Most people get their introduction to poker in a casino, poker hall, or game night with friends, so logging in to play poker online for the first time is an entirely new experience. As online gaming, and more specifically poker, continue to grow, more and more people will be showing up at virtual poker tables. There are a lot of reasons for the card game’s rapid growth in the online space, including convenience and variety of game formats available. One of the biggest bonuses of playing poker online is there’s no need to drive long distances or plan a trip to a city like Vegas to get in on the action. Instead, all you need is a computer or mobile device to get started.
While online and offline poker games share many things in common, there are some things you’ll want to do differently when seated at the virtual poker table with a group of internet strangers. Whether enjoying a casual, low-stakes game or competing in a high-stakes tournament, adhering to rules of etiquette is the best way to ensure everyone has a good time. Understanding the dos and don’ts of online poker etiquette helps players do their part in making sure the game goes smoothly whilst also building a positive reputation in the poker community. In this article, we look at the behaviors that contribute to a respectful online poker game.
Dos of Online Poker Etiquette
Respect is the word that should always be at the front of your mind when playing poker online. With live poker, you can always see what’s going on because all of the action is taking place in front of you. However, much of that is hidden when you play poker online. Online poker games tend to unfold quickly, and if you hesitate too much or engage in slow-rolling, you’re going to frustrate other players. That’s not to say that you can’t take your time to employ strategies like hand-reading to help you determine the possible hands your opponents are holding and therefore get the upper hand in a game.
You just need to be mindful as you do this and act quickly when it’s your turn so the pace of the game can be maintained. Doing so shows respect for the other players and helps the game progress as it should. Since online poker takes place on virtual platforms, it’s missing the social interaction that is a big part of the game. To make up for this, online casinos have added chat features so players can communicate with each other during the game. You should take advantage of this feature to send messages like “good game” after a hand, but avoid personal conversations that could distract from the gameplay.
You should also learn and follow the rules of the platform you’re using. Each virtual poker platform has guidelines for gameplay, table behavior, and chat usage that are meant to ensure games are fair and respect is maintained. Like with all websites, review the About section to learn more about the platform before you get started.
Don’ts of Online Poker Etiquette
As you probably already know, communication is easily misinterpreted online, and that’s why you want to be on your best behavior when playing poker online. One of the easiest ways to damage your reputation in online poker is through trash-talking. While it might be tempting to gently jab one of your opponents after you’ve played a good round, you should avoid it. Nobody likes to be reminded that they didn’t perform well, and using a platform’s chat feature to be disrespectful to other players can result in penalties and even bans from platforms.
Poker is a game of skill, and sometimes you’ll have a good day, and other times you won’t. The same goes for everyone you’re competing with, and the best way to handle winning and losing is by being gracious. Another pet peeve of many online poker players is when someone deliberately engages in slow playing or deliberately stalls a game to frustrate their opponents. This behavior is considered poor form and won’t win you any friends at the virtual poker table.
