Annoying Players

10 June 2023

By Jerry Stickman

Annoying Video Poker Players
By Jerry “Stickman”

From Blaine:

Hi Stickman,

I just returned from three days at my favorite casino. I really enjoy playing video poker. I spend several hours each day on the machines. This trip was very annoying to me. It seemed where ever I played I was plagued by annoying players. Loud and drunk. Holding their cigarettes away from themselves and by me. Blowing smoke in my direction.

Then there were some who thought they knew better than me and told me I was playing wrong, or they asked questions as I was trying to play.
I am hoping that you could write something telling all these idiots how to act around video poker players.

Thank you,
Blaine from Indiana


Hi Blaine,

Wow, you sure hit the nail on the head. It seems that anyone who sits down beside me when I am playing feels my machine is the place to hold the smoldering cigarette and blow smoke.

Okay, here goes my semi-inclusive list of items that make for proper video poker playing etiquette.

• Please hold cigarettes and blow smoke away from other players.
• Unless the player indicates he wants to engage in chatting, please leave that player alone.
• Do not give other players advice (unless it is asked for, of course).
• Avoid loud and boisterous behavior around other video poker players.

I will not include any statement about drunk players, because it would probably be ignored (or forgotten) anyway.

It is also interesting to note that many players who are annoyed by other players behavior, will behave the same way themselves – or have different annoying behavior.

The Golden Rule applies here. Please treat others as you would like to be treated.

Hopefully this will help, Blaine. I have my doubts, however.

In general, please treat other players with the courtesy and respect you would like to receive.

As always, may all your wins be swift and large, and your losses be slow and small.

Jerry “Stickman”

Jerry “Stickman” is an expert in craps, blackjack and video poker and advantage slot machine play. He is a regular contributor to top gaming magazines. He authored the video poker section of “Everything Casino Poker: Get the Edge at Video Poker, Texas Hold'em, Omaha Hi-Lo, and Pai Gow Poker!” You can contact Jerry “Stickman” at stickmanjerryg@gmail.com