Talking During a Hand

  Nothing is worse then someone who cant stop chattering. When you are sitting at the table, trying to play the game, and one persistent voice becomes the white noise that accompanies every hand, then that person is talking way to much. Some talking is okay, but remember, for many this is a serious situation and the concentration of the other players is on their game, not conversation.  There is some talking that is completely forbidden. Talking about your own hand at any time is completely forbidden. This rule follows when you are not in a particular hand. Once you have folded talking about somebody elses hand, even in jest, is a breach of etiquette. You don't want to give unfair advice to anyone. Also if you fold, do not tell anyone what you had until that particular hand is over because that would be giving someone else an unfair advantage by knowing what you just threw away.  Freedom of speech is a wonderful thing. We have the right to express ourselves in any way we please. This isnt a green light to be an ass though. Actions at the poker table, as in life, are a form of speech as well. When you win or lose, show the same, stoic, emotional restraint that you did when you were in the throws of the hand. A tantrum when you lose will never be welcome at any table. Neither will be a victory dance or any sort of celebrating that would earn you a flag and fifteen yard penalty in the NFL.  Because of the television cameras that are associated with pro poker, some of the celebrations are getting bigger. The common sense that we were born with is starting to be short circuited by what comes across over our TV screens. If you dont have a little voice to guide you just remember that modesty is always the best policy.