Should it be allowed or not? If a player hasn't turned their phone off and gets a call should they be removed from the table? What should be done to a player who's constantly looking at their phone between hands slowing down play because of not paying attention?

I think it is fine to allow cell phones - except maybe at final tables of large events.

If a phone rings at the table a warning should suffice in most cases.

I have played a lot of live poker and it really doesn't bother me.

If they're slowing down play tremendously just keep telling them, like "I came here to play poker but this guy/girl came for a seat to text on, it's your turn again by the way" and if it gets insane just keep calling the clock on them, don't tell them is their turn and just call the clock instead!
As for phone calls as long as the person isn't shouting I'd have no issues! I don't personally think they should be banned and most people understand poker enough to be able to do both diligently!

I think cell phones should be allowed. It is to one's advantage that other players get distracted with their cell phones... That will make them make mistakes due to the information they miss because of being distracted with their cellphones... Now if they slow down every hand because of being distracted with their cellphones a warning should be placed... They should be allowed at the cash game and restricted in tournaments because in tournaments it is more important to not slow down play as blind levels increase within certain time.

I'm ok if their pace of play is not affected. If they are talking on the phone (no one under 30 actually knows you can do this), they should get up from the table and not be a distraction. I do worry when it seems they are using the phone for coaching/advise during the hand.

Originally Posted by mollymaggie

Should it be allowed or not? If a player hasn't turned their phone off and gets a call should they be removed from the table? What should be done to a player who's constantly looking at their phone between hands slowing down play because of not paying attention?

As you know - every room has their own rules about cell phone use at the poker table and while you are in a hand.

Also the permission to use a cell phone is different in a cash game vs tournaments.

In the room that I frequently play at - you are allowed to be on the phone at a cash table even being in a hand if it does not slow any play. If the dealer has to get your attention while you're on the phone then they will ask you to put it away. Sometimes the player replies with, "But I thought one is allowed to use a phone at the cash table." And the dealer will ask, "Do you want to play poker or be on the phone?" Usually the player will acknowledge what the dealer is saying and either get up from the table for a few minutes or put the phone down.

In that same room you are not allowed to use your cell phone if you are in a hand in a tournament. It used to be a hand killing offense. But no longer with the new TDA revision.

Personally I have gotten a lot of things done on the phone while playing poker. But sometimes you have to make a choice about what is more important at that time.


I actually know a guy that runs a limo car service from his phone while playing at the poker table. Lots of calls and texts. But he pays attention to his poker hands.
And now with the Postle accusations --- jeez!

The rule for tournaments where I play is not to use your phone when in a hand. I agree, especially as it can be a distraction for everyone.

I am not a fan of players who talk incessantly on their phone, sometimes during a hand, but usually the rules only allow cell phones when you are not in a hand. Again, it can be distracting when overused. I keep my phone on in the event of an emergency at home or if my wife needs to contact me.

cell phones don't bother me at all. I found some players use the phone to ACT as though they are not paying attention in the hand to lure you into their trap.

Having water bottles and other food items on the table is more of a distraction in my opinion.

Hi. they definitely don't have to use the phone. They should ban the use of cell phones at live poker tables.

i think it should not be allowed

Phones should not be allowed as they are tools that can be used to cheat with.

Great question Molly! I feel like cell phones should be turned off while at a live game.

I feel that it´s OK to put mobiles on tables. It doesn´t annoy us.

I've never had phones be an issue with live poker; the few times the phone does go off or something, I think most do a good job of following the proper etiquette. It is just a few people (maybe 10% or so) who are the ones we remember as rude or annoying.

It is like playing pocket Aces. We remember all the times they got cracked in a cooler situation, but we seldom remember the more frequent times they win. Ask a poker player how often it "feels" like AA wins and a lot of them will give really low percentages! I think phones are like pocket Aces in real life: most people probably handle it well, but it is those few rude people who we remember.

I think these rules should be discussed in advance with all the players before the game.

But I don't think that you should put strict restrictions, especially in live poker, because people come to the game to have fun and relax, just have a good time, preferably so that everyone is comfortable and does not feel like at a closed meeting.

I for one do not like cellphones at a poker table, it is annoying and distracting to other players, although I always used one to time the blinds as a Tournament Director in our Pub games. But in the 6 years of running games I think I have only once had a call when playing.

The Dinner table is another place I would ban them.

Phones should be allowed at tables as long as they are silenced or wearing headphones. If someone gets a call that rings out loud at the table, they should be warned once. A second time they should be asked to put their phone away for the remainder of their session.

As for people who are constantly using and looking at their phone and even slowing down the game - I actually salivate and like it when people do this. It means they are distracted and are never playing their best game. Easy money!$!$!

If you’re slowing down play, it’s annoying no matter why you’re doing it. Using your phone while not in a hand is fine as long as it’s muted.

Absolutely not when you play a hand. I don't want people looking at nash push-fold charts when I'm playing against them. That's just crazy and no casino should ever allow it IMHO.

While not playing a hand let people review notes or distract themselves. As long as they don't distract or slow the play down.

They should control it

the cell phone on the table when playing poker is considered not only a distraction for the person who carries it but also for the rest of the participants at the table, in my opinion it is also considered disrespectful, but it will depend of each one the level of concentration he has towards each table and each obstacle













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I don't mind phones at the table, but only the player has to pass the cards and then pick up the phone.

Find the rules for where you are playing. I know at Foxwoods you can not be on the phone when you are playing a hand. I don't worry too much about those delaying the play a bit because they are probably distracted from the game and that gives you a little bit of an edge. Of course it is possible someone may do this on purpose to make you think that they aren't paying attention to the game, so don't put a lot of eggs in that basket.