Playing poker in land-based casinos can be your best gambling experience or the worst nightmare. It all depends on how you behave at the poker table and in the casino in general. To make it like a pro and leave the best impression, learn the main poker etiquette rules for beginners.
Poker is different at online casino sites and in real gambling venues. We will show you how to play this card game in land-based casinos. Apart from learning the rules of poker, players need to know the basics of poker etiquette. It includes the way you behave in a casino and at the poker table, as well as what you do and don’t do during the gameplay. Check out the main poker etiquette rules to follow.
Main poker etiquette rules for beginners
In this guide, we have summarized the main rules and recommendations for poker players. Follow them to avoid any misunderstandings and problems in land-based casinos. Also, you can learn more about poker from our online poker guides for beginners.
Take a seat if you are ready to play
This is a golden rule that applies not only to poker but all casino table games. If you decide to try your luck at poker, take a seat only when you are fully ready to play. Otherwise, you will waste everyone’s time at the table, starting from the dealer and ending with other players. Also, it is important to know the rules of the poker variation you intend to play if you don’t want to be a mess at the table.
Speak one language at the table
Speaking one language at the table isn’t the most obvious tip for a well-mannered person in a land-based casino, but it is an important unwritten rule you should follow. It is not polite to speak other languages if the gameplay is held in English. This rule applies to everyone at the poker table and near it: spectators, players, and the dealer.
Keep pace with the game
One of the worst things to do at the poker table is being unjustifiably slow. When at the table, pay attention to the other’s actions and know when it is your turn. If you don’t know what to do, don’t delay the time pretending that you are thinking. Surely, we don’t talk about high-stake games or finales of poker tournaments where concentration is important. However, being slow at every round in a common poker game is extremely annoying.
Know how to hold your cards and chips
Poker etiquette rules teach how to place your chips and cards at the table. All the chips must be put in a visible place with the most valuable chips in the front row. The latter might be a weird poker rule, but this is the way you show respect for other players. Regarding the cards, you should never try to hide, bend, or crumple your cards, to say nothing about marking them. Also, there is a separate rule for players asking them to protect their hands from other players.
Put all your devices away
When at the poker table, try to switch off and put away all your devices. It should be done for at least two reasons. By switching your phone off, you won’t be distracted by its notifications and it won’t distract other players. What is more important, the usage of a smartphone or any other device during the gameplay may be mistakenly interpreted as a cheating attempt.
Be respectful regardless of the game result
Following poker etiquette, you must be polite and respectful towards other players and the casino staff. Regardless of the outcome of the poker game, keep calm and don’t be rude. Avoid bad words, criticism, and mainly fights in a casino. To leave the best impression possible, you can tip the dealer even if you lost the game.
