Playing a game of poker is an experience, not just engaging in a form of entertainment. There’s a reason why every cool character in cinema history has at least one scene at a poker table, pulling a bet or throwing a hand that no one else could. So, if you want to be a certified member of the high society, you need to know more than just how to play poker and rank hands. You also need to know how to act while playing. Here’s a short guide to help you out!
- Start by learning (really learning) the game
There’s no easier way to leave a bad impression than to try and catch rules mid-game. Sure, this sounds outright ridiculous, but you would be surprised by how many people actually do it.
Next, remember there’s a difference between “knowing” the game and knowing the game. What do we mean by this? Well, imagine asking someone if they can play chess and them answering, “Yes!” This could mean anything from “Yes, I know how the pieces work” to “Yes, I’m pretty decent at theory tactics and know a few openings decently well.”
There’s nothing ruder than sitting at a physical poker table and not knowing the rules. This will feel more insulting (and frustrating to other players) than nearly any other behavior you could exhibit during the game.
Keep in mind that just learning the rules without having them etched into your memory doesn’t mean much. The only way to get there is through repetition, but most people, especially in places as busy as Singapore, don’t have that much time to spend at the poker table.
Fortunately, you can explore SG’s top online poker options and get enough games under your belt without ever leaving your chair.
- Focus on the table etiquette
Next, you need to understand one thing. Everyone’s there to play poker. Sure, they may enjoy it for various reasons (including the socialization and chit-chat), but you still need to focus on the game. Just keep in mind that there are a lot of introverts who don’t like talking just for the sake of it.
Stay focused at all times. You don’t want people constantly reminding you that it’s your turn, and you don’t want to seem distracted.
While trust is a characteristic of a gentleman, in poker, you want to keep the cards on the table and in sight at all times.
Most importantly, if you need a break, tell everyone that you’re going to sit one out. There’s nothing ruder than answering a phone amidst a game.
- Wait for your turn
Some things are cultural, and some are just deeply in human nature. For instance, you may have traveled to Singapore to make an investment and may not know if you should accept a business card with one or both hands, but it doesn’t take understanding a culture to know not to talk out of turn.
Interrupting people and skipping ahead of them is always impolite, but in poker, it disrupts the game. It won’t just be seen as rude; it will be seen as your attempt to cheat at the game. This is something that other players won’t tolerate, and even if they don’t interfere (which they will), they will never play with you again.
- Avoid angle shooting
You also want to avoid angle shooting.
What is angle shooting? One example is acting out of turn, but you won’t be allowed to do this. There are other forms of behavior which, although not illegal, are considered to be an example of extremely bad manners.
An example of this behavior would be hiding large denomination chips or pumping fake betting. Also, verbally declaring an action and then claiming you didn’t fit this category. They can’t make you live up to your word, but it won’t end well for you.
Stringing betting is something that wastes everyone’s time and goes on everyone’s nerves. Just don’t do it, and everyone will have a higher opinion of you (at least they won’t have a lower one).
Bakchormeeboy 