Poker Etiquette: “The Dont’s”
Poor poker etiquette makes a player seem like a rookie, interrupts the flow of the game and annoys fellow players. In some cases, poor etiquette gets players kicked out of the game and even the casino!
Being polite to the dealer and fellow poker players is the number one “do” of proper poker etiquette. However, before sitting down at a poker table, players absolutely need to know the some of the most important “dont’s.”
Don’t lose track of betting action
Nothing slows down a poker hand more than a player who continually loses track of the betting action. In order to keep the hand flowing, it is a good idea for players to keep track of the bet amount needed to call during each betting round.
Don’t act out of turn
When done out of turn, calls, raises and folds can give players who have not acted an unfair advantage over those who have already acted. Being aware of whose turn it is at all times is essential to the fairness of the hand.
Don’t toss chips directly into the pot
They do it in Hollywood movies and on television, but tossing chips in real life poker games causes confusion and encourages cheating. To ensure all players bet the correct amount, players stack the chips they are betting in front of them and push them into the pot when the betting round is over.
Don’t expose hole cards when folding
Unless a player wants to show fellow players that he/she was bluffing or give an advantage to other players who are still in the game, there is no reason to expose hole cards when folding. The only time a player is required to show his/her hole cards is at the showdown.
Don’t touch other player’s chips or cards
Touching another player’s chips or cards, even accidentally, is a serious offense that can lead to being barred from the casino or even arrested. Even though the consequences for touching another player’s chips or cards are less severe in casual poker games with friends, it is still considered unacceptable behavior. Keeping chips and cards organized at all times can help players avoid the situation.
There is still hope for poker players who just can’t seem to get the etiquette down: online poker. Players can rely on the poker software to prevent embarrassing etiquette mishaps. Playing poker online is also a good way to learn the “do’s” and “dont’s” of the game before heading to a land based casino.
