Poker is a popular card game. However, because of misdemeanors people see in movies, some of them fail to respect the people around the poker table. This should not happen because being rude, mean and tactless is always bad either in poker or anywhere.
Thus, to remind you on how to be nice and friendly, here is a short list of some poker etiquette to keep in mind.
Respect the people around you
Poker players want to focus on their game. Avoid chit chatting to the players. If you are asked a question, answer it and then keep quiet. You have to keep talks at a minimum to avoid bothering other players.
It is always nice to keep phase with the other players on the table. If it is your friends you are playing with and they would want to talk to you, it may help to stop the game and talk. Then, when all of you are ready to play, play and focus on your game.
Do not curse or be mean
Some players who are on a losing streak or holds bad hand curses and can sometimes be mean to the dealer. Do not do this, it is not nice. If you cannot handle loosing, then do not gamble.
Avoid splashing the pot. This is a common misdemeanor you see in movies. Do not do this especially in a casino.
Avoid saying bad things on the table. Quarreling or begrudging other players is a no-no in poker or any other game.
Do not touch other’s chips
It is necessary that you keep your chips well stacked and neat in front of you. Do not mess because a poker tables are usually just enough for the players and if you mess with your chips it will clutter the table and may annoy some players.
One mistake others have done on the table is to touch others chips. Even if it is your friend that seats beside you, avoid touching his chips. It is not nice and will surely annoy other players.
Do not hold your card away from the table
Cheating is a threat to players on the table. If you hold your cards away from the table, other players may perceive you as cheating and you surely do not want this.
Keep up with the phase of the game
Do not keep the play in your goal. When it is your turn, act immediately. Do not make other players wait forever for you to decide either to fold, bet or raise.
Also avoid making string bets. When you call, just call and bet the amount needed. Do not call and then raise. If you call, just do that. If you raise, then raise.
This is a common scenario in movies where string bets are done. This should not be done on actual game or you will be breaking the rule of ethics.
Do not show your cards until showdown
Finally, do not show your cards until it is showdown. If you fold, keep your cards hidden or face down. If you show or talk about your cards, it will give the other players information that will change the way they play. Avoid this because this will affect the game of the other players on the table.
When it is time for a showdown, do not show your card to only one or two in the table. Show it to everyone.
Being good mannered will gain you some friends but being rude will not and will never benefit you in anyway.
