Live poker etiquette

Five habits that keep a game moving and keep you out of trouble with the floor.

Act in turn

Wait until the action is on you before you check, bet, or fold. Acting early gives away information and can change how the hand plays for everyone else.

Don’t splash the pot

Put your bet in a neat stack in front of you, not tossed into the middle. The dealer needs to see the amount. Say your bet out loud if there’s any doubt.

Don’t coach a live hand

One player to a hand. Don’t comment on a hand that’s still being played — even if you folded — and don’t show or discuss your cards with anyone while it’s live.

Phones

Keep your phone off the table while you’re in a hand. Take calls away from the table. Rooms set their own phone rules, so follow what the dealer tells you.

The rail

Friends watching should stand back from the table and stay quiet during hands. No looking over shoulders and no talking to players who are in a hand.