Table Etiquette and Table Image in Poker

Good etiquette keeps the game running smoothly and makes you welcome at any table. It is also practical: how you carry yourself shapes your table image, the story other players tell themselves about how you play. A friendly, solid image quietly earns you money over time.

The Basics of Etiquette

• Act in turn: Wait for the action to reach you before you fold, check, bet, or raise. Acting early gives away information and can change the hand unfairly.
• Don't slow-roll: If you have the winning hand at showdown, show it promptly. Deliberately delaying to let an opponent think they won is considered very rude.
• Protect your cards: In a live game, keep your hole cards face down and near you, often with a chip on top, and never lift them where someone can see.
• Be someone people want to play with: Do not berate players, gloat, or criticize how someone played. It is also smart poker, since teaching opponents only helps them beat you.

Your Table Image

Table image is how the rest of the table perceives you, for example as tight (you only play strong hands) or loose (you play many hands). People react to that image. If you have shown patience, opponents are more likely to fold when you bet. If you have been active, you tend to get paid off when you finally have a big hand.

How a Good Image Makes You Money

Play solid poker so your image is credible, and stay friendly so nobody feels attacked and leaves. Comfortable opponents keep playing, and opponents who respect your hands give you room to pick up pots. You do not need to trick anyone; a calm, likable, disciplined presence does the work for you.

Combine etiquette with the mental game and a solid grasp of position, then sit down at the table. New here? Try the free beginner course first.