A healthy poker game is built on more than just rules; it’s built on respect, flow, and a shared understanding of table etiquette. Good etiquette makes the game more enjoyable for everyone, from the dealer to the newest player. Bad etiquette can ruin the atmosphere and even compromise the integrity of the game. Here are the essential unspoken rules to follow.

1. Act in Turn

This is the golden rule. Acting out of turn gives other players information they shouldn’t have and can unfairly influence their decisions. If a player before you hasn’t acted, wait. Don’t fold your hand, prepare your chips, or announce your intention. Patience is a virtue, and at the poker table, it’s a requirement.

2. Don’t Discuss the Hand While It’s in Play

Never talk about the hand you folded or what you think an opponent might have while others are still making decisions. Saying, “I would have flopped a straight!” gives away crucial information. It reveals cards that are no longer in the deck, which can give the remaining players an unfair advantage. If you’re not in the hand, your only job is to watch quietly.

3. Keep Your Chips and Cards Visible

Your chips should be stacked neatly so that other players (and the dealer) can get a reasonable estimate of your stack size. Don’t hide your high-denomination chips behind smaller ones. Similarly, always keep your cards on the table in front of you. Taking them off the table can be seen as a way to cheat or swap cards. Protect your hand, but ensure it’s always in plain sight.

4. Be Respectful to Everyone

This should go without saying, but it’s often forgotten. Be respectful to the other players, and especially to the dealer. Dealers are professionals doing a job; don’t blame them for your bad luck. Congratulate players on well-played hands, even if you lose the pot. Avoid “slow-rolling” (unnecessarily delaying showing a winning hand) as it is seen as a sign of disrespect. A positive and friendly table atmosphere makes the game better for everyone and encourages players to return.