Games of any sort can always become highly competitive and emotionally charged. When bets are involved the adrenaline rush is turned up another notch. All players from amateurs to experts can loose their cool at one point or another so here's a list of 10 key rules to remaining a classy Poker player. If you follow them you may even find your game improving just by keeping a cool head.
1. Swearing
Pretend that your at a family holiday with grandma, grandpa, and all the little kids sitting round the table.
2. Dealer or Player Abuse
Don't take your emotions out on someone who is only doing his job or someone you are competing against. The only person responsible for your winnings or losses is you.
3. Playing Slowly
It's not fun for the other players when they have to wait forever for you to make a decision. Be considerate of the rest of the table and don't antagonize anyone on purpose.
4. Splashing the Pot
Throwing your chips into the current pot is rude because it makes it hard for people to see what your bet is. Stack neatly and be considerate.
5. Acting in turn
Refrain from a betting action like folding your hand, until the action comes to you. This gives information to people before their turn to act.
6. String bets
This is another jerk tactic to create a response in the opponent. Only grab the amount of chips that you intend on betting, so not to freak out the other players by making them think you're betting more than you actually are. Place them in one action, don't string out the bet.
7. Hitting on the Other Players
Regardless of whether you find the other players you are competing with attractive or not you should refrain from hitting on them at the table. Show class and if you think there is a mutual attraction wait until after the game when you've both left the table to make your move.
8. Don't Comment During a Hand
It's not suitable to make comments about possible hands being played whether you're in the game or not. This can reveal information to other players and give them an unfair advantage or disadvantage. This is especially true when talking about your hand or the cards you just threw.
9. Intentionally Avoiding Blinds
During games like Hold 'Em and Omaha Poker where blinds are required, it is not appropriate to leave the table intentionally when it is your turn to pay your blind. Some players use this tactic to avoid an unfavorable betting position.
10. Don't be a Jerk
Quite simply, no one wants to play with jerks. Everything previously mentioned can be summed up into this statement. The stakes may be pretty high and the temptation to do something ill-mannered or unruly in order to better your position becomes tempting, but in the end, a win with class is always worth so much more.
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