Councilman's Corner -Ep. 4- The Unwritten Rules of Poker

Poker Etiquette at the Misfits Poker League

Unwritten Rules Every Player Should Know

Poker is a competitive game, but at Misfits Poker League, it’s also a social experience. Our games take place in bars and venues that welcome us week after week, and the way we conduct ourselves at the table matters just as much as how we play our hands.

Many of the most important poker rules aren’t written in any rulebook. Instead, they’re part of long-standing poker etiquette. These guidelines keep games fair, friendly, and enjoyable for everyone. Below is an Misfits Poker League etiquette guide, incorporating widely accepted standards of live poker.

Why Poker Etiquette Matters

Good poker etiquette is essential to the success of Misfits Poker League because it keeps games running smoothly, protects fairness and integrity at the table, and creates a welcoming environment for new and returning players alike. Just as importantly, respectful behavior helps MPL maintain strong, positive relationships with our host venues. Simply put, good etiquette builds better games for everyone involved.

"I DO NOT THINK IT MEANS WHAT YOU THINK IT MEANS."

1. No Angle Shooting

Angle shooting is any deceptive behavior that tries to gain an unfair edge without technically breaking the rules—acting out of turn, hiding chips, string betting, or misleading verbal actions.

Bluffing is part of poker. Manipulating rules or players is not.

MPL Rule of Thumb: If it feels shady, don’t do it.

2. Bet Clearly and Cleanly

• Make bets and raises in one smooth motion

• Avoid string betting

• Don’t splash the pot, place chips neatly in front of you

• Clearly announce your action (“call,” “raise,” or “all-in”)

  
  

Clear betting prevents confusion and keeps the game moving.

3. Pay Attention and Act in Turn

Stay engaged in the game. Excessive phone use, side conversations, or zoning out slows play and frustrates the table.

Act only when it’s your turn, acting out of turn can influence decisions and disrupt the hand.

4. Make Timely Decisions

Thinking through tough spots is part of poker, but excessive tanking, especially in small pots, hurts game flow.

Be mindful of the table and keep decisions moving whenever possible.

5. Don’t Slow Roll

If you have the winning hand at showdown, reveal it promptly. Deliberately delaying to tease opponents is considered disrespectful and unsportsmanlike.

At MPL, we win with class.

6. Keep Your Chips Visible

Large-denomination chips should be stacked on top or clearly visible. Hiding chips—intentionally or not—creates confusion and can feel deceptive to other players.

Transparency builds trust at the table.

7. Respect Dealers and Fellow Players

• Don’t blame the dealer for bad cards, it's ok to joke with the dealers and interact, just be respectful.

• Don’t criticize or mock another player’s decisions

• Accept rulings calmly and professionally

Dealers and league staff are there to keep the game fair, not to control outcomes.

8. No Talking About Live Hands

Once a hand is in progress, don’t comment on:

• Board texture

• Possible hands

• Who’s ahead or behind

  
  

Even joking can unfairly influence action. Save table talk for after the hand ends.

9. Keep Table Talk Respectful and Tasteful

MPL games are social and fun, but respect is non-negotiable.

• No offensive, discriminatory, or sexually explicit language

• No personal attacks, harassment, or intimidation

• Trash talk should stay light-hearted and never cross into hostility

Remember: players of all backgrounds, experience levels, and comfort zones share the table. If you wouldn’t say it to a stranger in a public bar, it doesn’t belong in table chat.

MPL Standard: Friendly banter is welcome. Disrespect is not.

10. Save Bad Beat Stories for Later

We’ve all taken bad beats, but the middle of a live hand or tournament isn’t the time for

long stories about past losses.

Keep the focus on the game at hand.

11. Tip Dealers and Treat Venue Staff Well

While tipping isn’t mandatory, it’s a widely accepted part of live poker culture. Dealers work hard to keep games running smoothly, and servers help make our venues enjoyable.

Supporting the venue helps ensure MPL continues to grow.

The MPL Golden Rule

Play hard. Play fair. Be respectful. Be someone others enjoy playing with.

Misfits Poker League thrives because it blends competitive poker with a strong social community. Following proper etiquette keeps games fun, fair, and welcoming—whether you’re a first-time player or a seasoned Misfit.

We’re glad you’re at the table. Let’s keep it classy.

Until next time, may all your cards be gems and may you never get stacked.

~The Councilman

You can reach the Lance at lance@misfitspoker.com or via FB messenger @lancejpalmer.

Catch him at a venue (our Locations) and ask for his number, he’ll give it to you.

*This post may contain affiliate links, which means Misfits Poker may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your continued support.