Not everyone at the poker table will be polite, courteous, or maintain a sense of proper etiquette at the poker table. Some players do not adhere to rules of common sense out of ignorance, while others fail to use their heads and prefer to be idiots. If you are new to the game of poker or even new to the venue at which you are playing poker – it may be wise to follow these basic guidelines to poker etiquette.
It is not appropriate to ask and see your opponent’s losing hand. Although it is technically permitted that any hand that shows down can be seen, there is a predetermined order of showdown. If your hand is shown before the opposing player and he is beat, it is common courtesy to allow him to muck his hand. He may show it anyway, however demanding that he show his hand or requesting the dealer to display it is simply not polite.
When you knock someone out of the tournament, it is up to that player to befriend you. In a live poker setting, players often shake hands to show friendly gestures toward their opponent in times of knockout. The player who has been busted out of the tournament should initiate the hand shaking. In online games, a handshake is not possible. Players being busted out are courteous in typing “good game” in the chat box.
While a handshake or message is a show of respect, the winning player should not make the first move to leave the message or reach for the handshake. This comes off as arrogant and somewhat disrespectful. Players who are knocked out are often steaming. They may interpret your kind gesture as taunting. Thus, if playing live, making eye contact with the player who was busted out is most appropriate, as you are allowing them to extend the courtesy they are most comfortable with.
Many poker players feel they have to apologize when they win a hand or suck out. Apologies are not expected when you win a hand. Poker is a game, a competition if you will. There will be winners and losers. When a player wins, an apology is not necessary. Likewise, when a player loses, an apology should not be expected.
Finally, players must keep in mind there is no lone correct way to play poker. People play for different reasons and have different playing styles. Often players like Phil Hellmuth are seen on television going on rants complaining about a suck out or asking people “how could you play that” or “how could you make that call?” Players need not explain how they could make certain plays. Therefore, when you are asked about your play, you do not have to provide an answer. Doing so only leads to an intense argument.
