Poker is a game that requires etiquette and proper behavior at the table. There are certain things you should avoid saying or doing when playing poker, as they can be considered poor etiquette or even against the rules. Here are some things you are not allowed to say or do at a poker table:
Talking About The Cards
You should never talk about the cards you folded or discuss the contents of your hand while involved in a hand. This gives your opponents information they are not entitled to and is considered a breach of etiquette. Only talk about your cards when you are heads up in a hand or after the hand is over and you are reviewing how it was played.
Criticizing Opponents’ Play
It is considered poor etiquette to criticize or comment on how another player handled a hand, whether you think they played poorly or made a bad decision. Keep those thoughts to yourself and focus on your own game. Negative comments can put players on tilt and create a less enjoyable atmosphere.
Saying You Will Do Something and Not Following Through
If you state you intend to take an action, such as calling a bet, raising, or folding, you must follow through. A verbal declaration is binding. You cannot say “I call” and then change your mind and fold. That is called string betting and is not allowed.
Revealing Your Cards Prematurely
Do not reveal your hand or disclose what you folded before the betting round is completed and everyone still involved in the hand has shown their cards. This benefits other players still in the hand who have yet to act. Wait until the hand is over before showing what you had.
Saying You Had a Different Hand Than You Did
You should never lie about what your hole cards were after a hand is completed. That is called angling and is prohibited. Claiming you had a different hand than you actually did to get a reaction from opponents is not allowed.
Complaining About Bad Beats
It’s poor etiquette to constantly complain when you take a bad beat or lose a hand you were statistically favored to win. Those things happen in poker, and whining about it annoys other players. Keep a poker face and avoid complaining about your bad luck.
Exposing Your Cards to Other Players
You should protect your hand at all times and not intentionally show your cards to opponents. Intentionally exposing your cards or throwing them to the middle to show everyone what you had is poor etiquette and not allowed in most card rooms.
Saying You Will Tip the Dealer if You Win
It is considered a breach of etiquette to promise the dealer part of your winnings in exchange for a favorable outcome on a hand. Dealers cannot accept those propositions, so do not make them.
Celebrating Excessively When You Win
A quiet understated celebration when you win a big pot is fine, but anything excessive like shouting, taunting opponents, and carrying on in an inappropriate manner is very poor etiquette. Act like you have been there before.
Saying You Will Not Tip the Dealer
Letting the dealer know you do not intend to tip them even if you have a big win is in very poor taste. Just do not tip them instead of announcing your intention not to.
Cursing and Strong Language
Profanity and strong language that could be offensive to other players should be avoided. Keep your emotions in check and do not start cursing if you lose a hand.
Making Racial, Sexist, or Derogatory Comments
Any racist, sexist, or otherwise derogatory language has no place at a poker table. Avoid any communication that could offend other players. You will likely be penalized or removed from the game for this type of action.
Saying You Will Show Your Cards Only if You Win
You cannot say you will only show your cards at showdown if you win the hand. In a showdown, all live hands that make it to the river must be exposed, whether the player wins or loses. Refusing to show a losing hand is not allowed.
Talking About Chips in Play
Avoid referencing the amount of chips you have in play, especially if it is a substantial amount. That information can influence action and scare players into not bluffing you or value betting thinly. Do not tap the table with stacks of chips either.
Asking to See Other Players’ Folded Hands
You are never entitled to see the cards opponents folded. Do not ask them to show you what they discarded unless they voluntarily choose to show. Calling the clock to see their cards is prohibited.
Saying “Nice Hand” or Similar Remarks Sarcastically
Making sarcastic comments when an opponent catches a lucky card that beats you is poor etiquette. Don’t say “nice hand” or make other remarks in a sarcastic tone. Take the bad beats in stride and avoid antagonizing others.
Prediction of Future Cards
Saying that you think certain cards are “due” or making any other comments that try and predict future cards should be avoided. Stick to talking about the action and not what cards you think might be coming next.
Asking About Number of Hands Played
Never ask opponents how long they have been playing or how many hands they have played. That information can influence action and is none of your business. Focus on your own play, not statistics about others.
Saying “I Bet” Instead of the Amount
You cannot just say “I bet.” You must state the amount you are betting or raising each time you take an action. Generic betting statements without a monetary amount are not allowed.
Saying You Were Going to Take a Different Action
Do not state you were planning to check, bet, raise, or fold but changed your mind after an opponent acted. That information should stay private. Do not talk about what you might have done but didn’t.
Asking About Number of Tables or Tournaments Played
Never inquire about how many tables an opponent is playing or how many tournaments they have played that day. This information is off limits and cannot be used to influence your decisions.
Saying “Nice Bet” to Opponents in a Sarcastic Way
Be careful not to say “nice bet” in a sarcastic tone when facing a bet or raise. That implies you think it was a dumb move and is poor etiquette. Keep those thoughts to yourself at the table.
Asking About Previous Hands Against Specific Opponents
It is prohibited to ask about previous hands played against a specific opponent. You cannot inquire about how they played a past hand or if they bluffed you previously. Focus on the current hand in play.
Commenting on Opponent’s Skill Level
You should avoid making comments about how skilled or bad you think another player is. Saying things like “you don’t know what you’re doing” or “nice play, fish” crosses the line and is considered poor etiquette.
Telling Another Player to “Look” at Their Cards
Never tell another player to look at their cards or make any other comment about the contents of their hand. Let them play their hand as they see fit without your input.
Saying You Folded a Monster Hand
Be careful about saying you folded a great hand after you muck your cards. This could influence action and is poor etiquette if overused. Keep those details private more often than not.
Talking About Money Won or Lost
Avoid talking about how much money you have made or lost in a session or over your poker career. This can annoy other players and influence action based on your wins and losses.
Conclusion
Poker has unwritten rules of etiquette and certain things you cannot say or do at the table. Avoid calling the clock, talking about the cards, angling, exposing cards, and other actions deemed improper or against the rules. Be respectful of the dealer and other players by maintaining proper etiquette and refraining from making prohibited statements.
