Interest in online poker is growing every day, and beginners often forget that they should learn not only the rules of the game itself, but also the norms of behaviour at a real poker table.
Recently, unfortunately, even professional poker players who play the game for a living fail to observe the simple etiquette of offline play. At international tournaments, this omission can be a reason for disqualification. So, it’s better to learn the rules of behaviour right away to avoid trouble and earn the respect of your opponents.
Rule 1. Watch the time
Delaying the game is considered to be mauvais. In some cases, it is indeed necessary to think over your moves, but you should not forget that you are expected.
Usually, at the request of players, the tournament director gives them 30 seconds to think, but in poker circles it is considered unethical to demand strict compliance with this rule. Especially if your opponent is in a tough position. So there is always time to make a decision, but you should not forget about your opponents and do not abuse their loyalty.
If you’re not in the mood for long tournaments or waiting around the table, a fun alternative could be playing at Hiddenjack online casino, where you can enjoy fast-paced games, slots, and quick wins without the pressure of live poker.
Rule 2. Less talking
An experienced player can cleverly bamboozle a beginner and get important information about the course of the game. You don’t have to respond – poker etiquette considers not responding to someone’s comment to be the norm.
Talking is a very effective technique. For example, Daniel Negreanu is a famous joker in the world of poker, witty and verbose. But when talking about distracted topics, Negreanu constantly observes his opponents, analysing their reactions to his remarks and correlating it with the situation at the gaming table. Another poker master, William Kassouf, uses thrash-talk, asking the same questions, stalling for time and otherwise provoking his opponents to make emotional and incorrect decisions. For this reason, many refuse to sit down with Kassouf at the table, considering him a toxic player.
Important:
- It is not allowed to talk about a hand if you are not involved in it. Many tournaments penalise you for this.
- You cannot agree to check the board while the third player is all-in.
Rule 3. Slowroll is unacceptable
A Slowroll is another type of special delayed play, with a hand that is impossible to lose. Slowrolls are one of the most ‘dirty’ tricks because you are encouraging your opponent so that you can then nate him psychologically.
The fates were pretty harsh on Mikel Hab, who played a whole melodrama before calling an all-in against Samantha Abernathy with pocket kings. Remember this case, and if you have the best hand, show your opponent your cards immediately after the showdown.
Rule 4. Nitrall is a sign of inexperience
Nitrall is the long deliberation of beginners when they have nats but fear that the hand will be beaten. Long deliberation is a sign of inexperience. The attitude towards nitroll is more lenient than slowroll, because the time is not intentionally dragged out. But nitroll hits the player’s image sensitively. To become your own poker player, read my article on how to spot a professional player.
Rule 5. Hit-n-Run – Escape is not welcome
What should you do if you want to leave an offline game? The rules don’t forbid you to get up from the table at any time. But in real life it is considered polite to give your opponents at least 20-30 minutes’ notice to leave or to tell them that you are staying for a few more hands.
If you have won a big pot, there is no need to continue active play. Just throw your cards in the pass – no one will judge you for this. If a player leaves immediately after winning, this is called a ‘hit-and-run’ and is frowned upon.
Rule 6. Respect the dealer
Poker is a game of skill, patience, and emotional control. Sometimes players lose their temper after a bad beat or an unfavorable decision, but taking it out on the dealer is completely unacceptable. The dealer is simply a neutral party who facilitates the game — they don’t influence the outcome, and they certainly aren’t to blame for your losses.
Professional players know that showing respect to the dealer and tournament staff reflects well on their character. Losing with grace, even when frustrated, earns you far more respect than any flashy win. Treat the dealer kindly, don’t argue over minor mistakes, and you’ll be seen as a true professional at the table.
Rule 7. Don’t celebrate early
Winning a big hand can be exciting, especially after a lucky river or a bold bluff, but celebrating before the hand is officially over is considered extremely bad etiquette. Jumping up, yelling, or reacting loudly to an unfinished hand not only disrupts the flow of the game but can be deeply disrespectful to your opponents.
A true professional keeps their emotions in check, no matter how intense the situation. Once the hand is complete, a simple nod or smile is enough. Keep in mind that today you win, tomorrow you might lose — and how you handle both says a lot about who you are as a player.
Rule 8. Keep your chips in order
A clean and organized chip stack is a sign of a serious player. Stacks should be easily visible to other players and the dealer, with higher denomination chips placed in front or on top. This avoids confusion and prevents accidental misreads of your total chip count.
Players who hide large chips behind small ones or mix denominations without clear separation can create tension and suspicion. While it might not be a direct violation of rules, it’s frowned upon and can lead to unpleasant confrontations. Respect the table by keeping your chips neat — it’s a basic yet important detail.
Rule 9. Don’t expose your cards prematurely
Showing your cards before the hand is over — intentionally or not — can severely affect the outcome of the game. If you’re not involved in the hand, it’s a major breach of etiquette to flash or reveal cards to others, even as a joke or by accident.
Exposing cards can give unfair advantages, alter how others play the hand, or ruin someone else’s strategy. In many tournaments, this can result in a penalty. Professionals keep their hands close until the showdown and never reveal information that could influence the game.
Rule 10. Stay at the table until the hand is over
Even if you’ve folded your hand, leaving the table mid-hand is considered disrespectful. Movement can be distracting to other players, and in serious games, every detail counts — even body language and reactions from those no longer in the hand.
Staying seated shows discipline and respect for the game. Wait until the hand concludes before getting up for a break, and if it’s truly urgent, do so quickly and quietly. Professional players understand that every action at the table, even when not directly involved, contributes to the atmosphere and fairness of the game.
Rule 11. No string betting
String betting — placing chips on the table in multiple motions without announcing your bet — is not only frowned upon but often ruled invalid in live tournaments. This creates confusion and may be seen as an attempt to gauge opponents’ reactions before finalizing your bet.
Professional players always declare their actions clearly and make single, deliberate movements when betting. This helps maintain transparency and pace of play, and avoids disputes. If you’re unsure, always announce your bet verbally before moving chips — it’s the safest and most respectful method.
Rule 12. Don’t reveal folded cards
Once you’ve folded a hand, your cards should go straight into the muck face down, with no drama. Revealing your folded cards — intentionally or out of curiosity — gives away unnecessary information to other players and can shift the dynamics of the table. Even if you think the hand was interesting or worth showing off, keeping it hidden maintains fairness for those still in play.
Professional players understand that every bit of information matters in poker. Showing a fold, especially if it was a big one, could affect how your opponents read your style or make decisions in future hands. Keeping your folds silent and discreet not only respects the game but also protects your strategy in the long run.
Rule 13. Don’t coach at the table
Giving advice or commenting on someone else’s play during a live hand is strictly prohibited. Even if you’re trying to be helpful, offering coaching at the table undermines the competitive nature of the game and can unfairly influence outcomes. This includes explaining what someone “should have done” or pointing out missed draws and potential mistakes.
In serious games, this kind of behavior can even lead to penalties or being asked to leave. Professionals know that the poker table is not a classroom. If someone asks for feedback, save it for after the session — in the moment, it’s best to let everyone play their own game, make their own mistakes, and learn at their own pace.