Cell phones at the table

[DiegoRamos]

It's so annoying when you're at a live game and someone has to be constantly reminded action is on them because they have their nose stuck in their phone. Besides the fact that cheaters could use that to their advantage (collusion comes to mind) do you think there should be a uniform rule about when you can be on your phone at the table and if yes, what rule would yours be?

I believe that possible collusion only happens in micro events, while in large ones, it is almost impossible, as there would have to be someone constantly analyzing the moves while that player was focused on their cell phone.

Generally speaking, I think it's good, as it shows that this player is not paying attention to the game and reading his opponents, although he doesn't create much danger in the game.

 

[Emily Trott]

I believe that possible collusion only happens in micro events, while in large ones, it is almost impossible, as there would have to be someone constantly analyzing the moves while that player was focused on their cell phone.

I don't know about that. If I were a card cheat and spent a lot of time working on a good way to do it, I sure wouldn't waste it by risking getting caught at a low stakes game or tournament.

 

[ronaldof2]

I believe it should be banned. I've never seen in other sports being able to use your cell phone while competing.
If you want to use it, wait for the interval you always have and don't use it again while you're playing.

 

[emgesi]

A good player is good whether with or without a phone 🙂 technology is everywhere not only in our pocket 📱📱📱

 

[Goggelheimer]

I think they should be banned from direct use at the table.
If something is more urgent than the poker game you are in
you should not take part in the poker game.
Also the security of the game may be in danger/collusion/tips on the wireless headphones.
If the game is too boring that you need music, why do you play?

 

[emgesi]

Methods have always been created to manipulate the types of gambling and vice versa have always been discovered 😃😃😃 so if a mobile device is designed to manipulate the game it will be found so why remove them as a must 😉

 

[x patrice x]

I think that only poker-related things belong at a poker table, a drink and that's it!

No music, no food, ... and certainly no cell phone !This should generally be determined by the house/organizer.
If you absolutely have to make a phone call, you have to leave the casino/building!

It's like farting ! No one at the table is up for it and is happy to know what the guy 9 tables away ate yesterday.


You leave the room out of respect and decency towards your fellow participants!

 

[Natta777]

I would not categorically ban phones in the game, but use them accordingly without sound and only during breaks, or when the cards are not in play at a given time.

 

[ficticius]

When you are at the tables, all you have to have is a bottle of water, everything else is distractions.

 

[A kiravio]

I think it would be polite to talk on the phone very discreetly and not be involved in a game hand at that moment, as short as possible, or a break, with two or three hands you don't miss the whole game.
Sometimes answering the phone is unavoidable.

 

[WhiskeyFix]

As a pretty heavy phone user myself i'd like to see some games where there is a no phone rule or have it on stand by for emergency only basis out of respect for other players

Most people can play online poker now too so if you're going to play live poker most people want friendly interaction & banter at the table and you won't get that if everyone is on their phone after every fold

I think you get a more genuine social atmosphere with no phones, it minimizes distractions and doesn't give an unfair advantage to anyone via software/solvers

 

[UngureanuDan]

I wanna use my phone at tables, but only when it's not my turn.

 

[PHX]

I find it really annoying as well and it can erode the game integrity and overall enjoyment.
IMO The rule should be once the dealer start to deal to when you fold you not allowed to be on phone.
This should be uniform across all games.

 

[Ruslan L]

Although I only play online, I would generally be against the use of smartphones while playing live. I wouldn't want to use a smartphone myself and I wouldn't want my opponents to use a smartphone. Players at the table should be focused on the game, not distracted and not distracting each other.

 

[marvinsytan]

cellphone no problem, we all need our phones right, let them keep distracted so we can get their money

 

[finaltable1]

I hate it, this is the one thing that is close to disrespect or even is a act of disrespect. Imagine we're playing tennis, or football, and one of the players decides to stop and check whats new on instagram or maybe even place a bet against his team... Ohh i forgot, phones not allowed at the football. So if it's tournament poker, then it must have a strict rule to ban all gadgets at the table. Not just phones, but also smart watches, glasses and all other types of gadgets that can calculate or provide player at the table with any type of additional information that can distract/help them or other players at the table.

 

[MF.Brn]

It really is very annoying when this happens, and even more annoying is having to be constantly drawing attention. If it were to create a rule it would be that you could not pick up the cell phone while you are holding your cards, after you drop the cards you could pick up the cell phone, but when the round starts again you have to leave the cell phone aside. And in more extreme situations, ban cell phones from tables.

 

[Johnny78B]

I do not mind if somebody is using the cell phone. Just play your game and try to win it.

 

[gon4iypes]

Maybe I'm just a bit old fashioned but I honestly think that phones and in fact other devices too should not be allowed at the tables.The possibility of collusion makes it really uncomfortable. Also the use of sokvers is common and really unfair.

 

[JasperDan1988]

Cell phones should be banned full stop! You wouldn't get a phone out in church or while playing tennis, football or anything else like that so why poker?
How can you play a game like poker if your attention isn't on it?!

 

[Babale007]

In my local poker house where I go to play, we know every fella will use football scores applications to place some bets live or not. Where we play, we are old school mens, I mean most of us.

 

[Emily Trott]

In my local poker house where I go to play, we know every fella will use football scores applications to place some bets live or not. Where we play, we are old school mens, I mean most of us.

That never crossed my mind, but now with the memory jog I know you are correct! I can remember before covid came along I played a tourney at Foxwoods practically every Sunday morning. The nice young man who always collected the money for the bubble pool would have his nose in the phone looking at sports betting sites.

 

[CCWannabe]

Phones should be banned. If person uses "in case of emergency" as reason they should just put vibrate on and if they receive a call they must take their call away from the table. Casino should allow 5 minutes for person to take their call away from table and hold their spot. I believe most casinos have a hold button policy. But there should be zero reason for a person to have their cellphone visible at the table. Happy All-Ins!

 

[black and]

In my opinion, the use of the telephone should be banned. During a live game, it can distract others, and therefore such a ban is fully justified and fair.

 

[Balou1982]

According to my opinion it would be to hard to ban cell phones strictly from table because if someone folded preflop you cant forbid him/her to look after mails/messages. I think only phone calls should not be allowed and phone sounds or music.