The Dos and Don’ts in a Poker Table: What You Must Know

Poker games are both fun and engaging. However, poker tables might seem intimidating to beginners. If you play frequently, you can learn the rules and build confidence. Once you know the best practices for poker, you will enjoy the game, which has the lowest house edge and many betting options. Knowing the dos and don’ts in a poker table allows you to avoid rookie mistakes. Here are some things you should know before sitting to play poker.

1. Place Money on the Table Instead of Handing It to the Dealer

At times, you may run out of chips when playing at a physical casino. In this case, you can play with cash rather than ending the game. Most casinos have overhead cameras which require to record every movement and cash transaction. As such, you should place your money on the poker table near the chips. In turn, the dealer will spread out the cash and give you the equivalent chips.

2. Learn the Rules Each poker game follows different rules. For example, Texas Hold’em has slightly different rules than Omaha. Therefore, you need to know the rules that apply to each game before sitting down. Additionally, the casino might have additional rules regarding the minimum, and maximum amounts players should place on bets.

3. Don’t Touch the Chips in the Middle of a Round

In many cases, the dealer accepts bets before dealing cards. Once the betting session closes, players may not touch the wagered chips or place more bets. The outcome of each round in poker allows you to collect more chips if you win, take back the chips wagered in case of a tie, or forfeit your chips when you lose.

4. Don’t Handle Face-Up Cards.

Some card games such as Texas Hold’em involve community cards that are dealt face up. Such cards are for everyone to see. Therefore, you should not touch the face-up cards.

5. Seeking Help from the Dealer

If you feel uncertain of what move you should make, seek help from the dealer. You might be tempted to ask the player sited beside you. Remember that the casino has cameras recording each move, and that might be interpreted as cheating. Most dealers are courteous and would be willing to give you the best advice.

6. Hold Cards in One Hand

You should only use one hand to hold your cards. Most casinos enforce this rule to curb cheating. In addition, using one hand works to your advantage.

7. Signal the dealer when making decisions

It is advisable to signaling the dealer when making moves instead of verbal communication. In fact, casinos have standard hand signals for different actions. For instance, waving your cards when playing blackjack indicates that you want to “stand.” If you don’t know the standard gestures, simply ask the dealer to show you before sitting down to play poker.

8. Stack Your Chips Correctly

When holding mixed chips, you should stack them in a specific way. That is, with the most valuable chips at the bottom of the stack. Doing that prevents the dealer from stopping the game to allow you to organize your chips.

Here is the Catch:

Every casino has different rules. Therefore, you must know each house’s rules before playing poker. The tips listed above apply to most casinos. Following them will help you enjoy poker games without making avoidable mistakes.