Poker etiquette describes player composure during online poker games. It differs markedly from traditional in-person poker games for obvious reasons. These unwritten guidelines describing player comportment are sacrosanct. Players who subscribe to the highest standards of poker etiquette ensure the well-being of the games, tournaments, and the poker milieu. Put differently, poker etiquette defines the dos and don’ts of poker play. When you are battling against other players in a virtual contest, online poker etiquette constitutes the bedrock of the action.
Online poker is a worldwide sensation. Players from all walks of life and all corners of the world can congregate en masse in top-tier poker rooms to enjoy SNGs (Sit & Go) Tournaments, Multi-Table Tournaments, Freezeouts, Cash Games, and many other poker contests. Online poker is far more relaxed and flexible than an in-person poker game. But still, there is a set of unwritten rules to abide by. By following these guidelines, players can ensure an all-round pleasant experience for everyone. It maintains the integrity of the game and delivers a fun-filled session for all in attendance.
Respect Time Banks and Play at a Reasonable Pace
One of the most frustrating aspects of online poker games is players who take too long to act. Whether you decide to check, fold, raise, re-raise, or go all-in, you should do so purposefully. Unnecessary delays are frustrating and annoying for other players. Fortunately, online poker platforms typically provide time banks. This can be used for making difficult decisions. However, it is strongly recommended that players use time banks sparingly. Always avoid slow-rolling through your game, especially during straightforward decision-making. Maintain a good, steady pace and keep the action flowing.
Avoid Sitting out For Extended Periods of Time
With online poker games, players routinely use a sit-out feature. This allows players to leave the table temporarily without even folding or quitting. Sitting out for a short break is certainly okay, but doing so for extended periods, particularly during tournaments, is disruptive to the game’s flow. It also frustrates other players. This is considered poor poker etiquette if you are always sitting out or disappearing after winning a big pot. It cannot be stressed enough: be mindful of the game’s pace and return promptly to the action after stepping away.
Don’t Multitable beyond Your Capabilities
Earlier in this guide, we alluded to Multitable Tournaments – they are fantastic poker contests where you compete not only with players at your table but with thousands of other players at many different tables. But here’s the kicker: MTTs allow you to play many different tables simultaneously, but if you play too many tables simultaneously, this dramatically slows your reaction time. It also causes you to act too late or even miss turns. If you can’t keep up with the pace of play, other players will get frustrated. It is infuriating waiting for somebody to act. Try to limit yourself to a set number of tables you can manage. This allows you to make timely decisions and remain engaged in the action.
Don’t Abuse the Chat Feature
Online poker presents plays with a unique communication resource – chat functionality. Online chat allows you to communicate with other players at your leisure. Everyone enjoys a little bit of light-hearted banter from time to time. But if you continually talk smack, you will annoy other players. Always be mindful of other players in your comments, questions, and responses. Never use abusive or threatening language. Spamming other players is strongly discouraged. This can be perceived as aggressive conduct and will invariably lend you in the cooler box.
Gloating About Wins is Obnoxious
Let’s face it – everyone enjoys winning poker hands. Victory often comes with fantastic accolades. But gloating about your wins via online chat forums or features is miserable. Excessive celebrations make other players feel uncomfortable. Stop doing it. It’s not only poor sportsmanship, it’s also a lack of etiquette. Don’t taunt other players after they lose. Your victory is sufficient validation of your good fortune or poker prowess. In poker, everybody experiences ups and downs. That’s the nature of the beast. Today’s winning hand can become tomorrow’s bad beat. Check yourself before you wreck yourself. You’re better off posting GG – great game/good game to losing players – than rubbing your victory in their faces.
Avoid Disclosing Your Hand After Folding
Here’s an interesting poker etiquette tip – once you fold your cards, don’t mention what you had to other players in the chat box. If you do, it influences other players’ decisions who are still in the hand. It’s really poor form to reveal your cards before the hand is over. This slipup ruins the game for other players by making it less enjoyable. Wait until the hand is over before you chime in.
Be Graceful in Defeat
Earlier, we spoke about gloating about wins, but now we must speak about being gracious in defeat. Nobody likes a sore loser – nobody. From time to time, even the best starting hand – a premium hand – can lose a poker game. Don’t go moaning and groaning about it. It happens. Don’t lash out at other players in the online chat, and don’t bet recklessly to try and punish anybody for your misfortune. By complaining about a bad beat, you’re not fixing anything. You are part of the problem, not the solution.
Be Mindful of Betting Patterns
There is a POV stating that betting in online poker should follow a clear and consistent pattern. If you participate in unusual betting activity, like betting one chip in a 1000-chip pot, that is considered intentionally confusing. It also wastes time. It’s best to stick to standard bet sizes in line with what everybody else is doing. Also, avoid over-betting unless it’s part of your game plan. String betting is not appreciated in live poker or online poker – avoid it.
