Whether you’re a professional or just someone who wants to play poker, there are a few rules that you must follow. These rules are in place to ensure that you have an enjoyable time, as well as keep you from committing any major infractions.
Basic rules
Despite all the hype around poker, it is still a game of skill and luck. The best part is, you don’t have to be a millionaire to win. Some of the best games can be played for as little as a few bucks. You can even take your game to the next level by forming a poker buddy!
While it’s true that you can play poker at your local bar or in your living room, playing in a formal setting brings its own set of challenges. For instance, the rules can be a little confusing.
Suits
Whether you’re playing poker at home or at a casino, the suit of your card is important. In most games, suits are not used as tiebreakers, but in certain variants, they can be. For instance, in the popular game of whist, a player playing on a card of a different suit wins if they’re trump. However, the suit is never used to determine the winner of a poker pot.
Keeping high-denomination chips visible to other players and the dealer
Keeping high-denomination chips visible to other players and the dealer is no small feat. While you are at it, you might as well keep them countable. For the best possible outcome, organize them in vertical stacks of 20 of each denomination. The best way to do this is to use a tablecloth to prevent chip slosh.
There are no guarantees that you’ll win the pot, but keeping high-denomination chips in view will make your opponents think you have something to hide. If you’re lucky, they’ll be surprised by your bets.
Major infractions
Whether you are playing in a live game or a tournament, there are rules to follow to ensure the game is fair. If you violate the official poker rules, you could face penalties that include disqualification or chip forfeiture. You should learn the rules for your region before playing.
Major infractions include cheating, etiquette violations, gambling, threatening other players, and splashing chips into the pot. These types of violations can result in disqualification, chip forfeiture, or even blinding another player.