Poker Etiquette 101: 16 Unwritten Rules Of Poker Every Player Should Know

You’ve spent weeks learning the rules of poker, nailed your strategy, hell, you’ve even notched a few wins under your belt. But before you even step foot into a live or online poker game, there's one more thing you need to master—poker etiquette. Knowing how to behave at the table is just as crucial as knowing the rules of the game. Play it wrong and you might find yourself booted out, and trust us, that’s not a good look.

Knowing the technical part of the game is a given, but mastering the art of good poker etiquette? That’s what separates the players from the pros. Not only will you enjoy the game more, you might even bag yourself a few wins too.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, here are the golden rules of poker etiquette you need to follow:

#1. Pay attention & act swiftly

This might seem obvious, but it’s one of the most critical rules in both live and online poker. If you’re not paying attention, you’re not just hurting your own chances—you’re slowing down the game for everyone else. Poker is a game of rhythm, a finely tuned machine where every player keeps the gears turning. If you’re distracted, it will be noticed—and not in a good way. Whether you’re multitabling online or chatting at a live table, make sure you’re ready to act when it’s your turn. No one wants to wait while you flag down a server for a drink or decide what to eat. You’re sitting at the table to win, so make it count.

#2. Wait your turn

We get it, you’re excited about your strong hand. But wait your turn. Acting out of turn isn’t just rude; it can influence the decisions of other players. Some casinos may even make you honor a bet if you jump the gun. So, take a breath, be patient, and wait until it’s your time to shine.

#3. Choose your seat wisely & stick with it

In live games, hopping around the room to find a weaker table isn’t just disruptive—it’s annoying. In online poker, this isn’t as much of an issue, but in a live setting, pick a spot and stick with it unless you have a solid reason to move.

#4. Avoid short-stack hit-and-runs

Buying in for less and then bolting after a quick win? Not cool. This tactic is seen as unfair because it denies others a chance to win back their money and disrupts the game. If you must leave early, give everyone a heads-up. Make it a habit, though, and it’ll be noticed for all the wrong reasons.

#5. Don’t discuss folded hands

Just because you’ve folded doesn’t mean you should start spilling the beans about what you had. Revealing your cards can give the remaining players an unfair advantage by helping them calculate what’s left in the deck. In fact, you should never share what your hand was at any point in the game, as it will give other players—particularly the more advanced players—an advantage. Seasoned poker players know all the crafty tricks, so don’t put yourself at a disadvantage by giving them an insight as to how you might play similar hands in future. Keep your cards close to your chest and no one else’s—literally.

#6. Announce actions clearly

If you’re going to raise, say “raise.” If you’re going to call, say “call.” There’s no need for elaborate hand gestures or cryptic signals. This isn’t the World Series of Poker, and there’s no need to confuse the dealer or your fellow players with dramatic gestures or cryptic signals. Clear communication helps keep the game running smoothly and prevents misunderstandings.

#7. Limit table talk and commentary

If you’ve folded and are out of hand, avoid commenting on the game in play. Unless you’ve been asked a direct question. No one needs your play-by-play analysis. If you’re still in the game, a little banter can be fun, but don’t overdo it. Too much chatter and you’ll be the table’s least favorite player.

#8. Don’t dish out unnecessary advice

Even if you’re the most advanced player at the table, resist the urge to coach others mid-game. The last thing anyone wants is a live commentary on what they’re doing wrong. Save your tips for after the game—if they ask.

#9. Keep up with the pace of the game

Online poker moves fast, so stay on your toes. If you’re multitabling, manage your tables effectively to avoid holding up the action. In live poker, while the pace is slower, it’s just as important to stay engaged and avoid unnecessary delays. Poker thrives on rhythm—keep it up, and everyone will have a better time.

#10. Don’t slow roll

Slow rolling—deliberately taking your time to reveal a winning hand—is the quickest way to get on everyone’s nerves. In a friendly live game, it might be mildly amusing to trick your friends into thinking they’ve won, but it’s considered extremely irritating in both live and online poker. If you’ve got the nuts (the best hand possible, reveal it promptly. It’s poker, not a suspense thriller.

#11. Respect other players

Remember, there’s a real person on the other side of the screen or table. Good manners go a a long way. No one likes a sore loser or a gloating winner. Keep it classy and respectful, and you’ll earn the respect of your peers.

#12. Avoid the chat box rant

The chat box is for poker talk, not for venting your frustrations or delivering unsolicited advice. Keep it relevant, keep it respectful, and for the love of poker, avoid typing in ALL CAPS.

#13. Be a gracious winner

By all means celebrate your win, but keep your celebrations in check until you’ve left the poker table. Don’t forget the players you’ve just beaten will be far from enthusiastic about your win, so just accept your win graciously to avoid adding insult to injury.

#14.  Be a courteous loser

Losing is part of the game, and how you handle it says a lot about you as a player. No one likes a sore loser, so avoid making angry or insulting comments if you do lose a hand. Complaining isn’t going to change anything, so the best thing you can do is to bow out and accept the loss courteously. You can always congratulate the winner too with a swift, “nice hand”. It’s a small gesture, but it goes a long way.

#15. Keep a good WiFi connection

In online poker, a strong internet connection is crucial. Dropping out because of a bad connection is frustrating for everyone involved. Before you start playing, make sure your WiFi is solid. If you frequently encounter issues, consider upgrading your connection to avoid disrupting the game.

#16. Announce your departure

If you need to leave the game, don’t just disappear—let the other players know. Especially if you’ve just won a significant pot. Announcing your departure helps keep the game running smoothly and shows respect for your fellow players.

By following these unwritten rules of poker etiquette, you’ll not only improve your own game but also ensure that everyone has a great time at the table. So, keep it classy, stay focused, and remember—poker is as much about the experience as it is about winning.