Table Etiquette

[girlny]

i've noticed people talking about their 'notes' for online poker games. can one take notes at a live game? is it not proper form to sit down with a pad and pencil and make notes while playing? maybe it's a stupid question, since i imagine this would help most people's game by leaps and bounds, therefore something that wouldn't be encouraged at the table.

[girlny]

is my question too stupid for an answer?

[JoeyT]

Hi aash,

No, its not a stupid question, and will get an answer right now. You are almost always allowed to have a pencil and paper and take notes while you're at the table. I think there are a small percentage of cardrooms that disallow this, but for the most part its OK. Some places won't allow anything on the table, so you might have to keep it in your lap or on a table next to you.

I've seen a few people taking notes from time to time, and I do believe that it affects table image a great deal, so be sure that it is something you want to do before busting out a notepad. (Not trying to discourage the idea at all, just stating that it does have other effects).

[tj00]

I started taking notes at my live sessions. People are somewhat curious, but I will even show them my book if they are that interested. You will catch a little teasing for it but no big deal. As far as table image, I could turn my cards face up and it probally would not hurt my action where I play. So I think my note taking has little affect.

[Bob T.]

I carry a notebook about half of the time when I play. It draws some comments, but I don't think it really has an affect on my opponents play.

Why would the cardroom care if you play well or not. They are interested in if you pay rake or not.

[Al_Capone_Junior]

There's no rule against it, but it might draw unwanted scrutiny as to what you are writing down. I tend to be very non-conspicuous if I do this, often stepping away from the table, and making up something to explain what I'm writing down if someone sees me and asks what I'm writing about. I never tell them the truth about it tho, and don't let them see it.

al

[bernie]

ive seen guys taking notes at the table. doesnt bother me. one guy who takes notes (been doing it for 7 years) takes notes on how his hands do in pots. i think those kind of notes are kind of a waste of time since there are many books that have already done that work.

but taking notes on how a hand played out and looking at how you could play a hand better is fine. id be suprised if anyone got pissed at ya for taking notes.

just be sure you dont hold up the game while doing it. THAT is where the etiquette comes in.

b

[girlny]

thanks guys! all the responses were very helpful. i've just started playing a few months ago, so one of my biggest weaknesses is learning the 'culture' of poker.

[oddjob]

i've seen people take notes on palm pilots and the likes, and people just think they're playing games on there between hands.

[ResidentParanoid]

Why would the cardroom care if you play well or not. They are interested in if you pay rake or not.

This may not be directly relevant to the original question, but I think it's an interesting discussion: Doesn't a cardroom prefer if all players are at an equal level? Then money just washes back and forth and slowly all of it goes into the rake. If a significant amount of money is going to winning players, then losing players may bust out sooner and casino has to work harder (or wait longer) to replace them.

On the other hand, if there are no (few) winners, then the games my self-distruct since you have to replace all players over the long run since everyone busts out. At least the winning players hang around to keep the game alive.

[oddjob]

the house takes a rake no matter who's winning or losing. the losers will take more money or be replaced by someone else.

[ResidentParanoid]

House rake get's smaller when the game breaks (because so many players go bust). Each player doesn't have a bottomless bankroll. And the stream of players isn't endless (at least not in live games). I think there actually is a tradeoff here.

[Nutz&Boltz]

I find the best use of my time is to take notes on the play of the regulars. I do it away from the table, which also gives me a break when I need it.