Poker Protocol
Newcomers to live action games in casinos and play mostly online poker are not always aware of the proper protocols and etiquette at the casino. And seasoned veterans can use a gentle reminder sometimes too! Experienced poker players can sometimes behave unethically by disregarding established poker protocols and rules. At a showdown, if your opponent calls and asks to see your cards, then flip the over for all to see. Every player who was originally in the hand is entitled to see the cards when a showdown is called.
Don’t splash your chips into the middle of the pot. It causes confusion and slows down the hand. Simply put your bet out in front of you for all to see.
Don’t touch anyone’s chips but your own. Do not attempt to take back any chips that have been put in play. Once the chips have moved into the pot, they must stay there. Most casinos prohibit players from removing any portion of their chips from the table. If another player needs to buy more chips, let the dealer take care of it. Don’t try to cash some of your chips at the table, then put the money away. It is, however, usually acceptable to use some of your chips to pay for food and drinks.
Don’t engage in delaying tactics. It is outright rude to stall when making a decision just before the blinds are about to go up. In multi-table tournament play, when the action is getting down to the bubble, some players will intentionally delay their decisions and hold up the game hoping other players are knocked out at other tables. It is a form of passive aggression used to automatically advance into the money, but it is considered an unethical breach of protocol.
You want to win - you don’t want to get labeled as a troublemaker who gets banned from the casino for breaching the rules.
