Proper etiquette is certainly an important part of Poker, yet many Amateur poker players are unaware of the unspoken rules of fairness and sportsmanship that binds the game, and participants, together.  As with any group activity or game, respect for others should always be a high priority for all amateur poker players.  Understandably, with money at stake, sometimes emotions run high, overwhelming persons caught up in the moment.  Often this is unintentional, but bad behaviour is never acceptable at the tables, whether winning or losing.  While many get frustrated and angry after losing money, still others take losing as a personal affront because of the personal intellectual investment of the game.  For the latter group, they are not so much angry about losing money as they are about losing to another player.  These people have an egotistical interest in the game, taking it as an insult when others outplay them.  Regardless of the reason, some players vent their frustration on the remaining players, using abusive and offensive language and hurling insults at those who have gotten the best of them.  Please refrain from stooping to their level, as it just ruins the game for everyone, and always try to be courteous and considerate of the others in your game, and always play with intergrity.  Here are some violations to avoid while at the tables:

1)  Obnoxious or disruptive celebration, to include yelling, cheering, wisecracking, or physical displays such as jumping up or dancing.  It is also rude to be disruptive when losing a hand.  Be calm and friendly. 

2)  Being insolent or rude to dealers.  This is a flagrant violation of etiquette.  Their job is much more difficult than it appears, so please be patient and polite to them throughout the game.  If the dealer has made an error, it is appropriate to announce it politely, but mocking or abusive remarks and insults are completely out of line.  The game should be fun for everyone, and this type of misbehaviour violates the spirit of any game: sportsmanship.

3)  Some players find it irritating and distracting when others at the table insist on talking during gameplay, especially in the middle of a hand.  Please be considerate.  Although I personally enjoy some banter at the tables, some do not, so try to respect them when possible.  If no one else wants to chat, please refrain from talking while others are concentrating.  Friendly conversation is certainly acceptable, especially if someone seated nearby appreciates the engaging exchange, but still be polite, remain silent during a hand, and maintain a tolerable volume. 

4) Talking on cell phones during gameplay is frowned upon.  Please refrain from making or taking unnecessary or frivolous calls at the tables.

5)  Advising players or criticizing their play is not appropriate, even if the same damn donk just sucked out on you again.  Let the others take note and punish his foolishness, but it is not necessary to insult or embarrass him.  Most players will not take kindly to this type of abuse.

6)  Discussing your cards, whether you have folded or not, is usually against casino and tournament rules, but it is also very rude.  No player in the current Pot should know what cards have been burned or mucked.  It is also unacceptable and unfair to react to cards on the Board or indicate your intentions when you have not yet acted, as this provides others information about what cards may no longer be outs, and that may give a player in the hand an unfair advantage that leads them to take a different Action that what they had previously intended to do.  Whether you are in the pot or not, please maintain the same demeanour and interest in the game that you normally would, even if you just folded 7-8 and the board comes 8-8-8.  If you display disgust or disappoint in a visible way, it will tell all the players at the table that no eights are live, and that will reveal too much information about the play of others as the hand unfolds.  Please do not do this.

7)  Taking an action or declaring an intention out of Turn is not appropriate, for many of the same reasons listed above.  Each player acts in turn, so play accordingly.  Occasionally one may slip up and mistakenly act out of turn, but pay attention and try to avoid this at all times.

8)  Purposely disturbing the flow of the game by taking an unusually long time is inconsiderate also.  Some decisions are difficult, so take as much of the allowed time as you need, but deliberately slowing down the game only to throw away 2-3 off-suit is impolite. 

9)  Haphazardly stacking chips or tossing them into a pot is not necessary.  Chips in disarray make it tough to discern each one's value, and that is an underhanded deception.   I am aware that some players use the latter as a psychological ploy to portray strength and confidence, but it is not necessary.  It makes it difficult to count the bet and does not make you look confident, it just make you look foolish.  If you believe it is more convincing to splash chips into a pot so as to appear strong, watch Chris "Jesus" Ferguson some time.  He is always methodical and deliberate, and he is certainly one of the game's very best.  As for the former, it is beyond inconsiderate and borders on cheating.  Keep your area clean and neat at all times.  Chips in disarray make it tough to discern each one's value, and that is an underhanded deception. 

10)  This rule only applies to playing at a Brick and mortar room, but, at showdown, you must show both hole cards to the table, and it is poor form to delay when turning up a winning hand.  Rules do state that you are required to show both cards, but it should be a matter of courtesy also.  Conversely, if you are the caller, and the bettor shows a hand you can beat, turn your cards up quickly.  Do not keep him in suspense.  To do so is rude, so it is best to just show your cards immediately when it is necessary.

11)   Any form of cheating is obviously against the rules and unfair.  This includes nicking or marking cards to give away their values, soft playing friends or other players in the game, and, of course, collusion.  None of this has any place in poker.

12)  The last etiquette tip only applies to online play.  It is rude to disconnect during the game, so avoid it.  Please play out the game regardless of the apparent outcome or how bad the last beat was.   Walk it off and get back in there!!!

While not directly related to a winning online poker Strategy, etiquette is one of the most under rated poker lessons.  Take heed of this advice and always be courteous and considerate, and encourage others to do so by leading by example!!!

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