If you're fairly used to playing online casino or online poker then you'll know that there are certain rules of etiquette and behavior that you need to stick to if you want to become a valued member of the online gaming community.

However, if you're an online gaming newbie, it can be a daunting experience jumping into a new casino or poker room and being expected to know the comprehensive list of "Dos" and "Don'ts" straightaway.

On the whole, if you stick to a few basic, fundamental rules of thumb, you shouldn't go too far wrong, so let's take a look at the most important !

Firstly, and this may sound obvious but you'd be surprised how many people get this one wrong, never ever berate a fellow player for a move which you perceive to be weak, or ill-advised. Even if the player in question is an inexperienced player whom you think you're helping out, just keep your opinions to yourself. Similarly, call into question the wisdom of a poker pro, and you'll be out the door of the online or real poker room faster than you can hold your hands up in apology !

Secondly, keep up with the playing action in front of you. There is nothing more annoying during a session than one player who, intentionally or not, slows down the game for everyone else. Thinking and patience are two important characteristics of successful poker players, but there is a difference between acting carefully and paralysing the gaming experience by stalling over basic decisions.

The third rule refers to acting out of turn. Never, ever do this! Intentionally acting out of turn is rude, annoying, and just plain wrong. Hold back and restrain yourself from starting the action until it is your turn.

The fourth rule that should be obvious to all players yet somehow crops up time and again in poker sessions the world over is never attack either a fellow player or the dealer. This refers to verbal abuse and physical attacks. Taking a swipe, either through snide comments or with your hands, is never acceptable, even if one of your fellow players has endured a terrible game that has wrecked your experience, and even if the dealer accidentally exposes a card when dealing. These things happen - suck it up !