When playing poker, whether in person or online, it is most important to mind your manners. For example, if playing poker online, many sites will have facilities for chat to go on while the game is being played. Not only does this bother some people who want to concentrate on the game, but it also raises the question of cheating – or at least ‘not so straight’ playing. Every time someone imparts information, and it could be something as ineffectual as a ‘how are you doing?’ raises a question. When information is being imparted, it is also being received, so if this is bothering any of the players, ask that it be turned off or just turn it off yourself. Don’t forget too that any information received may be of the false variety which in turn will lessen your chances of winning.
If people must chat while playing online poker, keep it very brief. There are other sites where people can chat on for hours about anything and nothing. Online gaming sites are really not the place to do this.
Another unwritten rule to observe is the aspect of criticism. Remember that everyone has to start somewhere when they are learning the game. But interfering with someone’s play is tantamount to sticking your nose in where no-one wants it. Don’t forget too that new players are bringing in money to the table and without them pickings may be rather on the low side!
Be careful about expressing yourself in a negative manner. Many players will take a dislike to this and if there are several playing with you online, this may turn into a kind of witch-hunt where they will do all in their power to make you lose.
The general idea of playing poker, whether online or in person is to keep your opponents guessing. Too much chatter will show your level of expertise and may prove to be detrimental to you in the end. Many will want to know how good you are and will try to ‘spook’ you. This is all a part of a larger game which will show them how to bring you down.
If you are playing in a tournament in particular, keep chatting to an absolute minimum. This is one place where time is money, and the less chat there is the more game is being played. This leads to more money available to be won and isn’t that the main reason for playing?
Even if you lose, keep any profanity out of the game. This can reveal so much about a player and will show a sense of desperation. A desperate player is very often a careless player and there are many who will home in on this. Indeed, this game is where the expression ‘poker faced’ was born and it means that no emotion should ever be shown whether winning or losing.
Finally, and above all else, enjoy the game and play to your best ability. You never know, you just may win big!