Poker Etiquette
Poker etiquette when properly followed makes for a hugely enjoyable gambling experience.
Playing at a reasonable speed- Sometimes poker demands that you take your time and think before playing. But consistently playing slow is irksome and may earn the disrespect of the other players. As much as possible, keep things moving and play at a reasonable speed.
Be polite- Poker is a game of emotional restraint and losing control can put you in a tilt. Being polite and courteous not only shows good sportsman spirit but, makes your game more enjoyable. Never be rude or abusive to other players. This may disrupt the momentum of the game.
Play only when it is your turn -Folding your hand or leaving your seat before it is your turn to bet is considered rude and should be avoided.
Never show your cards before the showdown- Revealing your cards ahead of time may give out important information to the other players and can potentially affect the outcome of a hand. Your cards should be kept to yourself so that you can retain the right to bluff later on.
DO not splash and do not remove chips from the table- When you make a bet, ensure that you place the chips neatly on the table in front of you. Do not ‘splash the pot’; it disrupts the game, as other players are unable to tell how much you have put in the pot. Proper poker etiquette also demands that you leave all your chips on the table till you leave the game for good.
Do not talk if you are not involved in the hand - Your If you are not part of that game, stay mum; outside chatter or advise is not appreciated and may distract the other players.