Online poker etiquette

There is something about the anonymity of online chat that seems to bring out the worst in some people. And in poker, whether online or off, there are some basic rules of behavior that you should follow. Here are four guidelines for online poker etiquette:

Go easy on the language. While online poker is an adult activity, nobody appreciates a foul-mouthed slob.

Don't be a jerk. It's rude to dose out too much trash talk, or to rub your opponent's face in it when you beat them, or say they must be a real idiot to play as badly as they do. Now of course this depends on the table, and what's rude at one table might be good-natured fun at another. But think, do you really want to chase away the worst player at the table by telling him how badly he plays?

Keep up with the pace. Don't slow down the game by being inattentive. Use advance actions whenever it makes sense.

Don't comment on a hand in progress or give advice during a hand. The old poker rule is “one player to a hand”. It means that each player must play their own hand without help from anybody.