In poker, leaving the table with an intact integrity is of utmost importance whether you win or you lose. Your skill can get you some applause, but your attitude at the table will make you esteemed. This is why players are advised to learn and uphold poker etiquette, a set of unwritten codes of conduct that promotes fairness and respect during gameplay.
In this casino guide, we highlight the essential poker etiquette you should uphold for live casino or online play.
Poker Etiquette Rules – Play With Respect Every Time
The house rules for poker that enforce professionalism at every table are what we know as poker etiquette. These rules are usually unwritten but are in place to provide a smooth, enjoyable table experience for all players.
Poor poker etiquette, such as acting out of turn, slow-rolling, or opponent taunting, disrupts the game. These acts can also get you in the bad books of fellow players who know how to play Texas hold ’em poker, and even of poker officials.
Core Rules of Universal Poker Etiquette
Below are casino poker rules and etiquette that every player must obey.
Act Only in Your Turn
Betting, calling, or folding before your turn is a costly mistake common among beginners. Only act on your turn to avoid being penalized.
Handle Your Cards and Chips Properly
The general poker rules for handling cards and chips are to keep your hole cards face down and stack your chips so opponents can see them. Do not toss chips directly into the pot (splashing).
Respect Communication Standards
Poker is a social game. However, be polite toward your opponents and limit unnecessary conversation.
Manage Your Time
Poker table etiquette demands that everyone’s time be respected. Stay off your phone during gameplay. Also, learn poker terms like slow roll or string bet to avoid unnecessary actions that could distract or delay the game.
Common Behaviors That Violate Poker Etiquette
Below are some practices that constitute bad poker etiquette.
Slow-Rolling
To slow-roll means deliberately taking a long pause before revealing a winning hand at the showdown, just to create false hope or mock opponents.
Angle-Shooting
A player who angles shoots often intends to trick opponents into taking an action. E.g., faking a fold to trick your opponent into showing or folding their cards.
String Betting
To string an opponent means to mislead opponents by making a smaller bet without declaring the total amount, only to increase the bet after seeing your opponent’s reactions.
Coaching During Hands
It’s unfair to discuss strategies with any player during an active hand.
Talking About Folded Cards
Understanding poker hands ranked in order is excellent. However, revealing what cards you folded during live hands is poor poker etiquette. It can affect other players’ decisions.
Live Casino Poker Etiquette
The poker etiquette in a live casino includes:
- Correct handling of cards and chips is vital. Use one hand (the non-dominant one) to hold your cards, and make your large-denomination chips visible in front of your stacks.
- Maintaining neutral body language to avoid “tells.”
- While not mandatory, tipping the assigned dealers is a good way to show respect for their service.
General Guidelines for Online Etiquette
Online poker is not exempt from etiquette is all about controlling your time and chat behavior. The guidelines include:
- Using your time bank sparingly.
- Managing actions when multitabling to prevent delay.
- Quick manual reconnection if your internet should ever disconnect.
- Being courteous with your chat messages, as most platforms often ban toxic behavior.
Advanced Tips: Situational Poker Etiquette
Calling the clock
When your opponent takes too long to act, you can call the clock. However, even at that, it isn’t good etiquette to use it often.
Proper Table Exit
Leaving a poker table immediately after a big win (hit-and-run) is a legal but frowned-upon practice. Try to play a few more sessions before exiting.
Buying in and rebuying:
Buy-ins and re-buys should be done without interrupting play.
Quick Checklist for Good Poker Manners
Below is a summary of poker etiquette dos and don’ts:
| Dos | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Act only in your turn | Slow-roll |
| Respect opponents | Angle-shoot |
| Keep your pace steady | String bet |
| Tip the dealer | Splash the pot |
| Keep chips visible | Chat abusively online |
FAQs
What does poker etiquette mean?
Poker etiquette is a set of unwritten rules that ensure fair and professional gameplay.
Why is poker etiquette important at the table?
The importance lies in how it keeps a gaming session smooth and enjoyable.
What are the basic rules of poker etiquette?
Act in turn, respect others, keep chips visible, handle cards properly, and manage the time.
What should you not do in poker?
The don’ts in poker include never acting before your turn, mocking opponents, or revealing your folded cards early.
Is slow rolling considered rude in poker?
Yes, because it wastes other players’ time.
What is angle shooting in poker?
Angle shooting is all about making misleading but technically legal moves to trick opponents.
How should I stack my chips at a poker table?
Stack your poker chips neatly and visibly, with the large denominations in front.
Can I talk during a poker hand?
Yes, but avoid discussing active hands.
Do I have to tip the dealer in poker?
Not necessarily, but it is a good etiquette practice in live games.
What’s different about online poker etiquette?
It primarily concerns time and chat management.
When is it okay to call the clock on someone?
Occasionally, when a player takes an excessively long time to act.
How can beginners learn proper poker manners?
It is advised that beginners learn from experienced players, read guides, and practice in low-stakes games while asking dealers for clarification on rules.