ALTERATIONS TO INTERNATIONAL POKER RULES
Brisbane Poker United have adopted the following changes to the International rules of Poker:
(A printed copy of the International Poker Rules is available to view on request, Please ask the TD).
1. Big Blind Ante. Alteration to Rule 39.4.2
(Big Blind reduced to Small Blind Ante).
If all Tables have 6 (six) or less Players, The Big Blind Ante will be reduced to the value of the Small Blind.
If there are table/s with 6 Players and 1 (one) Table with 7 (seven) or more Players, The Big Blind Ante will remain the same value as the Big Blind.
2. Big Blind Ante. Alteration to Rule 39.4.5
(Big Blind is posted before the Ante).
Should a Player on the Big Blind & Ante position be all-in for just the value of an Big Blind or less, should they win,
they will win their bet amount multiplied by the number of players who called that bet plus the Ante.
On Final Table when play reaches "Heads Up", there will be no Ante in play.
3. Calling for a "Clock". Alteration to Rule 74.2
("Clock" reduced from 1 minute to 30 seconds).
Once a reasonable amount of time has passed and a “Clock” is called for, a Floor Person or the
Tournament Director will be called to the table.
A player will be given a maximum of 30 seconds to complete their action and will be given a verbal 10
second countdown within that 30 seconds.
If a player has not acted when the “1” second mark is announced, the player’s hand will be declared
a “dead hand.”
Brisbane Poker United have adopted the following penalty structures:
1. Acting Out of Turn. This includes Betting, Calling, Raising or Folding.
(Folding Out of Turn includes leaving the table after your cards have been dealt, but before it is your turn).
PENALTIES THAT APPLY ARE AS FOLLOWS:
We strictly enforce the following rules:
SECTION I: TOURNAMENT GUIDELINES
SECTION II: TOURNAMENT RULES, POLICIES AND GUIDELINES
(TDA RULE #1) FLOOR PEOPLE
Floor People must consider the best interest of the game and fairness as top priorities in the decision-making process.
Unusual circumstances can on occasion dictate decisions in the interest of fairness and will take priority over the technical
rules. The Floor Person’s decision will be final.
(TDA RULE #1) FLOOR PEOPLE
Floor People must consider the best interest of the game and fairness as top priorities in the decision-making process.
Unusual circumstances can on occasion dictate decisions in the interest of fairness and will take priority over the technical
rules. The Floor Person’s decision will be final.
(TDA RULE #2) PLAYER RESPONSIBILITIES
Players are expected to verify registration data and seat assignments, protect their hands, make their intentions clear,
follow the action, act in turn, defend their right to act, keep cards visible, keep chips correctly stacked, remain at the table
with a live hand, speak up if they see a mistake being made, transfer tables promptly, follow one player to a hand, know
and comply with the rules, follow proper etiquette, and generally contribute to an orderly tournament.
(TDA RULE #65) ETIQUETTE VIOLATIONS
Repeated etiquette violations will result in penalties. Examples include, but are
not limited to, unnecessarily touching other players’ cards or chips, repeatedly actin out of turn, betting out of reach of the
dealer, abusive conduct and excessive chatter.
(TDA RULE #64) ETHICAL PLAY
Poker is an individual game. Soft play will result in penalties, which may include chip forfeiture and/or disqualification.
Chip dumping and other forms of collusion will result in disqualification.
(TDA RULE #62) NO DISCLOSURE
Players are obligated to protect the other players in the tournament at all times. Therefore, players, whether in
the hand or not, may not: 1. Disclose contents of live or folded hands. 2. Advise or criticize play at any time. 3.
Read a hand that hasn’t been tabled. The one-player-to-a-hand rule will be enforced.
Among others things, this rule prohibits showing a hand to or discussing strategy with another player,
spectator, or advisor.
(TDA RULE #66) WARNINGS, PENALTIES AND DISQUALIFICATION
A: Penalty options include verbal warnings, one or more “missed hands”, one or more “missed rounds”, and
disqualification. Missed rounds are assessed as follows: the offender will miss one hand for every player (including him) at
the table when the penalty is given multiplied by the number of penalty rounds. Repeat infractions are subject to
escalating penalties. Players away from the table or on penalty may be anted or blinded out of a tournament.
B: A penalty may be invoked if a player exposes any card with action pending, throws a card off the table, violates one-player-to-a-hand, or similar incidents occur. Penalties will be invoked for soft play, abuse, disruptive behavior, or cheating.
C: A player on penalty must be away from the table. Cards are dealt to his seat, his blinds and antes are posted, and the
hand is killed after each initial deal. In stud games if he is dealt the bring-in card he must post the bring-in.
D: Chips of a disqualified player shall be removed from play.
(TDA RULE #5) OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
The English only rule will be enforced in the United States during the play of hands.
At non-U.S. venues, the house will clearly post and announce acceptable language(s).
