Online poker etiquette question?

Question

I play Poker on Pokerstars occasionally and I have a question about etiquette rules.  I was playing in a Sit-N-Go tourney last night and 2 guys at the table were chatting the whole time in Spanish.  I don't speak Spanish and I felt uncomfortable being in a game where I couldn't understand what the other players were saying.  

I know site rules for many places state that only English is allowed at the tables, but I don't think it's widely enforced and to be honest, Pokerstars has many international players so it seems kinda unfair to force a Spaniard or German to chat in a language they may not be fluent speaking.

I don't play poker online often and I only play for enjoyment. I'm not trying to get rich with poker, so I'm curious as to how the regular players here feel about table chat.  What's proper etiquette?

This was a $1 entry tourney so no big deal and I didn't say anything to the chatters last night.  Would you have a different answer for a tourney that cost $500 to enter rather than a micro stakes one?

And before you think this is simply sour grapes, I don't think the players were colluding.  I think the conversation was simple chatting.  With all the IM and voice chat programs out there, cheaters have much better ways to collude.  (and I won the tourney)

Vegas Matt · Accepted Answer

Usually they're just jibber jabbering, it's really no big deal. I don't like constant chatter at higher limit tables though, sometimes they're giving up information about how they play (either on purpose or inadvertently) so I either want to know what they're talking about or I want them to shut up completely so nobody else at the table gets more information than me. 

At the $1 tables, I wouldn't really say something unless they're talking crap to me. 

And FYI, you can call the moderator to say something to them and it's totally anonymous. If they cop an attitude and ask who snitched on them just ignore it. Besides, a pissed off player is usually a bad player!

Good luck and have fun.

JackAce · Answer

As a policy, Poker Stars has prohibited non-English chat on most tables/tournaments.  If players are chatting in a non-English language, you are certainly within your rights to report it.  It's not really a question of etiquette, it's a question of game integrity.


From their FAQ:

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Non-English chat: We are aware that our players are from around the world, and that for many of them English is not their first language. However, at this time our policy on most tables is that English is the only language allowed to be used in PokerStars chat. On a small number of tables and in a small number of regional tournaments, chat may be allowed in a particular language and in English.  These tables and tournaments will be clearly labeled.  If you are not comfortable with non-English chat, please do not join these tables or tournaments.

Martin_EST · Answer

I play on Stars every day, and see chat in foreign languages constantly. It doesn't bother me, because most aren't colluding, they're just chatting casually. I have learned most swear words in major languages by playing poker and I only report the players using them (insulting other people).

mr.longshot · Answer

Personally it does not bother me.. As far as colluding? That does not bother me either. It is easy to spot and using patience.  You can pick 'em apart.

aelitis88 · Answer

the second i see foreign language in sentences, i report it. they usually resolve it in minutes.
i dont mean to be a douche, but theres no way i want to be left out when money is involved.
and who knows? they could be telling each other what they have...

Online poker etiquette question?

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