Unwritten Rules In Live Poker Games
by Learn Texas Hold'em

The poker world is a community of people who unite because of a common interest in the game of poker. Those who play poker in live card rooms have rules that keep the community functioning effectively. Here are some of the unwritten rules of live poker games.

Chopping

In a game of texas holdem poker online, if the action folds to the small blind, he can call, raise or fold. If he raises, the big blind can call, raise or fold.

In a live poker game, most players feel like when the two blinds fight over the pot, the only winner is the casino, which takes what will probably end up being a big percentage of the pot as rake. For this reason and for expediency, most players will agree to a "chop," in which both players take back their blinds and a new hand is dealt.

Usually the small blind will have to forfeit one chip to the casino for the chop, although rules will vary. It is okay to refuse a chop, but if you refuse, you should always refuse. Do not refuse when you have a good hand and agree to chop when you don't.

Interfering in Action

This is an actual rule but one that would be difficult to enforce. If someone faces a big bet and you are not involved in the hand, you should not say a word.

Something you say may encourage or discourage action that can be to the detriment of one of the players. You should especially not do anything to indicate what you may have had, such as slamming the table when the flop comes 9 9 8 after you have already folded. This will indicate to players in the hand that you probably folded a card that hit the flop (a nine in this case), which makes it difficult for players still in the hand to represent that they have that card.

Mucking

If a player is called, he may be reluctant to turn over his hand or even say to his opponent "you're good." This is an indicator that he was bluffing or betting a weak hand and would prefer not to show it. If the opponent has a clear winner, it is good etiquette to simply turn over the winner and save his opponent the embarrassment of having to show a weak hand.