you for that type of delay (again in moderation).
- Don’t remove your cards from the table
There's no good reason for it, and casinos generally frown upon it.
- At showdown, be sure to reveal both of your cards
Some players have a tendency to turn over only one card in an effort to preserve
some of the mystery of their hand at showdown. Dealers will quite often scold you
for this anyway, but make their lives a bit easier and just flip both of them up.
- Don't talk about the hand when you're not in it, or give away the cards
you folded
Nothing irritates good players more than when another player at the table sighs
when the board comes 772.
- Don't splash the pot
Throwing your chips in the middle when betting slows down play, and can sometimes
cause dealer confusion.
- Don't show other players your cards
Getting help from other players, helping others, or just showing off your cards
is considered bad form.
- Don't play out of turn
Don't fold your hand until it's your turn. It gives an unfair advantage to any player
who has yet to act before you.
|
While there are not nearly as many ways to have improper etiquette at an online
table, there are some good general guidelines to follow that make the experience
a little more enjoyable for everyone.
- Don't be "that guy"
Nothing ruins a poker game quite like a player who makes it their objective to be
rude and disrespectful of other players.
- Don't talk about the hand when you're not in it, or give away your folded
cards
Nothing irritates good players more than when the board comes 777, and someone types
.. "darn, folded 72!". Even if you're only joking, it's distracting to the players
still in the hand and they're not sure if you're joking or not.
- Don't tie up a seat when you have no intention of returning
If you know there's a good chance you're not coming back to a cash game, simply
leave the seat so another player can sit down.
|