Casino Poker Etiquette
In poker, there are specific rules about what you can and can not do with your cards, how you should conduct yourself at the table, and in what order you should make certain plays.
Here are some basic guidelines for poker etiquette in the casino: You can pick up your cards, but they must be kept in full view of the dealer, above table-level, and not past the edge of the table at all times. Your cards should rest on the table, directly in front of you, throughout the hand.
Players cannot touch other players' cards or speak to another player about her cards, including speculating about what hand might be made with what cards. As a general rule, do not discuss your hand or another player's hand while the hand is in progress, as this might be interpreted as colluding. It is also considered bad form to suggest a play, urge a call, encourage a raise, or in any other way attempt to influence another player's actions.
As a player, it is your responsibility to protect your hand - most commonly by placing a chip on your cards - so the dealer does not accidentally scoop your cards into the muck pile. Protecting your cards signals to the dealer that you wish to remain in the hand. When you decide to fold your cards, lightly toss your cards on the table without exposing any down cards. The dealer scoops the cards up as a dead hand. If you toss your cards toward the dealer - called mucking your hand - it is also considered a dead hand. Never throw your cards at the dealer or off the table or in any way mark or deface a card.
Players must act promptly and in turn. This is very important; by acting out of turn, you might give another player an advantage - especially if you intend to fold your hand. It is equally important that you try not to give away your intention to play or not play a hand. By holding your cards in such a way as to suggest you intend to fold, you might be inadvertently helping another player decide to play his hand when he, too, might have another wise folded. When more than one player is left at showdown, the first player who bet out on the final round of betting is the first player to reveal her cards. Because all other players called the bet, each one, in turn, reveals his cards or mucks his hand.
In live action poker, cards speak, meaning that the best hand that's turned up wins the pot, regardless of how a player called the hand. For example, if I call your bet at showdown and turn my cards face up on the table while declaring, "I have two pair," and the dealer sees I have made a flush, the flush is considered my highest hand. By employing cards speak; players are assured the best hand wins. As a result, if you ever call a player's bet at showdown, always turn your cards up on the board because sometimes it is possible to misread your own cards.
It is very important to become familiar with casino poker room. some poker players who might sense you are new will gladly help you along; however, many poker players see your inexperience as a factor in their favor and attempt to take advantage of you.