Threatening or violent behaviour on a poker table should never be allowed. Abusive language should also not be allowed. I am not talking about swearing or profanities in general, as I think a degree of that should be fine at table of grown adults. After all its not church, it’s a poker table. More important is that you shouldn’t ruin the game by making it slow or unpleasant by being too drunk or not being physically hygienic. You should certainly never cheat either. Apart from these few things I think everything else should be fair game.

Banter with an opponent is fine. Let them talk it up; let them get annoyed; let them get a bit personal. That is the way I grew up playing poker and that’s the way I think it should stay. Poker where everyone keeps their mouths closed for fear of offending isn’t poker to me. Abide by the rules and exploit the rest.

If you can get underneath someone’s skin, then what are you waiting for? If you can make the guy next to you go easy on you because he thinks you’re a great bloke, what are you waiting for? Anything you can do to increase your chances of winning should be used. As long as it stays on the table then there should never be a problem.

All online poker rooms have chat facilities and these tend to be a little more savage when it comes to player comments. The reason for this is that there isn’t someone constantly monitoring your game/chat. In a live poker room it quickly becomes apparent when things are getting out of control and someone usually intervenes. Online poker rooms have the advantage that no one is going to get hit or have a glass thrown at them, but you’ll have to get used to having a bit of mud slung at you, or alternatively slinging it yourself.

A lot of players don’t like card rooms and prefer the safety, anonymity and comfort of playing at home. However you should remember that if you carry on like an idiot with the chat, most online rooms will take that facility away from you and bar you from chatting. Remember it’s all part of the game and don’t take it personally.