This series on behavior during poker events, focused on tournaments yet certainly valid for live action play, comes from my observations of player actions throughout these events. As mentioned in a prior article, in no other endeavor can anyone compete with others of varying ages, sex, physical condition, nationalities, etc. except in poker. All that is required is a basic understanding of the game, the heart of a competitor and fortitude to accept the inevitable defeats that occur.
The wide range of personalities and countries of origin do bring varying degrees of what may be considered acceptable behavior. What might be viewed as normal and acceptable in one culture can likely be looked upon ranging from a social miss-step to an unpardonable sin in another. In review, the list of don’ts began with the following: Don’t drink alcohol excessively. Don’t be verbally abusive to others. Don’t be a Rabbit Hunter. Don’t be a trash talker. Don’t slow-roll your hand. Don’t soft-play anyone. Don’t ask for deck changes. Don’t reveal your cards to anyone at any time.
This part of the series on poker etiquette concludes with the last three don’ts. When one of my nephews was younger, he would complain “Don’t do this, don’t do that! Just what can I do?” The do’s of poker etiquette will be addressed shortly. Remember, not all of these will pertain to all players, but as a word to the wise: ”If the shoe fits…”
9. Don’t conceal your cards. Oftentimes cards are placed adjacent to or partially concealed by the chip stack. If doing so makes it difficult for others to see the cards, then they need to be placed more forward so to be observable by all. If you have large hands or prefer holding the cards yourself, hold them so others can see that indeed you have cards and are playing that hand. This is a common courtesy to all players – knowing who is competing in that hand – and while occasionally not seeing someone has cards does happen, intentionally concealing cards from the view of others may invite a discussion with the tournament director regarding ethical play.
10. Don’t whine and/or over-celebrate. Everyone gets drawn out on when playing, that’s the nature of the game. One well-known poker pro once remarked (after another player caught a four-outer to eliminate him from a tournament), “If it wasn’t for luck I’d win them all.” The pro then went into a five-minute rant which the producers of the show thought fit to show on television (which, in my opinion, should never be allowed on the air, as it encourages or rewards bad behavior with face-time on TV). Conversely, if you happen to win a major or crucial hand, keep in mind it was not anything heroic you did but making a decision and catching the turn of a friendly card. Pumping fists in the air, high-fiving an audience (if there is one), whoops of victory and boogaloo-dancing may make for “good TV” or be included in a “reality show,” but in reality that behavior proves merely you are a Doofus. Be a gracious winner and a civilized loser.
11. Don’t be a “Space Hog.” I have attended tournaments where players appeared as if they were trying out for the “Ma and Pa Kettle go to a Tournament” show. They bring – then spread out over the table – their cell phone, drink(s), iPod, smokes, matches or lighter, medications, lucky charms, photographs, reading material, other junk and trash. The poker table, all of it, is a playing field for this form of competition; on it should be your chips, your cards and (if allowed) one item used as a card protector. If drinks are placed on the table it is wise to use a cup-holder to minimize spillage potential. Better yet, place drinks on a side-table down and away from the playing surface. If one must bring all the stuff mentioned above to the poker tournament, put it all in a backpack, bag or purse and hang it from your chair or place it down by your feet.
Most of the points made in the last three articles came from observations noted either mentally or on paper while attending tournaments from coast to coast. There could always be more suggestions but just as the “Golden Rule” covered all the written laws in the 10 Commandments, so to could one over-riding suggestion cover all the does and don’ts: “Act like an adult, with sportsmanship, decorum and class.” For this you will be highly respected as a player, for you are someone who thinks (and acts accordingly well) about poker.
Drew Chitiea is a semi-pro poker player living in Colorado. His tournament wins amount to over $500,000 with fourth place at a World Poker Tour event and a second place at Bin
