04/03/2010, Game rules

"You can win more friends with your ears than with your mouth" – Doyle Brunson

Using the good manners in social situations makes the game more enjoyable for everyone, allowing you to dominate the situation against others who do not use the proper etiquette.

If you know the basics of the poker etiquette, it will help you to beat your opponents and leave them loving you. A polite attitude can even increase a player's odds of success.

Have you ever noticed the professional players' attitude during the poker tournaments? They always prove fair play and respect for the poker games and for their opponents.
Good manners at the poker table make the game to flow easily and it will allow you to play more games per hour. The experienced players never insult the less experienced because it's from them the money comes.
Moreover, insulting the less experienced players may also alert them regarding your superiority.

We will share some advice you can follow in order to maintain the polite atmosphere. The rules of the poker etiquette are:

- Be polite with your opponents, do not swear, do not be verbally abusive!
- Do not criticize your opponent's play!
- Avoid disturbing the other players.
- Do not comment about the possible hands or about the cards you just threw away.
- Do not let anyone to see your cards and keep them on the table. Also, you must keep your chips and money on the table, managing your personal space reasonably.
- Do not touch your opponents' chips or/and cards!

Remember that whenever you talk to your opponents, it means you exchange information and certain information may hurt or it may help you, depending on whether you share or you receive the tips.
If you think the conversation prevents you from staying focused, do not hesitate to close it. It would be better if you learn how to quickly, but courteously answer to all your opponents' questions.

Take the right decisions at the right time because when you lose time, it means you lose an opportunity.
Do not reveal the level of your play. Remember that the way you talk can tell a lot about your game level and your opponents may have an advantage if they find it.

A good game of poker is played silently. Every word you say could be a critical information for your opponents. Poker is a social game which requires a proper behavior.