Act in turn
The single biggest table-slower is acting out of turn — folding early, betting before the action reaches you. It gives information away and irritates everyone. Watch the action, wait for the dealer's nod, then act. If you're unsure whose turn it is, just ask — that's never rude.
Protect your cards
Keep your hole cards on the table, in view, with a chip on top. A hand that hits the muck pile — even accidentally — is dead. Dealers can't un-muck it, and nobody wants to win a pot that way.
"Good etiquette isn't about rules — it's about keeping the game worth playing."
Declare clearly
'Call', 'raise', 'all-in' — say it, then move the chips in one motion. String bets (going back to your stack twice) aren't allowed and the extra chips come back. When in doubt, announce the amount first; it's always legal.
Mind the table
Don't discuss a hand in progress — even folded, your read influences live action. Keep celebrations short, beats shorter, and tip the dealer on a big pot if you like; it isn't required, but it's good karma at our Thursday tournaments.
Key takeaways
- Wait for the dealer's nod before acting
- Keep cards visible with a chip on top
- Announce your action before moving chips
- Never discuss a live hand
Phones and the felt
Phones are fine between hands at most tables, but never mid-hand. Photos of your own cards, sure — of other players, never. When the clock is running, your attention is part of the game.
The fastest way to learn
Join our free 5pm learn-to-play session before any Thursday tournament. Dealers walk new players through mechanics, etiquette and tournament rhythm — then the buy-in feels a lot friendlier. Seats are listed on our services page.
Written by
Danny Reyes
Tournament Director
Danny has dealt and directed poker for 14 years and runs Coral Cove's Thursday championship series.