I started my gambling career exclusively in private games. If the person running the game doesn’t like you, you don’t get invited back. I learned this lesson very quickly.
I am going to share some of my ideas to be a good poker player and increase your chances of getting invited back to good games, and I hope some of y’all will share your ideas.
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Never berate other players for their play (and certainly never berate a dealer).
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If someone asks you what you think of their play, give your honest opinion in a nice manner. People will play with stronger players so they can learn from them.
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Do not talk while other players are playing post-flop. It disrupts people’s ability to think. And when you are in a hand, do not talk to your opponent unless they talk to you first.
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If someone is steaming or tilting at the table, don’t say anything. Leave them alone. We’ve all been there.
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If an inexperienced player breaks the rules of poker etiquette, don’t take it personally. Brush it off. Don’t get upset.
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Avoid any shady movements. Don’t reach for chips unless betting. Use clear, concise language.
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Keep chips and cards neat and visible so people know how much you are playing with and can see you are in the hand.
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Don’t get involved in disputes that have nothing to do with you.
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If a decision needs to be made and it is EV neutral, let the other player choose (running it multiple times etc)
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You don’t have to socialize, but a nice disposition goes a long way 🙂
