This Isn't the NFL … No Coaching From the Sidelines!

I have received some letters and e-mail, and have been approached at some recent events about the legality of a sweater (someone watching the action) coaching from the rail. I was made aware that this was quite a big problem at some recently concluded ladies events. It is my opinion that this breach of both etiquette and rules is present in not only ladies tournaments, but also open events and live play. Oftentimes I believe that the offending people might not be fully aware that what they are doing amounts to collusion. As we all know, or should know, there is a "one player to a hand" rule. It is a steadfast and constant rule in poker, and has been for as long as I can recall. Another rule many seem to forget is that the decision of the floorperson is final. Some of the information I received told me horror stories of a player complaining of "coaching from the rail" and the floorperson asking the offending viewer to vacate the space. The offender kept returning, only to be told by the floorperson to keep it moving. At some point, the player in the game should take some responsibility and the floorperson should start acting more forcefully. The offender should be removed, by security if needed, and the player in the game should be given a timeout penalty. That would help even the field, eh?



There have been instances of those not in an event actually giving advice from the rail by shouting, "Call!" "Raise!" "Don't fold, he's bluffing," and so on. This amounts to nothing less than, for lack of a better word, cheating. While I hate that word, it is a fact. The rule reads "one player to a hand." That is easy enough to understand, isn't it? If you are on the sidelines watching an event and you pick up a tell on a player, is it fair to give someone in the game that info? Is it unfair? This is a gray area, for sure, but there can be no debate as to whether or not talking to a player during a hand, be it live action or a tournament, is against the rules. As is the case with coaching during a NFL game or other huge sporting event, the actual "advice" is given during timeouts or between plays. Inasmuch as there is no way to stop the exchange of information during a break away from the tables, it can't be deemed unethical, as everyone has the same opportunity to do it; but doesn't it seem correct that this type of advice is out of place while the cards are being dealt? How about the player who walks up behind his buddy during an event, and in walking past the other players has seen someone's holecards, and gives his buddy a signal or other unauthorized info? Is this fair? Of course it isn't, during the play of a hand. If advice is sought or offered, it needs to be away from the table and never when the cards are live and in play.



I was also told that during a recent ladies event, husbands and boyfriends were approaching their significant others and tapping them (during a hand) on the back to give them signals regarding how to play a hand. Perhaps one tap meant fold, two meant raise, three meant meet you outside on break, or whatever. Of course, any type of advantage that one player gets during a poker game is fair only if the information is available to everyone. Players give off tells and anyone in the game is privy to that info. Some players tap their feet fast when they have a great hand, a bad hand, are bluffing, and so on. An astute player at the table who sees the whole picture should be rewarded for that awareness. Why, then, would it be OK for someone on the rail or sitting behind a player to tell his counterpart during play? He saw something from another angle that his partner didn't pick up. The player's lack of attention should be rewarded? Of course not. I would hate tournaments to be played in a vacuum, but these "moves" have to stop. During the tapings of the World Poker Tour, when players are in long, quiet periods of thought in a hand, the announcer often thanks the crowd for its silence and patience. Also, sometimes the audience gets an admonishment for chanting, "Call!" "Raise!" "Muck!" and so on. Now, good TV is good TV, and an enthusiastic crowd makes for great entertainment, but the comments shouted from such a crowd need to be limited to things that are not related to advice on how to play when a hand is going on.



Poker is a great game and is being likened to a sport nowadays, with its increase in public awareness. As is the case with sports, there are rules, ethics, policies, and politics. Use your head when you play and think how you would feel if the shoe was on the other foot. If you are good to go with your actions, you likely are acting within the scope of the rules and good sportsmanship. Class dismissed.

As always, please contact me with your poker-related questions and comments at [email protected]. I personally will answer each e-mail I receive. Also, for your cruise and poker travel info, please visit http://www.cardplayercruises.com/.