In a game that has a reputation for being associated with drinking, smoking, lying (as in bluffing), and swearing — not to mention, of course, gambling — it might be difficult to believe that there are actual mores and ethics that each player is expected to follow, but its true. Poker, like any other social activity, requires that everyone involved abide by the same basic tenets of courtesy and order. Here are some of the most common.
When youre sitting at the poker table, its considered rude and improper to offer advice to another player with their hand. At all costs, you should refrain from making suggestions, comments, opinions, etc. on whats happening in a hand, especially one youve already folded out of. Likewise you should also refrain from requesting aid on a hand from another player at the table, whether theyve already folded their cards or not. In live play, you can also extend this advice to dealers and onlookers. Dont give anyone an unfair advantage, and dont seek out an unfair advantage for yourself.
Oftentimes, once the cards have been dealt, youll know immediately the action you plan to take (for example, if you get 2 Aces, youre...