Nobody expects you to follow other ruled beside the rules of the game when you are playing by yourself. You can behave in any manner you desire because your actions are not affecting other players. However, there are certain unwritten and unspoken rules you must follow when you join an online gaming site or go to a poker table in the brick and mortar casino. These rules and ideals are universally accepted, even when they are unstated. Gamers who often break the accepted norms face online ridicule and hatred from fellow players. You do not want to find yourself in an awkward position for ignoring the following rules of etiquette:
Giving Away Information
You cannot give away information about another player’s moves. For instance, while playing poker, the primary rule is that when a player is not in hand, they should not behave in a way or engage in activities that can give advantage to those who are still at hand. Saying out your cards aloud or participating in reactions such as flopping or showing off your cards while folding can land you in trouble with other players.
Chopping Pots
Fellow players expect you to chop every time they have a consensus around the table. The general unwritten rule about chopping dictates that you must chop even when you have a strong hand. Chopping often happens both in the online and live poker. It usually occurs in the case of blind vs. blind situation where the only remaining option is for players to play out their hands. In live poker, players often chop the pot when they are bound to lose, and the only winner will be the casino, commonly known as “the house.”
Tipping the Host or the Dealer
Under normal circumstances, no rule compels you to tip the dealer in a public casino or the host in case of a private home game. However, the general unwritten games laws dictate that it is ethical to tip a dealer with 1 or 2 dollars while on the playing poker. You can also give some cash to the host to cater for refreshments.
Don’t Angle Shoot
Unwritten laws of poker prohibit pro gamers from taking advantage of the less experienced players. Angle shooting includes disgusting things such as acting out of turn, peeping to see a player’s card, counting chips by moving them to the center to disrupt the game, or even shouting that you have a winning hand to distract the game.
Never Slow Roll or Waste Time During A Game
Slow rolling can send you to a worse place during a poker game. Sometimes you may be tempted to withhold your card to give your opponent the impression that they have won. However, this is the worst behavior that you should avoid at all times. Also, ensure that you do not spend too much time overthinking your next moves because it is often annoying. However, you are allowed to take your time only in situations that require tough decisions.
Always Respect the Dealer and Other Players
Respect is equivalent to any easy win in gaming. Besides having fun, gaming is also a chance for players to socialize or search for new friends. Therefore, you are supposed to be courteous at all times. Be polite to the dealer even when things are not going your way.
Never Complain About Loses and Bad Beats
Everyone has a bad and a lucky day in gaming. And so, it is ridiculous to share your unlucky experiences, especially when another player is winning at the spot where you lost.
Never Try to Teach Others How to Play while in the middle of a Game
It is annoying when a player stops the competition to turn it into a lesson. Even when you see someone making a mistake, do not try to correct them unless they request or if they are beginners. Most people consider this as a show-off or feel like you are making fun of them.