It is essential for a professional player to play his game methodically. Playing a game according to a certain specified set of norms makes it more interesting and highlights the player’s efficiency. Every game proceeds with its own set of etiquette and rules. Since poker is also a renowned game in the social circuit, hence we sum down a list of specific protocols which every poker player is expected to follow. These poker etiquette forbid any hassle, making the game a friendly affair for all the participants.
There are a few protocols that remain common for any social game, like the restriction on excess smoking and alcohol consumption.
- PAY ATTENTION
This is the most common blunder that almost every poker player commits and disrupts the congenial environment of the game. It is essential to maintain your concentration in the poker game, no matter if you are on a winning streak or towards a losing end. We can always spot a player engrossed in his cell phone, or anticipating the food order, or busy flirting with an opposite sex partner. Delaying the game due to one’s personal interests often annoys the participants. Avoid getting distracted and maintain a quick pace of the game.
- NEVER PLAY OUT OF TURN
Patience is a virtue which every player must possess to maintain congeniality in a poker game. The excitement to show your hand and raise the pot can be immense, but it is essential to grip your enthusiasm until your turn. The same applies to folding your hands as well. It warns the fellow participants and greatly influences their decision. Avoid ruining the excitement and disrupting the pace of the game by playing out of turn.
- HELPING A FELLOW PLAYER
Every player is responsible and entitled for the loss they bear in the game. They decide to participate in the game because they have confidence in their poker skills. Hence, imposing your knowledge on a fellow participant and influencing his decision is the worst conduct during a poker game. It can be sad to see your friend lose a fortune on the poker table, but you must zip your advice to maintain the crisp of the game.
- BLAMING THE DEALER
A dealer is not responsible for your actions or decisions on the poker table. Hence, holding him responsible or verbally abusing him on losing a fortune only ends up creating a hostile environment. Dealers are not even closely related to the player losing the pot, or the set of cards that every poker player is designated with. Hence, they do not deserve to be targeted for venting out your frustration due to a bad day at the poker table.
- RUINING THE CARDS
Frustrated players are known to target computers and monitors for venting out their frustration after an unlucky day in poker game. In a physical room however, poker players have little options to emit their angst. Hence crumbling the cards, burning them into ashes, or tearing them in halves are a common sight in poker rooms or casinos. Losing a pot can be disheartening, but it is advisable to act mature and behave responsibly during a poker game.
- NEVER SPLASH THE POT
Tossing your bet in a huge mess similar to the way it is portrayed in movies in the centre of the pot might seem fancy enough to give a try for every poker player. But splashing a pot is considered as the worst poker etiquette and an absolute no-no for a try during your poker game. A more systematic and advisable way is neatly stacking your chips within your easy reach for a quick bet.
- NEVER SHOW YOUR CARDS
It is advisable to forbid revealing the identity of your cards by either flashing or accidentally flipping your cards while making a fold. Substantial information about your cards can greatly influence the decision of your fellow competitor and end up proving disastrous for you. Hence, avoid exposing your cards until the showdown.