Playing poker, whether it's with friends and family or in a casino, can be an exhilarating experience. But when is it "proper" to leave a table? In this article, we'll explore the etiquette surrounding leaving a poker table, both in casual games and professional settings.
The Official Rules of a Poker Game
In most casinos, the official rules state that players can leave the game at any time they please, as long as it's not during the midst of a round. It's considered polite to stay even when you've already folded or finished your turn until a winner has been declared.
Casual Playing with Family and Friends
When playing a casual game with loved ones, it's still important to be considerate of others at the table. A simple warning that you're about to leave can go a long way in avoiding any awkwardness. Additionally, it's generally considered impolite to quit a game immediately after winning a large sum of money.
Playing to Win or Playing Nice?
In professional poker settings, however, the rules are different. Players can leave during a game as long as it's not during a round. If you've won a significant amount and want to leave, that's perfectly fine. Poker is a game of luck, and it can turn on you just as quickly as it started.
Proper Etiquette, or Not?
Some experts argue that playing a few more hands to share some chips with other players is the proper etiquette. However, others disagree, saying there's no space for concern about others' feelings in a game of chance like poker.
Final Thoughts
As a gambler, it's essential to remember that there are valid reasons to quit a game, such as fatigue, tilt, or real-world obligations. If you're regularly quitting games after winning a big pot, however, you may be using a "stop-win" without realizing it. A stop-win is when you cease playing after reaching a certain amount of winnings.
Cash Games Strategy: Leaving the Table
In cash games, there are various valid reasons to quit a game. Some common ones include fatigue, tilt, or hitting a stop-loss (i.e., ending a session after losing a predetermined maximum amount). However, if you're quitting games after winning a big pot regularly, you may be using a "stop-win" without realizing it.
A stop-win is when you cease playing after reaching a certain amount of winnings. For example, some players will quit the game if they win a buy-in or more, or if that pot erases a loss for the day. We do not want to have stop-wins as part of our game plan, especially in games with a capped buy-in, since they will artificially limit our winning sessions.
In general, you should continue playing in a game as long as it's good, you're playing well, and are properly bankrolled for the game. If you have a valid reason to quit and this happens to occur right after winning a big pot, you may be unfairly accused of hitting and running.
If your opponents complain about this, you can simply tell them, "Hey, I've got to go, but I'm happy to play again. I play here all the time and will be back tomorrow/Saturday/next week." Smooth things over socially in this way to avoid any negative repercussions.
Remember, by default, you should never feel bad about leaving a poker game because the chips you've won now belong to you, not your opponents, and you are free to leave the table whenever you like. Your poker career is one long continuous session, so it's artificial to think of it in terms of discrete daily sessions.
Leaving a poker table at the right time is crucial for maintaining good relationships with other players and for maximizing your winnings. By understanding the official rules of a poker game, being considerate of others when playing casually, and using valid reasons to quit a game in professional settings, you can ensure that your poker career remains on track.
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