(TDA RULE #4) ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND COMMUNICATION
Players may not talk on a phone at the table. Ring tones,
music, etc. should be inaudible to others. House rules apply to other types of electronic devices and communication.
(TDA RULE #7)
Alternates, Late Registration & Re-Entries - Alternates, players registering late, and re-entries will be
sold full stacks, randomly seated at any position, and dealt in except between SB and button.
(TDA RULE #7)
Alternates, Late Registration & Re-Entries - Alternates, players registering late, and re-entries will be
sold full stacks, randomly seated at any position, and dealt in except between SB and button.
(TDA RULE #6) RANDOM CORRECT SEATING
Tournament and satellite seats will be randomly assigned. A player who
started the tournament in the wrong seat with the correct chip stack amount will be moved to the correct seat and will
take his current total chip stack with him.
(TDA RULE #8) SPECIAL NEEDS
Accommodations for players with special physical needs will be made when possible.
Freezeout: In this format of tournament, the players will only be allowed one buy in. Once a player has lost
their chips they will be eliminated.
Re-Entry: In this format of tournament, it is similar to that of a freezeout in that once a player has lost their
chips the player is eliminated, however if eliminated during the late registration period the player will be
allowed to re-enter for the amount of an original entry. The maximum number of re-entries can vary and will
be advertised before the event has begun. Upon re-entry the Tournament Director will provide the player with
a new randomly assigned seat away from their previous table, wherever possible.
Unlimited-Rebuy: This form of tournament allows players to rebuy as many times as they like, players will be
allowed to rebuy if they have less than a specific amount of stack. The required stack for a rebuy and the
maximum number of rebuys available can vary and will be advertised before the start of the event. The Rebuy
period will be completed with a last 3 hands at the end of the advertised level. At the last rebuy break players
will have the option of an Add-On (double in some cases) & further rebuys if eligible. Whenever a player lost
all the chips the player should decide before the start of the new hand to rebuy or not. In case a player misses
a hand the player will be eliminated. A re-entry is not possible in rebuy formats.
Limited Rebuy / Reload: These tournaments allow players the option of having a rebuy or two(as advertised)
at the table no matter the size of the stack. There will be an advertised period of the tournament of which will
allow the rebuy(s) to take place. Generally these tournaments will also allow a re-entry.
(TDA RULE #26) RE-BUYS
Players may not miss a hand. If a player declares intent to rebuy before a hand, he is playing
chips behind and must make the re-buy.
(TDA RULE #22) NEW HAND & NEW LIMITS
A new level will not be announced until the clock reaches zero. The new level
applies to the next hand. A hand begins on the first riffle, push of the shuffler button, or on the dealer push.
(TDA RULE #34) MISDEALS
A: Misdeals include but are not necessarily limited to: 1) 2 or more boxed cards on the initial deal; 2) first card dealt to the
wrong seat; 3) cards dealt to a seat not entitled to a hand; 4) a seat entitled to a hand is dealt out; 5) In stud, if any of the
first 2 down cards are exposed by dealer error; 6) In flop games, if either of the first 2 cards dealt off the deck or any other
2 downcards are exposed by dealer error. House standards apply for draw games (ex: lowball).
B: Players may be dealt 2 consecutive cards on the button.
C: In a misdeal, the re-deal is an exact re-play: the button does not move, no new players are seated, and limits stay the
same. Cards are dealt to players on penalty or who were not at their seats for the original deal, then their hands are killed.
The original deal and re-deal count as one hand for a player on penalty, not two.
D: Once substantial action occurs a misdeal cannot be declared; the hand must proceed (See Rule 35).
(TDA RULE #25) DECK CHANGES
Deck changes will be on the dealer push or level changes or as prescribed by the house.
Players may not ask for deck changes.
(TDA RULE #24) CARDS & CHIPS KEPT VISIBLE, COUNTABLE & MANAGABLE.
Discretionary color-ups. A: Players are entitled
to a reasonable estimation of an opponent’s chip count; thus chips should be kept in countable stacks.
The TDA recommends clean stacks in multiples of 20 as a standard.
Players must keep higher denomination chips visible and identifiable at all times.
B: TDs will control the number and denomination of chips in play and may color up at their discretion.
Discretionary color ups are to be announced.
C: Players with live hands must keep their cards in plain view at all times.
(TDA RULE #60) ACCIDENTALLY KILLED/FOULED HANDS
A player must protect his hand at all times, including at
showdown while waiting for the hand to be read.
If the dealer kills a hand by mistake or if in TDs judgement a hand is fouled and cannot be identified to 100% certainty, the
player has no redress and is not entitled to a refund of called bets.
If the player initiated a bet or raise and hasn’t been called, the uncalled amount will be returned to him.
If a hand is fouled but can be identified, it remains in play despite cards exposed in the process.
