Live Poker Etiquette: What a Beginner Needs to Know

Is this your first time at a live table? NUTS POKER has collected all the basic rules of etiquette that will make your game enjoyable and hassle-free!

Check out our tips on the dos and don'ts of the poker table. You will learn how to place bets correctly, avoid slowroll and angle shooting, and whether you can use your phone while playing.

This article will be useful to all players, no matter where you play - at a local casino, at a major festival, or even in Las Vegas!

Attention and procedure

In online poker, you always get a hint when it's your turn, eliminating the possibility of acting out of order.

In live poker, it is extremely important to be completely focused on the game. This helps to avoid mistakes and suspicions of angle shooting - any dishonest actions that are misleading.

Violation of the order may result in a penalty from the Tournament Director (TD). But don't worry: mistakes happen, and doing something out of turn once usually doesn't have serious consequences.

Don't discuss the hand

You cannot discuss a hand if you are not involved in it. Conversation can distract players and influence their decisions.

If there are more than two players in a hand, discussing the hand is prohibited. In heads-up conversation is acceptable, but try not to distract your opponent during his turn.

How to place bets

• Example: big blind 100. If you bet one 500 chip without a verbal announcement, this is considered a call of the previous bet. If you want to raise to 500, you must say "raise".

• Tip: bet the entire amount at one time. If you want to bet 600 chips (one 500 and one 100), place them on the table in one motion. However, if you announced the bet amount out loud, you can place the chips in separate movements.

Keep track of time

Every player needs time to think. But sometimes you shouldn't think too long. Preflop, you simply need to call, raise, fold, or check (for the big blind). Act quickly to avoid delaying the game.

If a player's turn takes too long, the dealer or another player may ask for a "clock" (start a timer). This will limit the time for making a decision.

Avoid slowrolling

Slowroll is when a player with a winning hand deliberately teases his opponent.

• Example: you have the nut flush and your opponent goes all-in on the river. If you cover his bet, but pause for a long time before calling, that's a slowroll. Even if you call right away, but wait a long time to show your cards, knowing that you have the nuts, that's also considered a slowroll.

Don't flash your cards

Always cover your cards with your hand or card protector so that no one can see them. Keep your cards on the table and don't pick them up until showdown.

• Tip: Avoid using mirrored glasses at the table, as they may reflect other people's cards.

Organization of the chip stack

All your chips must be visible to other players. Place large chips in front, and organize the rest into neat stacks of 20 pieces. This will allow you and your opponents to easily estimate the size of your stack.

Do not use the phone in active distribution

Using your phone during a hand in which you are still involved is most often prohibited and may result in your hand being declared void.

After you have folded, you can use your phone. The use of poker equipment during a hand is strictly prohibited.

Verbal announcements

Speak clearly and confidently: “raise”, “call”, “fold”. This prevents controversial situations with the dealer or opponents. Once you have declared an action out loud, it cannot be changed.

Leaving the table

You can only leave the table after you have waited for your turn and folded. Even if you are about to fold, wait your turn.

Control of emotions

Poker is an emotional game, but try to control your reactions. Don't get overly excited when you win and don't get aggressive when you lose.

Food and drink

Food and drink at the table is acceptable, but be careful. Try not to dirty the table and chips.

Follow the casino rules

Each casino or card room has its own rules. Familiarize yourself with them before playing: this may concern buy-ins, rebuys, blind structure, dress code and etiquette.

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