OK to coach at the table here?

iron81 · #1 07-31-2007, 12:49 PM

I try to play small stakes mixed games whenever I can. Sometimes I turn into a bit of a table coach when a live one sits down. They will say something about how they have no idea what the rules are for one or two of the games on the list. In this situation, I will explain the betting order and hand ranks and maybe a strategy tip or two.

I figure its worth it to make sure the player sits down because if they realize they have no clue they won't want to play but if I can convince them that they know how to play they'll sit down. Obviously, a player like this will still make tons of mistakes. On the other hand, if I keep my mouth shut and they play anyway, they might make really gross mistakes like thinking an Ace is good in 2-7 lowball. Thoughts? Is this just a matter of whether I think the player will leave if I don't help them?

*TT* · #2 07-31-2007, 12:57 PM

[ QUOTE ]
I try to play small stakes mixed games whenever I can. Sometimes I turn into a bit of a table coach when a live one sits down. They will say something about how they have no idea what the rules are for one or two of the games on the list. In this situation, I will explain the betting order and hand ranks and maybe a strategy tip or two.

I figure its worth it to make sure the player sits down because if they realize they have no clue they won't want to play but if I can convince them that they know how to play they'll sit down. Obviously, a player like this will still make tons of mistakes. On the other hand, if I keep my mouth shut and they play anyway, they might make really gross mistakes like thinking an Ace is good in 2-7 lowball. Thoughts? Is this just a matter of whether I think the player will leave if I don't help them?

[/ QUOTE ]

This isnt coaching, its encouraging the live one to sit in - and there is nothing wrong with that.

Off Duty · #3 07-31-2007, 12:58 PM

If you're trying to keep the live one in the game by improving just enough to stick around I really don't see a problem here.

To me, this seems less like "table coaching" and more like "baiting", which is OK in my world.

Off Duty · #4 07-31-2007, 12:59 PM

Dammit TT beat me to it.

ReptileHouse · #5 07-31-2007, 12:59 PM

Sounds like you're doing it perfectly to me. As you say, they'll still be very bad, so things are fine in that sense. However, with your help, they're likely to have a much better time than they would be if they spent some of the rounds confused.

You're being a nice guy and keeping the table atmosphere friendly. Kudos.

TMTTR · #6 07-31-2007, 01:19 PM

It really comes down to giving instructions before and between hands and giving instructions during a hand. Giving instructions about the rules, hand reading, etc. before the game or after the new player makes a mistake is encouraged! Make them feel comfortable enough to stay awhile. You need to be a lot more selective (or completely quiet) during a hand -- particularly a hand that you are not in.

SellingtheDrama · #7 07-31-2007, 01:24 PM

If someone asks a legit question during a 'low' stakes game...I'm always happy to help (eg Omaha H/L being asked if you have to use different cards for high and low). Low stakes games are inevitably going to have rookie players, I'd rather make them feel welcome....and their money [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

There's something very win-win about playing with a player willing to lose if he's going to have a good time doing it. He gets his day/evening of entertainment, and I get money. Exactly what we both went to the casino for.

Grasshopp3r · #8 07-31-2007, 01:36 PM

I think that you would be better off in just saying nothing or advising someone who does not know a game to sit out and watch, instead of giving advice. You give info and advice to everyone if you give it at the table. If someone seeks you out for advice, I think that coaching or sweating should be handled away from the table.

[Phill] · #9 07-31-2007, 01:47 PM

I think there is a line between informing a player about rules, betting order etc etc and giving strategy advice.

The only bit you are stepping over the line with imo is the giving a "strategy tip or two".

steamboatin · #10 07-31-2007, 01:54 PM

It is called game preservation, you have to make the fish feel comfortable so your game doesn't die. This is a mixed game and they are more fragile than Holdem so more effort is required on the part of the players to attract new players and retain the fish.