Basic poker etiquette
The following is a guide to some basic rules of etiquette for individuals playing poker in-person at a live table. These are not exactly hard and fast rules, but meant to maintain order in games and to achieve a level of respect between opponents.
1. Talking or Critiquing Other Players – In the UK, talking during the play of a hand is not permitted and some gaming establishments impose a penalty on players who breach this rule. Refrain from needling, critiquing, abusing, criticising, or giving lessons while play is going on.
2. Treating Employees Respectfully – Dealers are responsible for maintaining the fairness, integrity, and efficiency of each game of poker. Dealers do not have control over which cards come up during a hand, nor can they directly or purposefully impact any player’s wins and losses. Always treat dealers and other employees with courtesy and consideration.
3. Stalling Play – Deliberately slowing down play by taking an inappropriate amount of time to make an obvious move or by otherwise interfering with the pace of the game is disrespectful to everyone at the table.
4. Managing Table Space – Because poker is a community game, maintaining one’s area of the table is important to the overall flow of a hand. Players should confine personal belongings like drinks or ashtrays to the space immediately in front of them and keep chip piles orderly.
5. Verbally Clarifying Actions – It is good practice to verbally announce any action to avoid confusion. Communicate intended action to the dealer, who will then convey that information to the table at large.