The purpose of rules or how to keep "friendly" games "friendly"

[Godfather80]

I have recently begun paying attention to the little things at the poker table (ie the tiny things other players do that give away info). This post is not about tells or any of that crap, it's about something I've noticed many players doing things that 'could' be considered tiny cheats or angle shoots. Here's some examples:
shufflers forgetting to offer a cut, players declining to cut, players examining the discards after they've folded to check how their hand would have played, not burning, laying out the flop/turn/river during the deal, splashing the pot, etc.
After these infractions I typically don't say anything because when I do someone will always respond with "don't worry, it's a friendly game".

My contention has always been that the reason poker has rules for or against these little things is to keep the games "friendly" or at least civil. Nobody likes to lose money, and I think that honoring the rules makes sure that a losing player doesn't have a legitimate gripe.

Is my attitude a "good fences make good neighbors" kind of cold stodginess; or do you agree that strict observance of the rules keeps "friendly" games "friendly".

Godfather

[MickeyHoldem]

I agree with your post. Many people feel that those "casino" rules shouldn't apply to "friendly" games. I have/run a home game in my house, and I insist on using ALL rules that are found in "the finer establishments".

I only hear complaints about bad luck and cold cards, never about how the games are run or a ruling! I take that as a compliment!

[LetsRock]

Depending on who you're playing with, these kinds of rules infraction are likely more annoyance than a problem.

Do you know these guys? Are they your friends? Would you trust them with your sister?

If you can answer yes to all 3, I wouldn't worry about it; let the game remain loose.

If you can't and you have any say in the matter, there should be a set of standard rules set up and adhered to. If that doesn't work out, then find another game.

I prefer to have rules in place and enforced even when playing with friends. But I do play in one game where I've known the guys for years and the game is really loose and the concept that there would be a cheater amongst us is the farthest thing from my mind. We have a few beers and a few laughs and I generally come out ahead for the night.

If you can live with it, let it go have fun and make money; if not fix it, or find another game.

[grandgnu]

Bah, I wouldn't stand for that crap. Why would anyone want to learn to play the game like a total friggin douchebag?

I pride myself on my home games, where players learn standard rules so they can then hit Foxwoods and not look like a total ass because they learned all wrong.

As long as you have the rules written out and explained clearly there shouldn't be any problem. Good luck!

[senjitsu]

And lets face it... the rules aren't all that complicated.
Act in turn, dont reveal information to live players, etc. If someone really cant manage to play the game by the relatively simple rules that constrain it, they dont belong in a casino _or_ a home game.


[ QUOTE ]
Bah, I wouldn't stand for that crap. Why would anyone want to learn to play the game like a total friggin douchebag?

I pride myself on my home games, where players learn standard rules so they can then hit Foxwoods and not look like a total ass because they learned all wrong.

As long as you have the rules written out and explained clearly there shouldn't be any problem. Good luck!

[/ QUOTE ]

[Ianco15]

Whenever someone trys to justify cheating with the phrase "it's a friendly game," I feel like screaming. It so rediculous not to obey simple rules in place to protect the players because "it's a friendly game."

[Gitz]

The Friendly Game,

I used to play in such a game at my golf club. There was a player who didn't drink, and sat next to his friend who didn't cut. He also dealt himself 4 Kings in criss cross every now and then or some such hand to win for a record of 28 Friday Nights in a row. He was very friendly and bought himself a brand new convertible with the table's money. So have all the friendly card games you want but insist on a CUT or don't play.

Paul