(TDA RULE #9) BREAKING TABLES
Players from a broken table will be assigned new tables and seats by a 2-step random
process.
They can get any seat including a blind or button and be dealt in except between the small blind and button.
See Illustration Addendum.
Rule 9: Breaking Tables, 2-Step Random Process.
A 2-step random or “double-blind” process assures that there is no favoritism in distributing new seat assignments.
An example of one such process: 1) show players at the breaking table the new seat cards then scramble the cards face
down and form a stack;
2) the dealer then deals one playing card face up to each player.
The seat cards are then dealt out with the first seat card going to the player with the highest playing card by suit showing.
(TDA RULE #10) BALANCING TABLES
A: To balance tables In flop and mixed games, the player who will be big blind next is moved to the worst position,
including taking a single big blind when available, even if that means the seat will have the big blind twice.
Worst position is never the small blind.
In stud-only events, players will be moved by position, (the last seat to open at the short table is the seat filled).
B: In mixed games (ex: HORSE), when the game shifts from hold’em to stud, after the last hold’em hand the button is
moved exactly to the position it would be if the next hand was hold’em and then is frozen there during the stud round.
The player moved during stud is the player who would be the big blind if the game was hold’em for that hand.
When hold'em resumes the button for the first hand will be at the position where it was frozen.
C: The table from which a player is moved will be specified by a predetermined procedure.
D: In full-table events, play will halt on a table 3 or more players short of the table with the most players.
Play will halt on other game formats (ex:6-handed and turbos) at TDs discretion.
Not halting play is not a cause for a misdeal and TDs may elect not to halt play at their discretion.
As the event progresses, when manageable & appropriate for the type of game, at TDs discretion tables will be more
tightly balanced.
(TDA RULE #24) CARDS & CHIPS KEPT VISIBLE, COUNTABLE & MANAGABLE.
Discretionary color-ups. A: Players are entitled
to a reasonable estimation of an opponent’s chip count; thus chips should be kept in countable stacks.
The TDA recommends clean stacks in multiples of 20 as a standard.
Players must keep higher denomination chips visible and identifiable at all times.
B: TDs will control the number and denomination of chips in play and may color up at their discretion.
Discretionary color ups are to be announced.
C: Players with live hands must keep their cards in plain view at all times.
(TDA RULE #55) COUNT OF OPPONENT'S CHIP STACK
Players are entitled to a reasonable estimation of opponents’ chip stacks (Rule 24).
A player may only request a more precise count if the action is on him and he faces an all-in bet.
The all-in player is not required to count; on request the dealer or floor will count it.
Accepted action applies (See Rule 49).
The visible and countable chipstack rule (Rule 24) greatly helps accuracy in counting.
(TDA RULE #24) CARDS & CHIPS KEPT VISIBLE, COUNTABLE & MANAGABLE.
Discretionary color-ups. A: Players are entitled
to a reasonable estimation of an opponent’s chip count; thus chips should be kept in countable stacks.
The TDA recommends clean stacks in multiples of 20 as a standard.
Players must keep higher denomination chips visible and identifiable at all times.
B: TDs will control the number and denomination of chips in play and may color up at their discretion.
Discretionary color ups are to be announced.
C: Players with live hands must keep their cards in plain view at all times.
(TDA RULE #47) CHIPS IN TRANSIT
Players may not hold or transport tournament chips in any manner that takes them out
of view. A player who does so will forfeit the chips and may be disqualified. The forfeited chips will be taken out of play
(TDA RULE #23) CHIP RACE, SCHEDULED COLOR UPS
A: At scheduled color-ups, chips will be raced off starting in seat 1, with a maximum of one chip awarded to a player.
Players can’t be raced out of play: a player losing his last chip(s) in a race will get 1 chip of the lowest denomination still in
play.
B: Players must have their chips fully visible and are encouraged to witness the chip race.
C: If after the race, a player still has chips of a removed denomination, they will be exchanged for current denominations
only at equal value.
Chips of removed denominations that do not fully total at least the smallest denomination still in play will be removed
without compensation.
(TDA RULE #23) CHIP RACE, SCHEDULED COLOR UPS.
A: At scheduled color-ups, chips will be raced off starting in seat 1, with a maximum of one chip awarded to a player.
Players can’t be raced out of play: a player losing his last chip(s) in a race will get 1 chip of the lowest denomination still in
play.
B: Players must have their chips fully visible and are encouraged to witness the chip race.
C: If after the race, a player still has chips of a removed denomination, they will be exchanged for current denominations
only at equal value.
Chips of removed denominations that do not fully total at least the smallest denomination still in play will be removed
without compensation.
(TDA RULE #31) DEAD BUTTON.
Tournament play will use a “dead button.”
(TDA RULE #33) BUTTON IN HEADS UP.
