10 Essential Poker Etiquette Guidance Rules

Introduction 10 Essential Poker Etiquette Guidance Rules

There are two sets of rules to the game of poker. The first ones you follow during gameplay, the jackpot terms and rules, and everyone knows these as they are the basic building blocks of the game. But there is another set of rules, or maybe we should call them poker etiquette, that many people are unaware of. For many new players, there are types of behaviour which they may assume are perfectly acceptable, but at the games’ table will only serve to infuriate the other players. 

When it comes to poker etiquette, most players understand the unwritten rules and the do’s and don’ts of playing. These rules, on the whole, come down to common sense and empathy with the other players sitting at the same table. So we decided to list the most important unwritten rules of poker etiquette that you should learn and by knowing them you will come across as a better and more worthy opponent, and look less like a complete novice.

Poker Etiquette: Keep Your Attention on the Game

Nothing drives other players madder than having someone who is constantly looking at other things and not paying attention to what’s going on at the games table in front of them. Often they are so involved in other things, whether their phones or the cocktail waitress, that they forget to take their turn or they keep asking what has just happened, as they have missed all the action. Unless you’re willing to give the game at hand your full attention then it’s better that you don’t play at all. It goes without saying that paying attention at all times will increase your jackpot winning chances.

Poker Etiquette: Don’t Be Arrogant

If you’re an old hand who’s been playing the jackpot poker circuit for many years then other players will be forgiving if you have a jackass attitude. After all, you’ve earned your stripes and as a senior player, the quirks and habits you’ve picked up over the years will make the game more enjoyable for other players. But if you’re a beginner or inexperienced, then nothing is going to be a bigger turn off than you behaving like an absolute cretin. So don’t go down the road of bad-mouthing other players and don’t act as if you’re god’s gift to the game. Just be nice, kind, courteous, and polite.

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Poker Etiquette: Let Everyone Know What You’re Doing

This doesn’t mean you have to broadcast your hand to other players, but don’t make your moves in total silence. Verbally signal exactly what you’re doing when you’re tossing in a few chips or folding the hand. By giving a clear indication of what’s happening then there can be no possibilities of misinterpretation leading to losses from other players. 

Poker Etiquette: Make Sure You Hide Your Cards At All Times

Many people would think it’s a good thing to be able to see another player’s cards at the poker table. But this is to lose the whole purpose of the game. Serious players don’t want to see other players cards as they wish to win fair and square, using both luck and skills. There’s no satisfaction in cheating. Being able to see someone else’s cards defeats this object. Of course, once someone has seen someone else’s cards they may completely alter their playing style or their approach, and pretend they haven’t seen them. But for many players, this will ruin the whole game and make playing pointless and empty.

Poker Etiquette: Be Tidy And Organised

With players sitting at either elbow, then don’t encroach into their territory. Keep your cards and your chips in your own area. Maintaining a tidy playing area is seen as good manners. It will also avoid confusing the dealer as he might have problems distinguishing your chips from those belonging to another player.  Another point is please keep your personal items like your phone off the table as it only adds a distraction and more clutter. Being tidy points to an organised and logical state of mind, which should be part of your jackpot winning strategies. 

Poker Etiquette: Don’t Put The Game On Hold

For God’s sake, put your phone down when you’re playing poker. It’s absolutely unacceptable and rude if you consider it more important that you take that telephone call than play with the players sitting around you. Whether you’re on the phone or tapping out messages, it’s inconsiderate to everyone else. Having everyone wait on you whilst you mess around is going to make the game lose its focus for many players. If you have to take a call, then excuse yourself and sit out the rest of the hands, but only after asking if the table is happy for you to do so.

Poker Etiquette: No Smugness When Winning

We’ll be the first to admit that after playing a particularly difficult round and emerging victorious,  you cannot help but want to brag. But this is not a habit that you want to pick up. We understand you’re happy to win. Other players understand that too, after all, they would like to be in your winning shoes. But it’s unseemly and ungentlemanly to rub in the win to the wounds of the other players. Of course, we don’t expect false modesty, but modesty to any degree will go a long way with your playing buddies.

Whether winning or losing, we suggest that you try and maintain your playing poker face. With the welcome bonus of 151% up to €/$500 + 51 Free Bonus Spins from King Billy Casino, your bankroll will be that much bigger, allowing you a much better possibility of winning. But don’t be smug about it!

Poker Etiquette: Don’t Be A Bad Loser

Exactly the same applies as with the above situation. Don’t curse, shout, slam your cards on the table, throw your cards at the dealer, or look angry. Winning and losing is part of the experience of playing poker and make it all the more enjoyable. If you can’t be gracious in defeat and handle losses with good grace, then maybe card games are not for you. 

Poker Etiquette: Be Kind And Considerate

Again another no brainer. If you have a beginner sitting at your elbow then remember back to how it felt when you were starting out on your poker journey. Sitting at the table for the first time is very intimidating, as you feel the other players are judging you and your every move. So reaching out to the newbie with a smile or a reassuring chat to lighten the mood is going to be welcome. In all life situations, empathy will take you a long way. Maybe you are a player who was excellent from the very first time he received his first hand of cards at the poker table.

But many are not naturally gifted and learning basic strategy takes time and effort. Although we are not believers in karma, you can look upon being kind and considerate as having its own rewards in itself. Oh…and remember to tip the staff, as without their hard work you wouldn’t be having a good time.

Poker Etiquette: Don’t Take The Game Too Seriously

If you want to play poker and enjoy yourself then don’t take the game too seriously. Yes, we know, that your hard-earned cash in the form of your bankroll is on the line. But if you cannot relax about that fact then maybe you shouldn’t be gambling at all. Whether you’re playing a game with friends or sitting in a casino playing in the tournament, whether you win or lose is beside the point. Keep in mind that the minute playing poker starts to make you angry, anxious or depressed, then maybe it’s time to rethink your choices.

Never lose sight that these are, first and foremost, just games and there to be played for their enjoyment and nothing more. You can find the best online poker tournaments and sites here.