Welcome to Sportznutz’ online poker section!

All players should follow poker’s basic rules of etiquette no matter their skill level.

Have at least a clue. No one expects beginner players to know every facet of the game, but they should at least know hand rankings and basic play before sitting down with others.

Play when it’s your turn. Don’t bet, check, or fold unless it is your turn. Players who jump the gun on these actions confuse the proceedings and tip off information to others at the table.

Be nice. It’s not the dealer’s fault you missed that straight, nor is it Mrs. Jones from San Diego’s fault that your bluff fell through. Don’t yell and swear at them.

Get to it. You might enjoy dragging out the proceedings, taking forever to announce decisions, place your bet in the pot, or reveal your hand at the showdown. However, no one else likes it.

Don’t play with your chips. Always keep your chips on the table, not in your shirt pocket or purse. Place them nicely in the pot so that everyone can see how much you’ve bet. And clicking them together? That’s annoying.

It’s not a team game. Don’t chat with other players about your hand, their hand, or anyone else’s hand. Table talk at the poker table is highly frowned upon, and if you do it you won’t be invited back.

Take the blinds like a man (or a woman). Don’t leave the table when it’s your turn for a blind bet, then come back at a more favorable betting time. Blind bets are part of the game, and a real competitor deals with them.

Folded cards are folded cards. Don’t expose your cards after you fold, either to one other player or to the entire table. Knowing what was in your hand affects how others will play the rest of the way.