Live poker etiquette

Hi everyone!
I just qualified through satelitte for my first live tournament here in the UK! It's at one of the top casinos and there is only about 200 seats and the prize pool is £35,000; so I am really excited. I am relatively new to poker. I've read a lot on it and played online poker on and off for about 18 months now. The only live experience i've had is a couple of home games with friends.
Basically, what is going to be the biggest shock to me. What can i expect? Bear in mind the home games i have organised have been done as proffessional as possible; is there any more live etiquette you can advise me on?
I would apreciate all the help i can get.
Many thanks!

UK Casinos require that you wear a DJ with Dickie Bow Tie to gain entry.


Just be relaxed and play your normal game.
The dealers will help you.
Make sure you clearly announce your intentions Raise, Call or fold
eg an oversized chip thrown into the pot will be taken as a call unless you declare the raise.
Enjoy the experience and hope that you cash.

Relax.
Don't be shocked by how bad some of them will be playing (typically.. at least in my experience).

For myself, it's the constantly keeping track of stack sizes around the table (in relation to blinds & pot size) & the size of the pot. It's sooooo nice to just have all those numbers in front of you on puter screen, lol.

GL in the tourney!!!!

That's funny, I imagine a lot of players who try and transition run into that mind-f%$#.

I would agree that you should always take your time and be clear with your intention. There is nothing more transparent than a player who accidentally calls when they meant to raise. And don't talk during your hand more than you feel you need to... you're often just giving info away whether you realize it or not.

General overview here: Playing live: what you need to know

A few things have changed slightly since that was written (most notably the "telling the truth" thing), but the bulk still applies.

My advise is to go play a little live ring game before you get into your tourney. If there isn't anything too local and your making a trip out of the tourney entry, try and go a day early so you can at least get your feet wet a bit before the big show.

The fish (and I agree with everyone here, there will be plenty and you will be shocked at some of the level of play) won't notice anything, but the veterans will pick up any weakness they sense and attack. At least sit for an hour or two and work out how the flow of live play goes.

Good luck in your tourney!!

Potect your cards

Don't string bet

Don't generally call the clock on people but if you think they're taking the piss every hand don't be scared to.

If in doubt, refer to the dealer.

Above all else, relax, breathe steadily and take your time if you need it.


Don't feel you have to act quickly when there are people waiting on you or the dealer "reminds" you that it is your action (I hate those dealers BTW...). Just take your time and think out your actions. That's one of the great things about playing live, no pesky timer binging at you.

And good luck!

Why do you say don't call the clock? Depending on blind structure, stack size and the other tables sometimes you can't be waiting for a guy to take 5 minutes per decision only to fold nearly every time. If you'd rather tell them you're going to call the clock on them if the ycarry on taking ages but sometimes in Tourneys when I've had >5 BB and the blinds are going up soon I've had no choice but to call the clock as I need to get as many hands as I can to find one to double up form.

Thanks for the advice! The casino is about 3 hours from me, so i will stay at a hotel the night before and spend a few hours in the casino
The only thing i am slightly apprehensive about is that i hope i dont show that i am nervous! I'll do my best!


Good luck in your tourney!![/quote]