All inPlay Etiquette Guide

Like any community of people anywhere in the world, a vital bond that holds us together is respect for one another. How to be respectful (AKA, good etiquette), is something that is important to all of us. However, many times we are unaware of these simple rules and so end up offending or bothering those around us, completely unintentionally! If those folks only REALIZED that they were being rude, they would naturally stop. The purpose of this web page is to help new folks learn Good Game Etiquette that might not be obvious to those unused to playing online.

Good Game Etiquette Guidelines:

1. Say Hello - Dropping a simple "hi" or other welcome message via text chat can go a long way to helping that person feel they are in a fun and friendly place. This is really no different than what we all do in real life. If we were playing cards at a table and someone sat down, it would be VERY RUDE INDEED to ignore them! And of course, it makes equal sense for someone joining a table to give a quick hello also.
    
2. Say Goodbye - In the real world, if someone stood up from your card table and ran out the door without saying good by, well, one would imagine they must be very mad! Obviously, that would be rude. Likewise, online, it makes sense and is polite to let folks know you are going to leave before you do. This also gives your friends a chance to say goodbye to you - which we often like to do <smile>.
    
3. Congratulate - When someone wins a hand, particularly if they win a big hand, it is customary (and common sense) to offer them a quick congratulatory message. Often times people say "nice hand" or "very nice". And after all, who doesn't like hearing a few rounds of applause when THEY win a hand <smile>.
    
4. Abbreviations - Many folks experienced with text-chat have developed a long list of abbreviations that allow them to say what they want to say more quickly. If you encounter someone who is new to text chat, it is only polite to try and avoid using abbreviations or to make sure to explain them to the new person. Some common abbreviations used on All inPlay include:
   Lol = laughs out loud
   Ty = thank you
   Vn = very nice
   Gg = good game
    
5. Use the Away Feature as Intended - Every time a uses the away feature (presses alt+a), a sound effect and chat message is sent to all players at the table. This is no problem so long as folks are using the feature as intended. However, if someone is using the away mode as a way to fold before it is their turn, then everyone has to hear all this extra junk that they don't want <frown>. I would therefore consider it rude to use the away feature as a means of folding; it should only be used when you need to step away from your computer.
    
6. Don't Pry - If some complete stranger sat down next to you at a bar, talked with you for five minutes, and then started asking for your street address - you would be wise to be wary. Likewise, it is inappropriate for a player to ask for personal information of another player unless they know each other well. This goes beyond a point or politeness as it can sometimes lead to a bad situation if the person asking the questions is a jerk or is dangerous. I would advise everyone to ignore requests for private information from those you do not know well and trust. I would likewise ask that if you see this behavior at a table, that you consider stepping in and telling the rude person that it isn't cool to pry. You might be helping a newbie who is too naïve to know better!

These are our community's guidelines on good game etiquette. Players are not required to follow these rules, but it is strongly encouraged. Those who are interested in more information should check out our full community guidelines.

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