In heads-up play, the small blind is on the button and acts first pre-flop and last on
all other betting rounds. The last card is dealt to the button.
When beginning heads-up play, the button may need to be adjusted to ensure no player takes the big blind twice in a
row.
(TDA RULE #32) DODGING BLINDS
Players who intentionally dodge any blind when moving from a broken table will incur
a penalty.
(TDA RULE #22) NEW HAND & NEW LIMITS.
A new level will not be announced until the clock reaches zero. The new level
applies to the next hand.
A hand begins on the first riffle, push of the shuffler button, or on the dealer push.
(TDA RULE #29) AT YOUR SEAT.
A Player must be at his seat when the first card is dealt on the initial deal or he will have a
dead hand.
A player not then at his seat is dealt in, he may not look at his cards, and the hand is immediately killed after the initial
deal.
His blinds and antes are posted and if dealt the bring-in card in a stud-type game he will post the bring-in*.
A player must be at his seat to call time.
“At your seat” means within reach of your chair. This rule is not intended to condone players being out of their seats while
involved in a hand.
[*Note: In stud, house rules may require additional card(s) be dealt to the killed hand in certain situations.]
(TDA RULE #14) LIVE CARDS AT SHOWDOWN.
Discarding non-tabled cards face down does not automatically kill them; a
player may change his mind and table his cards if they remain 100% identifiable.
Cards are killed by the dealer when
pushed into the muck.
(TDA RULE #30) AT THE TABLE WITH ACTION PENDING.
Players with live hands (including players all-in or otherwise finished betting) must remain at the table until the showdown
concludes. Leaving the table is incompatible with protecting your hand and following the action, and is subject to penalty.
(TDA RULE #50) POT SIZE & POT-LIMIT BETS.
A: Players are entitled to a pot count in pot-limit only. Dealers will not count
the pot in limit and no-limit.
B: Pre-flop a short all-in blind will not affect calculation of the maximum pot limit bet. Post-flop, bets are based on actual
pot size.
C: Declaring “I bet the pot” is not a valid bet in no-limit but it does bind the player to making a valid bet (at least a
minimum bet), and may be subject to penalty. If the player is facing a bet he must make a valid raise.
(TDA RULE #33) OFFICIAL TERMINOLOGY OF TOURNAMENT POKERS.
Official betting terms are simple, unmistakable, time-honored declarations like: bet, raise, call, fold, check, all-in,
complete, and pot (pot-limit only).
Regional terms may also meet this test.
Also, players must use gestures with caution when facing action; tapping the table is a check.
It is the responsibility of players to make their intentions clear: using non-standard terms or gestures is at player’s risk and
may result in a ruling other than what the player intended.
See also Rules 2 & 42.
(TDA RULE #37) METHODS OF BETTING: VERBAL & CHIPS
A: Bets are by verbal declaration and/or pushing out chips. If a player does both, whichever is first defines the bet. If
simultaneous, a clear and reasonable verbal declaration takes precedence, otherwise the chips play.
B: Verbal declarations may be general (“call”, “raise”), a specific amount only (“one thousand”) or both (“raise, one
thousand”).
C: For all betting rules, declaring a specific amount only is the same as silently pushing out an equal amount. Ex: Declaring
“two hundred” is the same as silently pushing out 200 in chips.
(TDA RULE #39)BINDING DECLARATIONS - UNDERCALLS IN TURN
A: General verbal declarations in turn (such as “Call” or “Raise”) commit a player to the full current action. See Illustration
Addendum.
B: A player undercalls by declaring or pushing out less than the call amount without first declaring “call”.
An undercall is a mandatory full call if made in turn facing 1) any bet heads-up or 2) the opening bet on any round multi-way. In other situations, TD’s discretion applies.
The posted BB is the opening first round bet in blind games.
All-in buttons greatly reduce undercall frequency (See Recommended Procedure 1).
This rule addresses when a player must make a full call and when, at TDs discretion, he may forfeit the underbet and fold.
(TDA RULE #40) ACTION OUT OF TURN (OOT)
A: Any action out of turn (check, call, or raise) is subject to penalty and is binding if action to the OOT player does not
change.
A check, call or fold by the rightful player does not change action.
If action changes, the OOT action is not binding; any bet or raise is returned to the OOT player who has all options
including: calling, raising, or folding. An OOT fold is binding.
B: A player skipped by OOT action must defend his right to act.
If there is reasonable time and the skipped player does not speak up before substantial action (Rule 35) OOT occurs to his
left, the OOT action is binding.
The floor will rule on how to treat the skipped hand. See Illustration Addendum.
(Rule 40-B) SUBSTANTIAL ACTION OUT OF TURN (OOT).
A player skipped by OOT action must defend his right to act.
If there is reasonable time and the skipped player has not spoken up by the time substantial action (see Rule 35) OOT
occurs to his left, the OOT action is binding.
