Following from the online poker etiquette article, we will discuss exactly how you should act during a live poker game. Poker etiquette during live games is even more important than online, as you are face to face with your opponents which makes it much harder to act unprofessional than it is behind your computer screen.
Also, you can see the effects of your behavior during live play, which may effect how you act. If, for example, you abuse the way your opponent played a hand and they blow up at you, it may ensure you think twice about informing the player about their strategy.
Now, what do you want to avoid doing or saying at a live poker event.
When you knock somebody out of a tournament…
Don't jump up out of your chair, pump your fists over dramatically or any other out of place celebration. It will only annoy the table and give the image that you are a real idiot.
Sure, you may have just hit a one outer to put you in top position, but imagine if the roles were reversed, would you want a player who just knocked you out of the tournament gloating in front of your face? Of course, there is always a time and place for this, nobody can expect you to be extremely professional during the final table of the World Series of Poker Main Event, but just act classy under the circumstances, and keep your image and dignity intact.
Another thing you should never do when knocking someone out of a tournament is offer a hand shake. They may not feel like shaking your hand right now, and puts them in a awkward position in front of the whole table. It will also make them look bad if they decline your invitation.
Taking Advantage of Mistakes
If you ever realize the dealer has made a mistake, call them out. It is never fair to take advantage of something which is out of the hands of your opponents.
You may be able to see your opponents cards as the dealer distributes them, giving you a huge advantage and you will be almost cheating the table if you do not explain what is happening.
Asking to see a mucked hand
This is extremely unprofessional and looked down upon by all players. By asking to see an opponents losing hand you are essentially gaining a huge advantage as to the way they play.
It is also looked upon as an accusation. If you call out a particular player to show their hand, it may seem you feel they are colluding, forcing them to prove their innocence by displaying their hand. Even if they were not cheating, it will still uncover any mistakes they made during the hand.
Hopefully you will have learnt how to act on and offline at a poker game from the two articles. You will find players have a lot of respect for others who stick the rules and go about their work professionally.
