Poker Etiquette – How Not To Get Shot during Poker Games
By Jerry Whittaker
Any idle thoughts of poker games will always be peppered with images of ivory stock pocket pistols on the baize next to the chips, cards and shot glasses. According to many historical accounts just as many poker players themselves have been peppered with round ball, Bowie blades and sword canes for infringements, real or imaginary, of poker etiquette.
Although such deadly ordinance is no longer common at modern poker tables, particularly the online variety, it is wise to make ones self acquainted with the basics of good poker manners before one plays. This will allow you to have the most fun you can while showing respect and courtesy to all around you and may prevent an untimely and hurried exit from the casino.
Although this sounds like a gross overstatement of the obvious, do not reveal the contents of any hand to anyone while that hand is in play. A surprising number of players cannot contain themselves when they have a monster hand and this just completely kills any poker game.
Another big no-no is showing any reaction to anything that happens at the able that has bearing on the game at hand. Gasping when you get dealt a beauty (or when you catch a glimpse of someone else’s) or showing dissatisfaction when you make mistakes is just not on.
Don’t shoot the messenger or in this case the dealer. Dealers don’t control the outcome of any game and you should never offload on the dealer because you got your rear-end handed to you in a game. This is particularly bad form and will endear you to no one.
If you’ve folded keep it zipped until the end of the hand. Spouting off or discussing your hand while other players are still active is sure to get the most even-tempered table mate reaching for that imaginary ivory handled Smith.
Another bad habit that is probably encouraged by the fact that Colts are no longer welcome at the table is abusive behaviour. If you are getting lashed, don’t mouth off at anyone. If you are on the receiving end, just grin and bear it. Misery loves company and a loud mouth ass loves a sparing partner so just relax and ignore it.
Genuine dealer fouls are particularly difficult issues to deal with. If you are dead sure your dealer has screwed up react immediately and politely point out the infringement. Most dealers will either acquiesce or call for a camera review. If the dealer gets antsy, take it to the supervisor. Just don’t start hurling abuse or threats.
These are just a few of the basic points on the rather lengthy “gentlemen’s guide to poker games” list of poker table etiquette. Although you’re unlikely to become the town undertaker’s next customer you will make yourself unpopular to the point of even being banned if you ignore them. So tread lightly and good luck!
