Poker Etiquette: Table Manners Still Count, Even On The Felt
A game of online poker means you're playing with real people around the world, and that means just like any
social situation, there's some etiquette you should really follow as a common courtesy to other players to ensure
the games go smoothly.
Don't Use Foul Language.
That's a hard one for some when you're used to playing with the guys while having a few beers on a Saturday night, but
online players don't necessarily appreciate it.
Learn How To Play Poker Games Before You Play Them For Real Money.
There's a variety of instructions available on the World Wide Web that'll teach you the basics. If you're not
sure how to play a game, learn first. You can find instructions here for:
Most poker rooms will have either in-game help for each poker variation or instructions on their site for game play as well.
Before you play for real money, you can also play free poker, live with other players just like a real
money game at most online poker rooms. When you're playing at free poker games people are generally forgiving about new
players learning, and even if you screw up at least it won't cost you anything. :)
Don't Talk About A Hand While It's In Progress
If you fold especially - you shouldn't be using any chat features to tell players what you had in your hand, it's
information the active players shouldn't have. Folded despite the pair of 8's? Well the guy still in fishing for that
straight might know there's no fish left if you say so. Generally speaking there's no compelling reason to ever speak
about your hand while a round is in play.
Try Not To Slow The Game Down
There's usually a time limit in place for each player to take their action on each turn, but these timers can
be anywhere from 30-60 seconds per player - which, with an 8 player game and multiple rounds would take a long time.
These timers are put there as a courtesy to both you and the other players; for you - if your Internet connection
becomes temporarily impaired you can often avoid missing your turn. For others, they don't have to wait 10 minutes
for players that like to think about it a little too much.
In fact, most poker rooms allow you to make your decision for the round before the decision even gets to you.
If you know you're going to check or fold, click check or fold and you'll automatically check if you can or fold if a
bet is made. When everyone does this a round can take only seconds instead of minutes, and everyone is generally happier
with the smoother play.
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