I was playing a cash game at a casino, when an older man pulled me aside and told me that reading a book while playing was bad etiquette. Keep in mind that I was not slowing the game down one bit. I acted when it was my turn to act and did it in a timely fashion. I didn't argue with the man, because I didn't know if what he was saying was true, but I still kept reading.
Was he right or wrong?

I think he's wrong. If it's true that you weren't slowing up the game than who cares. Maybe it was a sociable table and he wanted you to talk with everyone.

I've done editing at the table for work and found that in some cases it sparks a good conversation with another player who may be interested in what I am doing.

I was hoping he was wrong, because I love to read while playing, it kills the boredom. Thanks Deuces...

I disagree. Reading at the table is definitely rude. You're in a social situation with 9 other players and a dealer, and you're choosing to just ignore them all and read.

That being said, if you'd rather read than socialize, feel free. It's really your choice. As long as you're not slowing the game down, I don't care one way or the other.

I long ago switched from books to magazines, to avoid hurting people's feelings. Magazines seem less offensive. Although it's funny how many people refer to magazines as "books." They really don't know the difference. For real amusement, ask people the difference between fiction and non-fiction.

Recently I've taken to listening to books on my IPOD. Then I don't bother anyone.

The offense people take reflects the common opinion that anyone who reads is putting on airs. I've been playing live for 20 years, and have a few times heard some negative comments. Invariably, they come from the semi-illiterate. But that's most people. After all, most people believe in ID over evolution.

Well, the last thing I want to do is be rude. Even when I'm not reading, I don't really talk much, kinda just who I am. But if it is considered bad etiquette by a majority, then I won't read anymore. That being said, thanks ashi for your reply...

I don't think it is bad poker etiquette necessarily, in the sense that asking to see another player's mucked cards or slowrolling is bad poker etiquette. But I do think it is a bit rude. Like ahiXIII said, you are in a social situation with the other players. Not that you are required to talk or anything, but it's basically the same as reading at a dinner table or something like that.

But then again, it is basically the same thing as listening to an ipod, which is apparently fine with most people...

I can now see why it would be considered rude, like MrMore said, maybe I should just switch to listening to a book on my ipod. I know this is on another subject, but why wouldn't it be considered rude to listen to an ipod?

didnt see your last post before I replied with the ipod ?

I think it's rude, and in tournaments around the strip you cant read at the table. I played a cash game once where a guy to my immediate right in seat 6 was reading a poker mag, and was constantly blocking my view of the other end of the table with it. Even after asking several times to keep it down he still gravitated it high enough to block my view. Aggrivating.

This is a good distinction about the possibility of blocking another player's view though.

I say go ahead and do it - just don't slow down the game or interfere w/ the play of others, and if someone complains then stop.

If I can't read a magazine then the guys who actually slow the game down can't:

use their phone, talk to the cocktail waitress, watch the game, eat,etc.

It is specifically against the written rules in several Vegas poker rooms to read. Mandalay Bay, Monte Carlo, and Harrah's all come to mind having such a rule. Dunno 'bout others. It's enforced with varying vim. Harrah's I was shocked the first time I ever saw it enforced since I'd played there fairly often for years and never even knew it was on the wall. Monte Carlo--don't even THINK about popping open a Cardplayer magazine at the table to see what tournaments are running tonight. And at Mandalay Bay, expect 'em to call security to have you escorted out if you try ( http://www.thepokerforum.com/ashleyadams16032906.htm ).

ive read a cardplayer at a table before. but i knew where teh action was at all times so imo its fine. jsut dont slow the game down or bother other players and i see nothing wrong with it

Man I'd love everyone at the table to be reading so I'm the only one observing and getting tells that they fail to pick up.

I'm pretty surprised to hear that Harrah's properties have those rules. That said, Ashley Adams sounds like a massive pain in the ass.

Played in the Trop AC one night. Homeless looking guy at the table who had a small pillow in his lap upon which he was resting one of those "new age" bibles and reading it. He would ask people thier name and give the biblical refrence. He also pulled out a flash light and a knife (yeah scary one) and a flashlight while digging thru his pockets for something.

It might be a good tactic to get people to fold draws and not value bet the nuts against you.... lol


Yeah the book at the table is a little socially rude, but honestly, you're probably going to miss out on how some of the players play if your reading anyway. The books on tape might be better because you can half listen and pay attention to betting patterns style of play etc. Who cares if you're not slowing down the game- there's plenty of worse ways to be socially rude anyway.

Get a copy of "Poker for Dummies" and paste the cover over whatever book you're reading.

No one will ever question you again about reading at the table.

It's about as bad as listening to music. In other words there's nothing wrong with it, if the game is not slowed.

God this...

If you want to read a book, read it. I agree about not blocking the table, but if I want to read no one is going to tell me not to if I'm keeping up with action....

LoL at having an obligation to be social with the table

I somewhat disagree. While playing poker live can be a social event, I think we agree the point is to make money, and as mentioned it is not required for you to talk. So what's the difference between sitting there not talking and reading? Or eating, or any other thing that one may do at a table that prevents them from talking.

This. I don't care what happens as long as the game keeps moving and no player is berating another player.

it is nowhere like eating at a dinner table... are you ppl crazy?? dinner usually consists of some sort of family or friendship.A poker table = the exact opposite at times.. if i am sitting with 8 other ******s some maybe loud, out of line, rude etc. reading to block this out is totally fine imo... if the old riverboat gambler that called you out for doing so wants to talk or whatever else that YOUR reading had prevented him from doing - go find a social club. the poker table is a great place to meet people/socialize if you want to, and totally upto you imo.( given your not negatively impacting the game)

LOL at the guy telling you it's bad etiquette. I've seen older fellows reading. The guy was giving his view and that's it.

The games I have seen people reading books is low limit holdem with a bad beat jackpot. Pretty much robotic poker.

If you're reading at a tough NL game, you're missing out on a lot of information.

If those at the table find it rude, then it's rude, no matter your personal take on it.

I understand the desire to break up the tedium, but look at it this way: it's potentially profitable to at least pretend to give a crap about the people you're asking to pay you to sit at the table with them.