Ignore It
Consider that someone asks you a casual question like, "Where are you from?" It's generally polite to answer, assuming that you are not involved in a hand. If you are in the middle of deciding on an action, it's perfectly acceptable not to answer any questions and not to say anything except "bet" "raise" "call" or "fold."
Listen To It
Often someone who is talking to you is trying to extract information, but you can usually learn just as much from him as he is trying to learn from you. Observe how the person talks when in a hand with others and try to see if you can pick up a pattern.
Also, take careful note when people comment on your play. They are essentially giving you a playbook on how to play against them.
Respond to It
You are welcome to talk back to your opponents. If you do, make sure you are in control. Don't respond in anger or frustration, as this may tip other players to the fact that you are on tilt and they may decide to target you as a result. Some players will talk to you just to try to needle you, to get you upset so that you will make mistakes. It's usually best not to reward this behavior with any kind of reaction at all.
Table Talk
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Poker is a social game, and players sometimes talk at the table. This talking can sometimes be innocuous, but other times it directly relates to the play of the game. There are a few ways you can handle table talk.
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