A fundamental rule in all of the many poker rooms in Calgary is the "English Only Rule". Each poker room has their own spin on what that means, and this rule is enforced differently everywhere. Essentially it means that when there is live action (cards are out) only english must be spoken at the poker table. No other language is allowed to be spoken. This can be one of the most frustrating aspects to the game for a poker dealer and for players.

Since all dealers in Calgary are required to know english, and since english is the international language, it is the accepted language for communication during a card game. This rule is meant to protect the players from collusion (a form of cheating), and also protects the house from being accused of running an unethical card game. Speaking a foreign language during a hand of poker puts the game into suspicion. What are the players talking about? Are they sharing information about their hands? There is no way to know for sure unless you are able to understand what's being said. I have played in games when this rule has not been enforced, or has not been enforced very well. I've seen a lot of disgruntled players complaining about this kind of infraction and it causes a lot of problems.

The players who are breaking this rule have mixed reactions when being told to abide this rule. Some of them apologize and agree to not do it again. This is usually enough to keep the peace at the table. Other players will argue about this rule and attempt to defend themselves by saying that they are not talking about the cards. This may be true, but it is not comforting to anyone that is risking their money in a potentially fraudulent game. There are others yet who will become completely offended that the dealer or a player is complaining about their erroneous behavior, some of whom may become belligerent, violent, or even leave the game. You have to wonder why someone would get upset about it unless they are trying to cover something up. A few people are offended not because they are guilty of anything, but are embarrassed that anyone would suggest that they are doing something wrong or misbehaving in a manner that is offensive to someone else. These players need not worry, they just need to refrain from speaking in a foreign language when the cards are out.

I've seen more arguments and heated players going at it over this rule then any other rule. It's a rule that is vastly misunderstood and not taken with much seriousness. Not all poker rooms house rules are exactly the same on this issue. There are poker rooms that require you to refrain from speaking foreign languages entirely while you are at the table, even when the dealer is shuffling. This perhaps may be asking too much, but regardless of the minor details, the general rule is to refrain from this behavior when someone has cards. You can be accused of cheating by other players and by the house.

My advice to anyone that is the victim of this form of potential collusion, is to go speak to the pitboss privately and tell him the situation. Taking on players at the table could result in some unwanted and unwarranted side affects that can affect your table image and your game. If it's serious, then ask to be transferred to another table. If your brave enough, confront the person that is breaking this rule. Just be prepared for some backlash as people don't like to be told they are doing something wrong. It's human nature.

Hopefully there is some merit in what I am trying to say, having been the victim of potential collusion many times, and having dealt to many players that continually try to ignore this rule, or pretend that they were not aware. You do have a right to say something to the dealer or to the casino staff if you feel someone is speaking a foreign language during live play. Please learn to follow this rule, and do something about it when someone is breaking it. There is a good chance that other players at the table want to say something, but feel intimidated enough not to say anything to anyone.

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