The last few columns addressed some etiquette issues witnessed during poker tournaments. These behavioral faux pas’ (lapses in proper conduct) observed by this writer primarily lie in three areas: The first being ignorant of what constitutes good behavior, the second is allowing emotions of the moment to over-ride normal and proper decorum, and the third being what is considered appropriate conduct by players from different cultural backgrounds. No matter the reason/excuse, proper and appropriate behavior is expected from all tournament attendees – throughout live action play as well. In quick summary (one can read detailed comments regarding each point in this magazine archives), here are issues of which all players should be aware:
DON’T drink alcohol excessively. It slows thought processes at times when they must be most sharp. Plus, if it encourages sloppy, abusive or regrettable behavior, equalize the alcohol-to-blood-cell ratio when out of the tournament.
DON’T verbally abuse other players. They paid their entry fees; they have the right to play as they wish. They may play like donkeys but to date I have heard no rule banishing donkeys from tournaments.
DON’T Rabbit Hunt – that is, asking to see the card that would have come had you stayed in play. This slows the game, gives others a read on your play and, in TDA tournaments is plain illegal.
DON’T be a ‘trash talker’. Doing so is rude, boorish, low-class and, if done pointedly at another player, may invite penalties from the tournament director. Keep the ‘potty-mouth’ for when you’re playing in an NBA game.
DON’T slow-roll or wait for others to show first if it is your obligation to do so. If someone called your last bet, it is up to you to declare first; saying “I missed” yet not mucking is angle-shooting. If action is up to you, act.
DON’T soft-play anyone, even your grandmother. Soft-playing is taking it easy on others, e.g. checking it down instead of betting. Keep in mind the player you let live may be the one to knock you out later. If you can eliminate someone, do so with all dispatch.
DON’T ask for deck changes. You might be running cold but this does not improve your odds or chances of better cards. It slows the game down and proves you are superstitious; I have found that superstitious people generally are unlucky anyway.
DON’T reveal your cards to anyone. Doing so gives a read on your play and invites some Bozo to invoke the “Show one – show all” rule. A rule by the way, pertaining to players, not cards. If you show only one card, you are obliged to show but one card.
DON’T conceal cards. Keep them in plain sight, not hidden behind chip stacks, cup holders, etc.
DON’T whine when you lose or hyper-celebrate when you win. Be a good loser and a gracious winner.
DON’T be a ‘space hog’ filling your designated table area with all kinds of gear, ‘necessaries’ and junk. It usually spills into your neighbor’s space and that’s how border wars begin. Place all your stuff in a backpack and hang it from your seat.
DO protect your cards, especially sitting next to the dealer (who has taken a class on how to surreptitiously muck cards of an unaware player). Use a chip or charm to cap your cards so they don’t disappear.
DO get to your seat and/or return from breaks promptly. Good hands come along rarely; during the time you dawdle may be when you get that put-you-over-the-top hand.
DO know the rules. TDA rules are observed throughout the tournament world these days, however occasionally state regulations may take precedence. Know the rules, structures and format of the event; asking for rules at the tournament desk will provide you that information.
DO act in an appropriate amount of time when it’s your turn. Histrionics and bad acting should be saved for the next ‘reality show’ you are invited to.
DO keep higher denomination chips in full view. Knowing the state of the enemy’s arsenal before you go all-in is good; you must afford opponents the same courtesy.
DO wait to hear the amount of any raise before you act. Mucking cards after someone says “Raise” before hearing the amount may affect the size of their raise and therefore the play of that hand.
DO maintain the proverbial “Poker Face” even if the flop would have made your hand a monster. If you don’t throw a winner away once in a while, you’re playing too loose. Bite your tongue, deal with it, and let the others play out the hand without your tell.
Wrapping it all up, good behavior at the tournament table is merely a matter of acting in an adult manner, with sportsmanlike conduct and class. The pros like Ivey, Negreanu, Brunson, Corkins and others garner respect not only for their skills at the table but for classy conduct as well, in victory or defeat. Emulate the best of both worlds and you’ll be included in the heady company of universally respected players. It’s a great place to be.
Drew Chitiea is a semi-pro poker player living in Colorado. His tournament wins amount to over $500,000 with 4th place at a World Poker Tour event and a 2nd place at Binion’s World Poker Classic in Las Vegas, NV.