The floor will be called to render a decision on how to treat the skipped hand.
(TDA RULE #50) ACTING IN TURN
A: Players must act in turn verbally and/or by pushing out chips. Action in turn is binding and commits chips to the pot that
stay in the pot.
B: Players must wait for clear bet amounts before acting. Ex: NLHE, A says “raise” (but no amount), and B quickly folds. B
should wait to act until A’s raise amount is clear.
(TDA RULE #41) METHODS OF CALLING.
Standard and acceptable forms of calling include:
A) saying “call”;
B) pushing out chips equal to a call;
C) silently pushing out an overchip; or
D) silently pushing out multiple chips equal to a call under the multi-chip rule (Rule 46).
Silently betting chip(s) relatively tiny to the bet (ex: blinds 2k-4k. A bets 50k, B then silently puts out one 1k chip) is non-standard, strongly discouraged, subject to penalty, and will be interpreted at TDs discretion, including being ruled a full
call.
(TDA RULE #47) PREVIOUS BET CHIPS NOT PULLED IN.
A: If a player bets when facing a raise and has chips in front of him not yet pulled in from a prior bet, the “prior” chips (and
any change due) may affect whether his action is ruled a call or re-raise.
Because several possibilities exist, players should declare their bets before putting out new chips on top of prior-bet chips
not yet pulled in.
B: If facing action, clearly pulling back prior bet chip(s) binds a player to call or raise.
(TDA RULE #49) ACCEPTED ACTION
Poker is a game of alert, continuous observation.
It is the caller’s responsibility to determine the correct amount of an opponent’s bet before calling, regardless of what is
stated by others.
If a caller requests a count but receives incorrect information from a dealer or player, then pushes out that amount, the
caller has accepted the full correct action & is subject to the correct wager or all-in amount.
As with all situations, Rule 1 may apply at TD’s discretion.
(TDA RULE #52) NON STANDARD & UNCLEAR BETTING
Players use unofficial betting terms and gestures at their own risk.
These may be interpreted to mean other than what the player intended.
Also, if a declared bet can reasonably have multiple meanings, it will be ruled the lesser value.
Ex: NLHE 200-400 blinds, player declares “I bet five.” If it is unclear whether “five” means 500 or 5,000, the bet is 500. See
Rules 2, 3 & 42. See Illustration Addendum.
(TDA RULE #52) NON STANDARD & UNCLEAR BETTING
“Also, whenever a declared bet can reasonably have multiple meanings, it will be ruled the lesser value.”
If a declared bet technically has multiple values, TDs may use discretion to determine what value is most reasonable and in
the best interest of the game. Decision factors may include but are not limited to such considerations as: 1) keeping it the
lower amount to enforce betting discipline, 2) recent betting increments and 3) bet values relative to the current pot size.
(TDA RULE #55) COUNT OF OPPONENT’S CHIP STACK
Players are entitled to a reasonable estimation of opponents’ chip stacks (Rule 24).
A player may only request a more precise count if the action is on him and he faces an all-in bet.
The all-in player is not required to count; on request the dealer or floor will count it.
Accepted action applies (See Rule 49).
The visible and countable chipstack rule (Rule 24) greatly helps accuracy in counting.
(TDA RULE #42) METHODS OF RAISING.
In no-limit or pot-limit, a raise must be made by A) pushing out the full amount in one motion; B) verbally declaring the full
amount prior to pushing out chips; or C) verbally declaring “raise” prior to pushing out the exact call amount then
completing the raise in one additional motion. In option C, if other than the exact call amount but less than a minimum
raise is first put out, it will be ruled a minimum raise. It is the responsibility of players to make their intentions clear.
(TDA RULE #43) RAISE AMOUNTS
A: A raise must be at least equal to the largest prior bet or raise of the current betting round. If a player raises 50% or
more of the largest prior bet but less than a minimum raise, he must make a full minimum raise. If less than 50% it is a call
unless “raise” is first declared. Declaring an amount or pushing out the same amount of chips is the same (See Rule 37-C).
Ex: NLHE, opening bet is 1000, verbally declaring “Fourteen hundred” or silently pushing out 1400 in chips are both calls
unless raise is first declared. See Illustration Addendum.
B: Without other clarifying information, declaring raise and an amount is the total bet. Ex: A opens for 2000, B declares
“Raise, eight thousand.” The total bet is 8000.
(TDA RULE #44) RE-OPENING THE BET
In no-limit and pot limit, an all-in wager of less than a full raise does not reopen betting for a player who has already acted
and is not facing at least a full raise when the action returns to him. In limit, at least 50% of a full raise is required to re-open betting for players who have already acted. See Addendum
(TDA RULE#45) OVERSIZED CHIP BETTING
When facing a bet or blind, pushing out a single oversized chip is a call if raise isn’t first declared. To raise with an
oversized chip, raise must be declared before the chip hits the table surface. If raise is declared but no amount, the raise is
the maximum allowable for the chip. When not facing a bet, pushing out an oversized chip without declaration is a bet of
the maximum for the chip.
