Poker Etiquette

The emergence of online poker and its recent popularity has forced poker etiquette into two distinct categories, live game etiquette and online etiquette. While many of the basic principles will remain the same, there are several differences that make discussing the etiquette for both types of games important.

• Have your chips or bankroll ready prior to entering the game.
• Know the betting limits of the table that you are sitting at.
• Always act in turn. Do not bet, call or fold before it is your turn to act. This is looked down upon because it may influence another player’s action. If it’s not your turn and you yell “raise”, it may make others fold.
• Show one show all. If you show your hand to one player you are required to show it to everyone at the table.
• Do not swear at the table. Use common sense here. If the game is all your buddies and you guys swear like sailors, then it’s fine. If you are in someone else’s card room or house, act accordingly.
• Never disclose any information that may affect another player. This could be as blatant as pointing out that you think someone is bluffing or as subtle as stating what you had in your hand before you folded. It is best to say nothing. You never know when your words will influence someone else’s play.
• Treat your dealer with respect. It’s not the dealers fault if you get a bad hand. Always be courteous to the dealer.
• Always protect your hand. Protecting your hand is making sure everyone knows you are not folding. If you leave your cards out in front of you there is a chance the dealer will think you want to fold and collect your cards. You can protect your hand by placing a chip over your down cards or keeping them close to you with your hands protecting them.
• When folding or discarding cards do not throw them up high or in the middle of the table. Make sure no other players can see your cards.
• Try not to “splash the pot” when betting or calling. Splashing the pot is when you disrupt the money that is already in play by throwing your chips or money in the middle of the pot. People may not see that you called the entire amount or the value of your raise. It also scatters the money making a mess for the dealer. Act gently with your chips. Place them in play and allow the dealer to rake them into the pot.
• Show your hand in order. Asking someone else to show their hand first slows down the game. The player who originally bet shows first. It goes in turn from there to the last player who called.
• Keep food and drinks off the table. In many cases food our beverages will be consumed while playing. This is fine, but try to keep it as far from the game as possible. Drinks and food may spill if they are on the table, which will cause a game delay.
• Do not gloat after a win.
• Do not sulk or complain after a loss.
• Avoid excessive talking, especially across the table. Chit chat is fine, but letting your conversation interrupt the game is disrespectful to everyone at the table.
• If you win a big hand it is proper etiquette to tip your dealer. Tipping a few dollars ensures good karma and keeps your table image positive.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Also be patient with other players who have questions.

• If you are new to the game or website, try it out for free at first. Get a feel for the game. It will save you money and prevent you form holding up a game where real money is on the line.
• Make sure you have enough chips to play your limit. 40-60 times the minimum bet is standard (at least $200 for a $5/10 game)
• Chat only in the language that is recommended at the table.
• Do not swear in the chat box.
• Act as promptly as possible. Keep the game moving, but avoid auto response keys. They may give your hand away.
• If you can’t act quickly do not play multiple tables. It is rude to hold up the game at one table simply because you are playing at another table.
• Do not go all in just to avoid calling. Some sites have disconnect protect features that will allow you to go all in if you do not act. Do not abuse this feature or you will be labeled a cheat.
• Try not to over chat. If your chat is holding up your play or the play of someone else, sit out or wait until the hand is over to talk.
• Don’t stay in a seat if you do not intend to keep playing. If you are out of money or done playing, leave the seat as quickly as possible to allow others to play.
• Do not comment on a hand in progress. You may unknowingly affect someone else’s play.
• Do not gloat if you win.
• Do not sulk or complain if you lose
• Use auto blind features. It is usually a bad idea to use the “auto-response” features. But if you plan to play in the game for a while, the “auto-blinds” will help keep everything moving quickly.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Also be patient with other players who have questions.
• Poker etiquette is a combination of common sense and good manners.