Manners and etiquette makes the world go round. Without it, there will be no organization.
In the Poker community, this concept is a very big part of what it means to play poker.
Having the right poker etiquette indicates an understanding of the behavioral rules and regulations as well as the norms that are practiced on the poker tables.
Having your Poker betting line means that you will not be liable to casual mistakes that people who are not aware will make, thus saving you from embarrassing mistakes that could affect your reputation in the poker rooms. It also affords you respect from other players.
Sometimes, the official poker rules will directly dictate the player behaviors when playing poker.
Poker etiquette refers mainly to the unwritten rules in poker rooms. These are those things that the poker community has come to expect as normal and acceptable conduct.
Some poker etiquette is more optional but it’s still part of being a good person and competitor. Other behaviors may be enforced by poker room management, such as being overly argumentative or mistreating others to the level of abuse.
Even though certain poker etiquette is an optional thing which depends on the individual, it’s still important to be a decent person and a competent player.
The management of the poker room may also enforce other conduct, such as engaging in excessive argumentation or abusing others.
Above all, you just have to obey the house rules. Recreational players as well as professional players should be aware of this at all times.
Here are some proper Poker etiquette that should be practiced while playing in the Poker room.
Some applies to online poker but it is most prevalent in Casino poker rooms.
Table of Contents
ToggleAvoid arguments in the Poker room
In poker, disputes are frequent and sometimes inevitable.
Arguments on everything from politics to table manners and poker rules can arise when people are seated at the poker table together for extended periods of time.
These disputes frequently escalate and start to interfere with the game.
It is preferable to keep disagreements to a minimum.
You can put on headphones or simply take a quick lap around the poker room if you don’t agree with the players at your table.
Do everything you can to prevent an argument from starting in the first place.
Do not Angle Shoot
Angle shooting is when a player purposefully does anything unethical to take unfair advantage of less skilled opponents or a circumstance at the table.
In poker, angle shooting has mostly become unregulated because it’s technically not seen as cheating.
However, you should still avoid doing it because it is poor etiquette to have as a poker player.
Although it would be impossible to list them all, we will go through some of the most popular angle shooting techniques.
Common examples of angle shooting at a poker table:
- When you try to sneak a look at another player’s hole cards.
- When a poker player hides his high-value chips to create an illusion of a shorter stack.
- When poker players try to determine the reaction of their opponents by counting chips or moving them closer to the middle and faking a call in the process.
- When a Poker player verbally claims that he is about to “Raise” and then they only put chips for calling, knowing that they will be forced to raise by the dealer. When they do this, they are trying to give an illusion that they don’t possess a strong hand.
- When a player announces that they have a winning hand at a showdown when they do not actually have a winning hand.
- When a player decides to hide their high-denomination chips behind a big stack of lower denomination chips. This is something players do in cash games or poker tournaments.
Know the game you are about to play
It is good poker etiquette to be aware of the game’s rules before beginning to play. It is fundamental courtesy that you should show to fellow players.
If it is their first time at a table, new players may be an exception to the rule. Players that transition from online poker to live poker will need some time to acclimate.
Beginners at poker might be familiar with the majority of the house rules but not all of the poker etiquette, which is typical.
Sometimes, players may even unintentionally break the rules or act out of turn.
For the most part, though, the player should know the game and the unwritten poker rules.
Don’t waste time by holding up the game
By all means take your time before taking a betting action.
While it is necessary to do this, it can be annoying for the other players if you take a long time over even the smallest decisions.
Time is money in poker! You should avoid being put in a position where other players or the dealer has to remind you to make a move or place a bet during a game.
Have good personal hygiene
This goes without saying, obviously. If you are going to be in a public setting, especially a poker room, you NEED to be clean.
A Poker game will see you be on a table with other players for hours.
The last thing they need is someone stinking up the place.
Personal hygiene is not just proper poker etiquette, but it is proper etiquette in general. Not doing it is more than poor etiquette, it is embarrassing.
Do not Slow roll
Avoid slow rolling at all times because it is one of the worst things you can do when playing.
Players decide to slow roll when they have a strong hand or even the winning hand but choose not to reveal it right away.
In contrast, you should reveal your hand when the action reaches a showdown or when you stake all of your chips on the nuts rather than tricking your opponent into believing they are in the lead.
Simple respect and proper poker etiquette are required in this situation.
Don’t forget to Tip!
Keep in mind that poker dealers earn a portion of their income through tips.
Dealers rely on gratuities just like servers, baristas, valets, bartenders, and the majority of professionals in the customer service sector.
Both the dealers you see at your local casino and those who operate in large Las Vegas casinos must abide by this rule.
Ask a member of the poker room staff or other players for advice if you’re unclear of when or how much to tip a dealer. The servers who carry your food and drinks to the tables also deserve a gratuity.
Be Gracious, win or lose
Being gracious in defeat is common knowledge in all competitive sports.
When some poker players lose, they become angry with other players or even with the dealer.
This is in no way acceptable, because losing is a part of poker.
At the same time, when you win, it is only good poker etiquette to celebrate your wins respectfully.
Don’t hit and run in cash games
Doing a hit and run is poor etiquette and at times, players who do it are not aware.
When you win a game, especially a very big pot, you may decide to stop playing.
Doing this is not illegal as you are allowed to leave whenever you want during a cash game but the other players will see it as a hit and run and may get frustrated by that action.
It is good poker etiquette to give the other players an opportunity to win their lost chips back
Complaining about a bad beat is not ideal
Bad beats happen to everyone.
It is frustrating to go on a bad run while playing but what you should not do is begin a long bad beat story about how you always lose.
It makes you look ridiculous and it is poor etiquette.
If this is something you do at a poker table or in poker rooms then you need to stop now.