Poker Etiquette

In the grandest tournaments and among the most successful poker players in the world, the biggest winners turns out to be one who possess two common things - good sportsmanship and unblemished poker etiquette.

Good table manners makes the game more appealing for everybody, helps you play more hands in an hour and in most cases actually boost your winnings.

Seasoned players know more than to offend the lesser skilled players, as that's where they earn their money. They also recognize the negative results of making their less skilled competitors aware of their superior skills.

Do's in Poker Etiquette

• Minimize your chat. Be aware that each time you and your opponent chat you give away information and the information is accepted. This information can be detrimental to you, but it may also be advantageous to you depending on who is passing and who is accepting the information.

• If any of the message content is annoying you or distracting your concentration, stop the message.

• If you need to respond to a query or greet an acquaintance, it is wise to keep it short and with courtesy. Keep in mind that you are in a game and that is where you need to focus and concentrate.

• Always implement your decisions promptly. Be it a cash game or a tournament, time is gold so do not waste it.

• Do not reveal the extent of your poker skill. You might swing the advantage to your opponents if they can grasp information about the level of your play. The manner of chat can bring a strong signal, informing everyone about your skill level and understanding. Keep it to yourself.

• Be optimistic at all times. A few short positive words can maintain the flow of your game, while pessimistic words at the wrong time can make you adjust your game and change your status at the table from winner to loser.

Don'ts in Poker Etiquette

• Never comment on your opponent's game. You are divulging information about the level of your game. If you infuriate them and they improve their game, that can put you at a disadvantage.

• Avoid talking. Good poker demands playing silently. Every word you utter is vital to your opponents.

• Do not chat using uppercase letters, as this signals shouting, and some players might get irritated by it.

• Don't use foul, obscene, vulgar or abusive language in your chat. It is prohibited and won't be accepted, besides it is not wise poker.

• There is a belief that being afraid and greedy can cause everyone to show their real nature at the poker table. Ponder on this and then choose what portion, if any, you want to show.

• Information that you receive concerning your opponents can turn the favor to you, information that you give away benefits them. Don't divulge everything for free.

• In tournaments, especially in the final stages, minimize rail chatting.

• Don't delay. In spite of the game or tournament, it is not good for you and for everyone at the table.