Reading the room
How does the evening unfold?
Nobody hands out a rulebook at the door, but a few habits make every evening run smoother for the whole table.
First things first
The short version
- Nobody pays to sit down and nobody walks away with cash — every hand is scored on points alone.
- House dealers run the count at each table and have the final word on any dispute.
- First visit? Mentioning it before play starts gets a newcomer talked through the basics.
- Tables fill in the order guests arrive, except for bridge, where Friday bookings come first.
- Give the dealer a moment to settle the count before reaching for the cards or the hand's result.
- Chips don't leave the table — they're markers for the game, not currency for a pocket.
- Silence phones before sitting down — the counter or the second lounge suits a call better.
- Everybody at the tables is 18 or older; carrying proof helps if it's ever asked for.
The shape of a night
How the etiquette shifts as the evening goes on
| Time | Mood | What's expected |
|---|---|---|
| 5-7 pm | settling in | quiet introductions, dealers explaining the count to newcomers |
| 7-11 pm | full swing | steady play, low chat, tables mostly unchanged |
| 11 pm-1 am | winding down | smaller tables, easier conversation, last hands called |