(TDA RULE #46) MULTIPLE CHIP BETTING
When facing a bet, unless raise is declared first, a multiple-chip bet is a call if every chip is needed to make the call; i.e.
removal of just one of the smallest chips leaves less than the call amount. Example: preflop, 200-400 blinds: A raises to
1200 total (an 800 raise), B puts out two 1000 chips without declaring raise. This is just a call because removing one 1000
chip leaves less than the amount to call (1200). If the single removal of just one of the smallest chips leaves the call
amount or more, the bet is governed by the 50% standard in Rule 43. See Addendum.
(TDA RULE #47) PREVIOUS BET CHIPS NOT PULLED IN
A: If a player bets when facing a raise and has chips in front of him not yet pulled in from a prior bet, the “prior” chips (and
any change due) may affect whether his action is ruled a call or re-raise. Because several possibilities exist, players should
declare their bets before putting out new chips on top of prior-bet chips not yet pulled in.
B: If facing action, clearly pulling back prior bet chip(s) binds a player to call or raise.
(TDA RULE#48) NUMBER OF ALLOWABLE RAISES
There is no cap on the number of raises in no-limit and pot-limit. In limit play there is a limit to raises even when heads-up
until the event is down to 2 players; the house limit applies.
(TDA RULE #43) THE LARGEST PRIOR BET OR RAISE OF THE CURRENT BETTING ROUND
This line refers to the largest additional action or “last legal increment” by a preceding bettor in the current round. The
current round is the “current street”, i.e. pre-flop, flop, turn, river in board games; 3rd– 4th – 5th – 6th – 7th street in 7-
stud, etc..
(TDA RULE #46) MULTIPLE CHIP BETTING
“When facing a bet, unless raise is declared first, a multiple-chip bet is a call if every chip is needed to make the call; i.e.
removal of just one of the smallest chips leaves less than the call amount… If the single removal of just one of the smallest
chips leaves the call amount or more, the bet is governed by the 50% standard in Rule 43.”
(TDA RULE #42) METHODS OF RAISING.
In no-limit or pot-limit, a raise must be made by A) pushing out the full amount in one motion; B) verbally declaring the full
amount prior to pushing out chips; or C) verbally declaring “raise” prior to pushing out the exact call amount then
completing the raise in one additional motion. In option C, if other than the exact call amount but less than a minimum
raise is first put out, it will be ruled a minimum raise. It is the responsibility of players to make their intentions clear.
(TDA RULE #43) STRING BETS AND RAISES.
Dealers will be responsible for calling string bets and raises.
(TDA RULE #45) OVERSIZED CHIP BETTING.
When facing a bet or blind, pushing out a single oversized chip is a call if raise
isn’t first declared.
To raise with an oversized chip, raise must be declared before the chip hits the table surface.
If raise is declared but no amount, the raise is the maximum allowable for the chip.
When not facing a bet, pushing out an oversized chip without declaration is a bet of the maximum for the chip.
Dealers must ensure that all cards are exposed before continuing with any action.
(TDA RULE #57) ALL-IN WITH CHIPS FOUND BEHIND LATER.
If A bets all-in and a hidden chip is found behind after a player has called, the TD will determine if the chip behind is part of
accepted action (Rule 49).
If not part of the action, A will not be paid off for the chip(s) if he wins.
If A loses he is not saved by the chip(s) and the TD may award the chip(s) to the winning caller.
(TDA RULE #45) NON-STANDARD FOLDS.
Anytime before the end of the final betting round, folding in turn if there’s no
bet to you (ex: facing a check or first to act post-flop) or folding out of turn are binding folds subject to penalty.
(TDA RULE #14) LIVE CARDS AT SHOWDOWN.
Discarding non-tabled cards face down does not automatically kill them; a
player may change his mind and table his cards if they remain 100% identifiable.
Cards are killed by the dealer when pushed into the muck.
(TDA RULE #63) EXPOSING CARDS AND PROPER FOLDING.
A player who exposes his cards with action pending may incur a penalty, but will not have a dead hand.
The penalty will begin at the end of the hand. When folding, cards should be pushed forward low to the table, not
deliberately exposed or tossed high (“helicoptered”). See also Rule 61.
(TDA RULE #62) NO DISCLOSURE.
Players must protect other players in the tournament at all times.
Therefore players, whether in the hand or not, must not:
1. Disclose contents of live or folded hands,
2. Advise or criticize play at any time,
3. Read a hand that hasn’t been tabled.
One-player-to-a-hand is in effect. Among other things, this rule prohibits showing a hand to or discussing strategy with
another player, advisor, or spectator.
(TDA RULE #15) FACE UP FOR ALL-INS.
