Etiquette and poker rules

There are the standard rules for poker and then there are the unwritten rules of the game. A true professional player knows and exercises both.

Anyone who ever played poker will agree that it is fun! It is wonderful if you win the pot but that is not what it is all about, poker is often played for the sheer enjoyment of the game. By following some basic rules of etiquette, though unspoken, you can bring your part and enhance the enjoyment of the game for all your poker buddies.

Here are some pointers towards more enjoyable poker:

1. Never, ever show your hand during play! It is not so much that it is against the rules but it can definitely ruin the game for someone. Your hand can potentially give a player advantage over another player and make you unpopular to boot.
2. Remember at all times to be "poker-face". Do not put on a show if you folded and your cards subsequently would have made a great hand on the flop. Again, this is mostly so that you will not ruin other players' enjoyment.
3. Keep a civil tongue in your head, in other words do not pass smart comments regarding someone’s play. Poker is about how you play not about what you say. If you are a good player, other players will know that without you having to blow your own trumpet. Also do not criticize or verbally abuse other players.
4. It is a mortal sin to blame the dealer for a bad hand. The dealer has no control over the way the cards are dealt, he is merely the facilitator. Better luck next time!
5. If you are sitting on the sidelines, do not pass comment on the game. Most poker rooms do not allow bystanders to give advice to players and the other players certainly won’t appreciate your good Samaritan act. If you are not in the game, stay out by all means.

There are other finer points like for example, if you have to cough, cough into your shoulder. This is good sense, by coughing into your hand and then touching the cards, you are spreading your germs, never a good idea! By remembering and observing these courtesy rules when next you play poker, you will ensure that you will be invited to play again. As the saying goes, "Manners maketh the man".