Etiquette

Live Game

• Players should have their chips ready prior to sitting at a table.
• Players should know the betting limits of the table.
• Always act in turn. Do not bet, call or fold until it is your turn. People look down upon this and may get the impression you are trying to bully the table.
• Show one, show all. If you show your hand to one player you are required to show it to everyone at the table.
• Keep a cool and level head at all times. No need to argue and shout at one another. It only creates a disturbance and reflects badly on your professionalism.
• Do not swear at the table.
• Never disclose any information that may affect another player. This might be considered as showboating.
• You never know when your words will influence someone else’s play, so keep things to yourself.
• Treat your dealer with respect. It’s not the dealers fault if you get a bad hand. Murphy’s law: treating the dealer bad you will always get bad hands.
• Always protect your hand. Protecting your hand is making sure everyone knows you are not folding.
• When folding or discarding cards do not throw them up high or in the middle of the table. Make sure no other players can see your cards just so it is fair to the rest of the players playing.
• Try not to "splash the pot" when betting or calling which is when you disrupt the money that is already in play by throwing your chips or money in the middle of the pot. This is seen as the temper tantrum of poker playing.
• Show your hand in order. Asking someone else to show their hand first slows down the game. The player who originally bet shows first. It goes in turn from there to the last player who called.
• When you spot an indiscretion at the table, don't be too shy to speak up. We're all human and sometimes we can make a mistake by placing an incorrect bet.
• Dealing a Poker game can be stressful for a lot of dealers. They work long and hard and mostly for minimum wage. They deserve a little respect. So what if you're having a lousy day at the table, it's not the dealer's fault. They don't deserve or need you're aggravation or disrespect.
• Do not throw your cards at the dealers. And please, don't try and disguise you're displeasure with a dealer by speaking to the rest of the table in a voice loud enough for them to hear. Dealers aren't deaf and they certainly aren't dumb.
• Keep food and beverages off the table. Most tables allow food and drinks but try to keep it as far from the game as possible. No one wants to play on a sticky table of smell you liver and onion sandwiches.
• Do not gloat after a win. No one ever likes to be belittled and it is compounded when you have just lost money.
• When you're going to leave the table, tell the floor person. Keep your playing space in an orderly way. Don't clutter up the area with a bunch of unnecessary objects.
• Avoid excessive talking, especially across the table. Chit chat is fine, but letting your conversation interrupt the game is disrespectful to everyone at the table.
• Be polite with the way you handle your chips as well. Place the chips close enough for the dealer to rake them in and don't stack your chips so that it interferes with the dealing. These are ways to create a better flow in the game.
• Show your hand right away when you think you're going to win the pot. Don't make the dealer ask you to show you're hand. It really does show your inexperience and slows the game down to a crawl.
• Exercise your common sense and do what you can to make the game run as smoothly as possible. Everyone will appreciate your efforts.
• If you win a big hand it is proper etiquette to tip your dealer. Remember Karma.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It is better to ask now or look stupid later.

Online Game

If you are new to the game or website, try it out online for free as there are hundreds of free online games being played all over the world. Getting a feeling for the game will save you money and prevent you form holding a real game.

• You should always have enough chips to play. The standard is around 40-60 times the minimum bet (at least $200 for a $5/10 game) .
• Chat only in the language that is recommended at the table.
• Do not swear in the chat box. Again no one likes a potty mouth.
• Act as promptly as possible. Just keep the game moving, but avoid auto response keys which may give your hand away.
• It is rude to hold up the game at one table simply because you are playing at another table. Therefore, if you are not quick don't play multiple tables.
• Do not go all in just to avoid calling. Some sites have disconnect protect features that will allow you to go all in if you do not act. Do not abuse this feature or you will be labeled a cheat.
• Try not to over chat. Again even online not one want to hear about your grand kids.
• Don't stay in a seat if you do not intend to keep playing. If you are out of money or done playing, leave the seat as they are always people waiting to take your seat.
• Do not comment on a hand in progress. You may unknowingly affect someone else's play or give something away.
• Do not gloat when you win, do not sulk when you lose.
• Use auto blind features. It is usually a bad idea to use the "auto-response" but if you plan to play in the game for a while, the "auto-blinds" will help things go quicker.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions. Also be patient with other players who have questions.
• Poker etiquette is a combination of common sense and good manners but mostly good sense.
• Only sign up for one online poker account per online poker room. This is a standard rule at all online poker rooms. Do not try to take advantage of receiving multiple bonuses or you will indeed get caught and booted.
• Be patient with other poker players at your table.
• Avoid collusion. Online poker rooms have security staff watching irregular play and/or suspicious activity.
• Again, do not partner up with somebody at your table and use that to your advantage in any way. There are many clowns out there known as poker cheats and suspicious activity will be detected, and you will be caught and blacklisted.