All hands will be tabled without delay once a player is all-in and all betting action
by all other players in the hand is complete.
No player who is either all-in or has called all betting action may muck his hand without tabling.
All hands in both the main and sidepot(s) must be tabled and are live. See Illustration Addendum.
(TDA RULE #15) FACE UP FOR ALL-INS “All cards will be tabled without delay once a player is all-in and all betting action by
all other players in the hand is complete”. This rule means that all downcards of all players will be turned up at once when
at least one player is all-in and there is no chance of further betting action by the other player(s). Do not wait for the
showdown to turn the cards up; do not wait for sidepots to be divided before turning up the all-in who is only in for the
main pot; if betting action is finalized on any street prior to the showdown, turn the cards up at that point and then run
out the remaining cards.
(TDA RULE #14) 14: LIVE CARDS AT SHOWDOWNS.
Discarding non-tabled cards face down does not automatically kill them; a player may change his mind and table his cards
if they remain 100% identifiable. Cards are killed by the dealer when pushed into the muck.
(TDA RULE #15) FACE UP FOR ALL-INS
All hands will be tabled without delay once a player is all-in and all betting action by all other players in the hand is
complete. No player who is either all-in or has called all betting action may muck his hand without tabling. All hands in
both the main and sidepot(s) must be tabled and are live. See Illustration Addendum.
(TDA RULE #16) NON ALL-IN SHOWDOWNS
A: In a non all-in showdown, if cards are not spontaneously tabled or discarded, the TD may enforce an order of show. The
last aggressive player on the final betting round (final street) must table first. If there was no bet on the final street, the
player who would act first if it were a betting round must table first (i.e. first seat left of the button in flop games, high
hand showing in stud, low hand in razz, etc.).
B: A non all-in showdown is uncontested if all but one player mucks face down without tabling. The last player with live
cards wins and he is not required to show his cards.
17: Asking to See a Hand
A: Players not still in possession of cards at showdown, or who have mucked their cards face down without tabling, lose
any rights or privileges to ask to see any hand.
B: If there was a river bet, any caller has an inalienable right to see the last aggressor’s hand on request (“the hand he
paid to see”) provided the caller retains or has tabled his cards. TDs discretion governs all other requests such as to see the
hand of another caller, or if there was no river bet. See Illustration Addendum [adopted 2013].
(TDA RULE #18) 14: PLAYING THE BOARD AT SHOWDOWN
To play the board, a player must table all hole cards to get part of the pot (See Rule 13-A).
(TDA RULE #12) DECLARATIONS. CARDS SPEAK AT SHOWDOWN.
Cards speak to determine the winner.
Verbal declarations of hand value are not binding at showdown but deliberately miscalling a hand may be penalized.
Any player in the hand or not, should speak up if he thinks a mistake is being made in reading hands or awarding the pot.
(TDA RULE #54) CONDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Conditional statements of future action are non-standard and strongly discouraged.
At TDs discretion they may be binding and/or penalized. Example: “if – then” statements such as “If you bet, I will raise.”
(TDA RULE #12) DECLARATIONS. CARDS SPEAK AT SHOWDOWN.
Cards speak to determine the winner.
Verbal declarations of hand value are not binding at showdown but deliberately miscalling a hand may be penalized.
Any player in the hand or not, should speak up if he thinks a mistake is being made in reading hands or awarding the pot.
(TDA RULE #13) TABLING CARDS & KILLING WINNING HAND.
A: Proper tabling is both 1) turning all cards face up on the table and 2) allowing the dealer and players to read the hand
clearly. “All cards” means both hole cards in hold’em, all 4 hole cards in Omaha, all 7 cards in 7-stud, etc.
B: At showdown a player must protect his hand while waiting for it to be read (See also Rule 60).
If a player does not fully table his cards, then mucks thinking he has won, he does so at his risk.
If the cards are not 100% identifiable and the TD rules the hand was not clearly read, the player has no claim to the pot.
The TDs decision on whether a hand was sufficiently tabled is final.
C: Dealers cannot kill a hand that was properly tabled and obviously the winner.
(TDA RULE #60) ACCIDENTALLY KILLED / FOULED HANDS
A player must protect his hand at all times, including at showdown while waiting for the hand to be read.
If the dealer kills a hand by mistake or if in TDs judgement a hand is fouled and cannot be identified to 100% certainty, the
player has no redress and is not entitled to a refund of called bets.
If the player initiated a bet or raise and hasn’t been called, the uncalled amount will be returned to him.
If a hand is fouled but can be identified, it remains in play despite cards exposed in the process.
(TDA RULE #18) PLAYING THE BOARD AT SHOWDOWN.
A player must show all hole cards when playing the board in order
to get part of the pot.
(TDA RULE #21) DISPUTED POTS.
The right to dispute a finished hand ends when a new hand begins (see Rule 22).
