English Only at the table?

[stags14]

Interesting question. I took a journey this evening to play in a crappy little Indian Casino about 45 minutes down the road. I walked into the poker room and signed up for the tourney. I then waited around for a few minutes for the tourney to start.

There were 4 young men that all appeared to be on waiting lists for a cash game. All of these gentlemen were deaf. My soon to be Father-in-law is deaf and I have been learning sign language for the past year. I know enough sign language to communicate fairly well so I introduced myself to the 4 of them and we signed some "small talk".


Here is my question:

Three of these young men ended up in the same cash game. I noticed they were signing to each other throughout the game. Is this allowed as American Sign Language is certainly not English?

[Kurn, son of Mogh]

It should not be allowed. The English only rule is simple - you can't use a language at the table that all the players *and* the dealer don't understand.

[phixxx]

How could they possibly play properly at a poker table while not being able to hear? Must be pretty tough..

[stags14]

[ QUOTE ]
How could they possibly play properly at a poker table while not being able to hear? Must be pretty tough..

[/ QUOTE ]

My future father-in-law does some things that really are impressive when you consider the fact that he can't hear.

[Andy B]

Ever seen anyone play poker while wearing headphones?

Many, many deaf people have learned to function quite well in society despite their handicap. They shouldn't be allowed to sign during the play of a hand, though.

Are we allowed to say "handicap"?

[youtalkfunny]

[ QUOTE ]
How could they possibly play properly at a poker table while not being able to hear? Must be pretty tough..

[/ QUOTE ]

Remember that blind guy who won a few games on "Jeopardy"?

He plays poker.

[phixxx]

Brail cards?

[TiK]

That blind guy on jeopardy won five games in a row, a feat, which back then won you a car. He opted for the twin camaros (hardtop and convertible)...

[phixxx]

How on earth would a blind man play poker though..

[prayformojo]

[ QUOTE ]
How on earth would a blind man play poker though..

[/ QUOTE ]

I am struck that this is what concerns you when you've just been told he's driving two camaros around.