Poker is a game of skill, strategy, and psychological warfare. But beyond the tactics and the thrill of the game, there’s a code of conduct that players are expected to follow. Adhering to proper poker etiquette not only makes the game more enjoyable for everyone but also ensures fair play and respect among players. Here are the key do’s and don’ts of poker etiquette to keep in mind when you sit at the table.

Do’s

1. Be Respectful: Treat all players, dealers, and staff with respect. This includes refraining from using offensive language and avoiding personal attacks.
2. Act in Turn: Always wait for your turn to act. Acting out of turn can disrupt the flow of the game and give other players unfair information.
3. Keep the Game Moving: Be mindful of the pace of the game. Avoid unnecessary delays when it’s your turn to act. If you need time to think, that’s fine, but excessive stalling can be frustrating for others.
4. Keep Chips and Cards Visible: Ensure your chips are stacked neatly and your cards are always visible. This helps prevent confusion and potential disputes.
5. Declare Your Actions Clearly: When making a bet, raise, or fold, do so in a clear and decisive manner. This helps avoid misunderstandings and keeps the game flowing smoothly.
6. Tip the Dealer: It’s customary to tip the dealer when you win a pot, especially in live casino games. This is a sign of appreciation for their service.
7. Congratulate Opponents: Show good sportsmanship by congratulating opponents on well-played hands. A simple “nice hand” can go a long way in maintaining a friendly atmosphere.
8. Keep Side Conversations Quiet: If you need to have a conversation with someone at the table, keep it low and avoid disrupting the game. Poker requires concentration, and loud chatter can be distracting.
9. Be Honest: Always act with integrity. Don’t try to manipulate the game or the rules to your advantage dishonestly.
10. Help New Players: If there’s a new player at the table, be patient and help them understand the rules and etiquette. This can make the game more inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.

Don’ts

1. Don’t Slow Roll: Slow rolling—deliberately taking a long time to reveal a strong hand—is considered extremely poor etiquette. It can be seen as taunting and disrespectful.
2. Don’t Discuss Hands in Progress: Avoid talking about a hand that is still being played. This can provide unfair information to other players and affect their decisions.
3. Don’t Touch Other Players’ Chips or Cards: Never touch another player’s chips or cards without permission. This is a strict boundary that should be respected at all times.
4. Don’t Show Your Cards Prematurely: Revealing your cards before the hand is over can give away crucial information and disrupt the game.
5. Don’t Criticize Others’ Play: Avoid making negative comments about how others play their hands. Everyone has their own strategy, and criticism can create a hostile environment.
6. Don’t Throw Chips: When placing a bet or making a call, do so in a calm and orderly fashion. Throwing chips is disrespectful and unprofessional.
7. Don’t Use Electronics at the Table: Using phones or other electronic devices at the table can be distracting and is generally frowned upon. If you need to use your phone, step away from the table.
8. Don’t Complain About Losing: Bad beats are part of poker. Complaining about them can be annoying to other players and detracts from the enjoyment of the game.
9. Don’t Engage in Collusion: Collusion—working with another player to cheat—is unethical and against the rules. Always play for yourself and maintain the integrity of the game.
10. Don’t Drink Excessively: While having a drink or two is often part of the social aspect of poker, excessive drinking can impair your judgment and behavior, leading to poor etiquette.

Conclusion

Poker etiquette is about more than just following rules; it’s about fostering a respectful, fair, and enjoyable environment for all players. By adhering to these do’s and don’ts, you contribute to a positive atmosphere at the table, which can enhance the experience for everyone involved. Remember, poker is not just a game of cards—it’s a game of character.