Dear Dr. Dave and Dr. Dee, We go to Las Vegas once in awhile, but we don't gamble much. I have watched my husband play cards a few times and wondered about the behavior of some of the other players, especially when they were not doing well and mumbling and generally being rude to the dealer. Is that acceptable or is there proper behavior for playing poker? Signed, Prefers Polite Poker Playing Dear Prefers Polite Poker Playing, Being rude to anyone is improper regardless of the situation. Yes, there is an unwritten code of conduct when playing poker. Briefly, below are 14 tips provided by Pokerworld.com. Poker Etiquette (see www.pokerworld.com) For many new players, learning the unwritten rules of poker is as vital to your early enjoyment of the game as your mastery of strategy and actual gameplay. In poker, as in golf, playing the game with the appropriate etiquette will earn you the respect of your peers. 1. Play at a reasonable rate of speed Consistently slow play by one player will earn the ire of the rest of the players in the game. As much as possible, keep things moving. 2. Be polite Not only does exemplary sportsmanship make for an enjoyable poker game, it can actually improve your game. Poker is a game of concentration and emotional restraint. 3. Play when it is your turn Folding your hand or leaving your seat before it is your turn to bet should be avoided as much as possible as it reveals important information to players still in the hand. 4. Don't reveal your cards before the showdown Like playing out of turn, revealing your cards prematurely may reveal important information to the other players and can potentially affect the outcome of a hand. 5. Don't remove chips from the table Although it's tempting to pocket a big chunk of chips when you're winning, proper poker etiquette obliges you to leave all of your chips on the table until you leave the game for good. 6. Stay quiet if you're not in the hand In a strategic game like poker, outside commentary is not appreciated. Your opinions, your suggestions, even your body language can affect the decisions of the remaining players considering their options. 8. Do not "splash the pot" When you are making a bet, place your chips neatly in front of you in easily countable stacks within the dealer's reach and let the dealer pull them into the pot. 9. Don't offer or ask for help from other players Two or more players discussing a hand is a definite no-no in poker. If you have questions, ask the dealer, and never lie about your hand. 10. Do not "slow roll" your cards Taking your time to reveal a winning hand so as to taunt the other players at the table is the epitome of poor sportsmanship. The poker table is no place for your end zone dance. 12. Let the dealer read your hand if you're unsure If you're an inexperienced player confused by the hand you have, it's acceptable to lay your cards on the table to let the dealer figure out where your hand ranks. However, this should only be done as a last resort and not on an ongoing basis. 14. Showing all of your cards If you win a pot uncontested and decide to show your cards to another player, proper poker etiquette insists that you must show everyone at the table the cards you folded. For more information, see www.pokerworld.com |
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