Play Nice at the Poker Table

At first glance, poker can appear to be a ruthless game where winner takes all. Many �would-be’ players envision a table where there is elbow crunching and face scowling action with every flip of the cards. Sure there are players who grab a seat at a poker table and play out the game in this manner. A vast majority of poker players however do find it in themselves to play nice regardless of the outcome of the cards on the table.

One thing all novice poker players need to understand is etiquette. This does not refer to knowing which fork to use during the first course of dinner. It is the cardinal rule book for how poker players should conduct themselves at the gaming table. Poker etiquette is as essential to a game of poker as the playing cards and the chips. Failure to bring etiquette to the table annoys other players and the dealer.

Start off on the right foot by limiting the amount of conversation that takes place with other players. Cordial introductory banter is acceptable. Telling an entire life story or recounting a recent fight with a significant other is disrupting. Turn off cell phones and do not accept calls at the table. Poker is a game of concentration. Other players at the table will not appreciate having their concentration broken with mindless chatter.

Maintain control over personal playing space at the table. Keep chips stacked and never touch another player’s stack of chips under any circumstances. Do not remove cards from the playing table or place them out of viewing range of the dealer or any security present during play. Let other players enjoy their winnings. In the event of a losing hand, avoid tossing the cards haphazardly on the table or hurling obscenities at the dealer.

Keep up with the flow of the game. A player who takes too long to make a hand decision slows down the pace of the game. Refrain from commenting on cards received or showing other players a hand after just folding. Each of these can throw off the concentration of other players and disrupt the game. Above all else, maintain a great deal of respect for the dealer. Do not hold this person responsible for the outcome of each hand. They are simply doing their job.

In the event that a poker etiquette rule is broken, simply apologize to the other players and the dealer. Let play continue as normal after that. Many players understand that etiquette is often broken in an unconscious manner. Poker etiquette is what keeps the world of poker running smoothly. 

Learn more about poker and poker etiquette at PokerRoomSchool.