Poker Article: Poker Etiquette

The following is a concise set of poker etiquette rules that should always be followed when you play poker, whether it is online or in a live scenario:

• Respectifully Discard Hands - Mucking a hand should always be done in a professional manner. Refrain from tossing your cards at the dealer in an aggressive manner, and never consider tossing your mucked cards towards an opponent. Obviously, this rule does not have applicability when playing online.

• Be Polite - Never make fun of or ridicule other players. Never call them names or disparage their play. Above all, always be a gentleman.

• Never Smoke or Eat at the Table - Never place burning cigars, pipes, or cigarettes on the poker table, since ashes will destroy the table and cards. Also, never blow smoke in another player's direction during a game. Additionally, do not bring food or drink to the table either.

• Tip Dealer during Tournaments - When you finish in the money in live tournaments, always make sure to tip the dealer, since dealers typically do not make much money.

• Never Reveal Hole Cards - When mucking your hand, never expose your Hole Cards - this is considered poor sportsmanship and showing up your opponents. If you are an online player, do not divulge your mucked hand via the game's chat facility.

• Time Bathroom Visits Properly - If you need a bathroom break during gameplay, avoid doing so during the blinds, since the dealer will take chips out of your stack to cover your blinds, even if you are missing from the table. This will result in a loss of chips, without participation. Online games usually allow you to sit out at any time, but if you miss blinds, then you will not be allowed back in the game until you post your missed blinds.

• Never Be a Teacher - During gameplay, do not offer others education and analysis. Take care of this after the match is over, if your opponents actively solicit advice.

• No Profanity - Refrain from using bad language at the table or in an online room.

• Do Not Reveal Opponents' Discarded Hands - Do not ever attempt to turn over a player's discarded hand. This is extremely rude, and will never be appreciated.

• Never use Bogus Mechanisms to Win - Always be honorable; never resort to underhanded behavior. Maintain strong ethics during gameplay.

• Treat Dealer with Class - In a live game, never berate a dealer via foul language or blame them for a poor hand. Dealers strictly deal cards, and are never to blame for the cards you receive, or how you play a particular hand.