Poker Tournament Etiquette for Beginners

If the competition is soft and the tables are hot, entering an online poker tournament can mean the onset of great big cash windfall. This means a potential challenger has taken the opportunity to practice poker online and learn the ins and outs before joining a larger competition. In addition to practicing, it is just as essential to know poker tournament etiquette. No one likes the guy who does not follow protocol and does not know the rules. It might be easy to forget that you are playing against strangers all over the world when you visit these rooms every day. These people should still be treated with courtesy. Increase your favorability and avoid a betting catastrophe by learning some important etiquette tips.

Don't Give Advice

There is nothing more insulting than having one player tell another what moves he should or shouldn't make, especially when this advice-giving is accompanied by subtle name-calling. Daring someone to make a move or place a bet a certain way isn't all a part of friendly competition or good sportsmanship. Labeling an opponent as weak for playing cautiously or any other type of negative description regarding their playing style is unacceptable. Think about how you would feel when the heat is on and someone began throwing daggers your way; it only gets hotter. Now, this is not to be confused with leveling, which is an actual strategy used to trip up an opponent because you have an assured hand. If you are not throwing salt for this reason, avoid it at all costs.

Don't Slow the Game's Pace

One move in poker tournament etiquette that will certainly get everyone's feathers in a bunch is slowing the pace of the game. If it's your turn to make a move, make it. Of course, do not make hasty decisions during post-flop but go ahead and follow through with more basic moves in order to preserve the sanity--and nerves--of the other participants.

Don't Discuss Your Fold

Don't shout out the particulars of an ongoing hand. For instance, this may occur if you are engaged in an online match and you raise pre-flop, afterwards someone raises you again, and this action eventually causes you to fold. Then, imagine a card comes up that would have strengthened your hand before you folded. It is not proper to get on chat and discuss the particulars of why you shouldn't have folded. An ongoing hand is not up for discussion. Wait until the match is complete since your rants will likely discriminate the outcome of the current hand.

Don't Be Rude

This last online poker tournament etiquette rule sort of goes without saying: just as you would like to be treated with respect, respect your opponents. This must be done in order to maintain a safe environment where everyone feels comfortable gambling. Keep in mind, that the relaxed atmosphere of playing at your home should not jeopardize the other's hands or level of focus by becoming verbally abusive. Avoid using profanities or other inconsiderate language. Even if your intention is totally harmless, you cannot predict how foul language will be received so it's best to leave it offline.