Poker Etiquette

Poker Etiquette or: How To Beat People And Leave Them Loving You

While Absolute Poker offers a series of great guides that can help you learn to play poker online and explanations of poker rules, there's an important basic aspect of the game, whether you're playing on the internet or attending a friendly get-together at your friend's house: basic poker etiquette. A little politeness goes a long way and learning to treat other players with the respect you'd like to receive is an important part of making sure everyone's poker game is more fun, even if they don't win every hand.

Language

A little class goes a long way, and watching your mouth is a key part of basic poker etiquette. Absolute Poker asks that you please respect your fellow poker players and refrain from using abusive language in the chat window. If you encounter abusive players, it's best to set your options to ignore table chat rather than converse with them. Please note that Absolute Poker does monitor table chat and will remove the chat privileges of offending players at our sole discretion. Constant vulgarity is grounds for dismissal from Absolute Poker.

Slow play

Time flies when you're having fun and it's not uncommon for a game of poker to last over three hours, so it is essential that all players work to ensure the play moves as quickly as possible. Unnecessary slow play is frustrating for everyone involved and is not good poker etiquette.

Be familiar with the rules and know the table's blind structure before you play. In addition to that seemingly obvious piece of poker etiquette, you should also try not to start games that you know you won't be able to finish.

Acting in turn

While it doesn't necessarily apply to online poker games, a poker hand can be greatly affected when a player acts out of turn. Any bet or fold completed out of turn in a live game greatly affects the players left in the game.

All-In Bet

While making an all-in bet during a game of poker can earn you both chips and a reputation at the Texas Holdem poker table, it's important to note that other players frown upon excessive all-in bets, particularly during the first half of a tournament.

Everybody wins when they respect each other and subscribe to good online poker etiquette. Make it fun for everyone!