Texas Hold 'em Manners
Many card players are lured to the cerebral machinations that the Texas Hold 'em poker game embodies. And playing this game is extremely enjoyable, until someone turns into a pain in the neck and spoils the fun. Don't let that chump be you! Here are some Texas Hold 'em manners that every poker player should know and follow.
Every Texas Hold 'em player is aware that everyone on the table is trying to read the other player out. So, rule number one, do not overreact while the game is going on. It's just bad acting because obviously you're trying to bluff (and failing miserably at it!). And if you're not bluffing, it's much worse because you're just being a nuisance.
So if you find yourself folded at the pre-flop and seeing that you could've had a great poker hand at the flop, do not raise your arms in frustration or slap your thigh and say "That was stupid!". Sure, you're tempted to make the other players notice that you could've won if you hadn't folded. But control yourself! You'll just be spoiling it for everyone else.
Rule number two, keep your head in the game! Keep the game flowing and don't make the other players wait on you. Mind your position. If you're on the blind, get right to the bet. If it's your turn to call or raise or fold, decide fast. If it's time to call out your hand, call it quick. Don't slow down the game.
The next rule is chips conduct. Do not hide your chips so stack them in front of you. Do not chuck your bets into the pile, or splash the pot. You're messing it up and it's suspicious if you've actually dispensed the correct amount for the call or raise. You're just giving the other players a reason to be bothered with something else other than minding their own game.
Consequently, there's the poker foods conduct. That's playing while eating, of course. Remember, everyone will be touching the same cards. So please do not handle sticky, icky food then handle your cards. That's just nasty. Keep with the potato chips but out with the Buffalo wings! And with booze, it is okay to drink… just don't get drunk! Nobody wants to play with someone who spills drinks and stumbles through the game.
So bear in mind - don't exaggerate, don't slow down the game, don't splash the pot, keep your hands clean, and do not play while drunk. Just follow these proprieties in Texas Hold 'em and in any other card game and you'll have a great time at the cards table!