If a hand finishes during a break, the right to dispute ends 1 minute after the pot is awarded.
22: New Hand & New Limits A new level will not be announced until the clock reaches zero. The new level applies to the
next hand. A hand begins on the first riffle, push of the shuffler button, or on the dealer push.
(TDA RULE #19) AWARDING ODD CHIPS.
First, odd chips will be broken into the smallest denomination in play.
A) Board games with 2 or more high or low hands: the odd chip goes to the first seat left of the button.
B) Stud, razz, and if 2 or more high or low hands in stud/8: the odd chip goes to the high card by suit in the best 5-card
hand. C) H/L split: the odd chip in the total pot goes to the high side.
D) If identical hands win both high and low (ex: 2 Omaha/8 wheels) the pot is split as evenly as possible. See Illustration
Addendum.
(TDA RULE #17) SIDE POTS.
Each side pot will be split separately.
(TDA RULE #28) RABBIT HUNTING.
Rabbit hunting or revealing cards that would have come if the hand had not ended is
not allowed.
(TDA RULE #61) DEAD HANDS IN STUD.
In stud poker, if a player picks up the upcards while facing action, the hand is
dead.
Proper mucking in stud is turning down all up cards and pushing them all forward face down.
TDA RULE #36) FOUR CARD FLOPS & PREMATURE CARDS.
If the flop has 4 rather than 3 cards, exposed or not, the floor will be called.
The dealer then scrambles the 4 cards face down, the floor randomly selects one as the next burn card and the other 3 are
the flop.
For prematurely dealt cards, see Recommended Procedure 5.
RP-5. Prematurely Dealt Cards
Board and burn cards are sometimes dealt prematurely by mistake, before action on the preceding round is finished. The
following are general procedures for dealing with these situations:
A: For a premature flop, the flop burncard is left in place as the burn. The premature flop board cards are returned to the
deck stub and reshuffled. The flop is then re-dealt (without another burn card) from the newly shuffled stub.
B: A premature turn card is put to the side. Another card is burnt, and the normal river card is used as the new turn card.
After action on the turn, the premature turn card is placed back in the stub, the stub is reshuffled and a river card is dealt
without an additional burn.
C: A premature river card is placed back into the remaining stub, and the premature river burn card is left in place as the
river burn.
Once action on the turn is completed, the stub is reshuffled and the river is dealt without a new burn card.
D: For a premature card in stud, additional cards are dealt and placed to the side along with the premature card(s) to
represent an entire round of cards for the remaining live players.
Once action on the round is complete, the next street is burned and dealt as normal.
Once the final street is reached, the premature and additional cards set to the side are placed back into the stub.
The stub is re-shuffled then the final street is dealt.
The Tournament Director should apply the following procedure for the prescribed board errors:
TOO MANY BOARD CARDS – AT LEAST ONE PLAYER HAS ACTED
Anytime a board error occurs or is noticed after any action has started, it is the right and responsibility of the Tournament Director to interpret how a rule will apply and how the hand will continue. On occasion, unusual circumstances may arise that may dictate decisions in the interest of fairness and will take priority over the technical rules.
(TDA RULE #27) CALLING FOR A CLOCK.
A clock will be approved only after reasonable time passes.
Any player in the event may request a clock. If the floor approves the request, a player has up to 50 seconds to act.
If action is not taken before time expires, there will be a 10-second count.
If the player does not act by the end of the count, the hand is dead. A tie goes to the player.
TDs may reduce the time allowed to act and take other steps to fit the game format and stop persistent delays. See also
Rules 2 and 65.
• This 'All-in' table will wait to finish its hand until all other tables remaining in the tournament
have completed that specific hand. At that point, Floor staff will attend the All-in table and
instruct them when to complete the hand.
(TDA RULE #11) NUMBER OF PLAYERS AT THE FINAL TABLE.
Final tables will have the number of players at a full table for
the event, plus one more player. (ex: 9-handed events seat 10 at the final table, 8-handed stud seats 9, 6-handed seats 7,
etc.).
No final table should seat more than 10.
This rule does not apply to heads-up events.
Red = No deal
This process eliminates pressuring.
The Poker TDA is a voluntary poker industry association founded in 2001. The TDA mission is to increase global uniformity of poker tournament rules. TDA Rules supplement the conventional rules of this house. In case of conflict with a gaming agency, the agency rules apply.
TDA Recommended Procedures are policy suggestions to reduce errors and improve event management. They also may apply to situations with too many variations to address in one universal rule. The fairest ruling in these cases may require use of multiple rules, evaluation of all circumstances, and reliance on Rule 1 as a primary guide.
The Poker TDA is a voluntary poker industry association founded in 2001. The TDA mission is to increase global uniformity of poker tournament rules. TDA Rules supplement the rules of this house. In case of conflict with a gaming agency, the agency rules apply.