Casino Poker Etiquette

In casino poker games you are up against other players at your table. That’s different from every other casino game, where it’s you against the dealer. Using proper etiquette in casino poker can make it a fun game. However, one breach of etiquette can turn a whole table of players against you.

The first thing to make sure of when playing casino poker is to verify the type of poker game being played and its table limits. It can be very embarrassing if you sit down to play seven-card stud and they’re playing Texas hold’em. The same is true if you think you’re playing at a $2-$4 table and it’s actually $5-$10.

After you verify the type of poker and the table limit, be sure to bet, raise, check, or fold on your turn. It’s not good etiquette to bet out of turn. Making bets when it’s not your turn can change the way other players bet. For example, if the player to your right (who bets before you) isn’t sure whether or not he’s going to call the bet, and then you raise the bet before he makes his decision, this could very well cause that player to fold instead of call. That means less money in the pot for the eventual winner and makes the game less interesting.

Understand how the game is played, pay attention, and avoid making mistakes. Then you and your fellow poker players will have an enjoyable time–and you may walk away from the table with some chips in your hands.