The rules of decency and good behavior when engaging in any activity with other people are automatically practiced by most people as they are in any social gathering. Activities involving software are another matter and the well-designed application will not take offense at the occasional outburst of pent up emotion and aggression. So, if you play poker to get rid of your Neanderthal instincts and redirect your frustration, stick with the bot opponents. Unfortunately not everyone follows this advice and thinks that bluffing while playing poker with humans requires behaving like the schoolyard bully.
A lot about a person can be ascertained by his behavior, especially when involved with other players in a game of poker. The expert player comes off as focused and purposeful in his manner, even though he may be politely brisk. He is there for an honest, competitive game of quality poker. As for the student of the game, the more sincere, purposeful and focused he is, the better the chances that he is following the basic rules of etiquette.
Professionals are known for both being masters at their craft and masters of manners. A pleasant atmosphere is the result of good manners which makes a focused, professional game a reality. Common sense dictates that insulting your opponents is always a mistake, they are responsible for your game being profitable.
There is definitely as great a need for etiquette on line as in live games. First and foremost, minimize chatting. Remember that every time you type a message, you reveal information, as well as receiving it. Information gleaned that way may easily mislead, and frequent messages, to you or between others, may distract. It is sensible, depending on your sensibilities, to even close the chat for the duration of the game or at any specific stage.
Just as it is considered impolite to discuss your income with outsiders, it is equally so to discuss your level of mastery of the game or of any acquaintances’ game. So if you are indulging in a chatfest, you may be revealing way more than you intend.
Always be polite but save the salacious stuff for the water cooler. You will be doing the table a favor. An online poker game is not a chat room and treating it as such wastes time and opportunity. Negative language will not achieve any goal. It will only pollute the atmosphere and you want to keep the atmosphere pure and neutral.
Moreover, angering your opponents into better play criticizing their technique will not increase your chances, and will likely reveal your own actual abilities to other players. Straightforward rudeness is officially prohibited in most online rooms.
If you must type a message, avoid doing so in upper case. This comes across as shouting or expressing yourself in an intensely emotional vein, which has no place in a game of cards. This is the mark of an immature player and reveals much more about your true self than you intended. No matter what, be cool, and never let anyone see you sweat.
The author is a successful limit cash game player. He plays poker online and receives Players Only Rakeback and Paradise Poker Rakeback.
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