General Concepts in Poker Etiquette Easy + Complete

Floor Decisions

• The best interest of the game and fairness are top priorities in decision-making.
• Unusual circumstances may dictate common-sense decisions in the interest of fairness, overriding technical rules.
• Floor decisions are final.

Player Responsibilities

• Verify registration data and seat assignments.
• Verify the correct number of cards before the small and big blind cards are dealt (SA occurs).
• Protect hands and make intentions clear.
• Follow the action and act in turn with proper terminology and gestures.
• Defend the right to act and keep cards visible and chips correctly stacked.
• Remain at the table with a live hand.
• Table all cards properly when competing at showdown.
• Speak up if a mistake is seen.
• Play in a timely manner and call for a clock when warranted.
• Transfer tables promptly and follow one player to a hand.
• Know and comply with the rules and practice proper etiquette.
• Inform the house if discriminatory or offensive behavior is seen or experienced.

Official Terminology and Gestures

• Use official betting terms like bet, raise, call, fold, check, all-in, complete, and pot (pot-limit only).
• Use gestures with caution when facing action; tapping the table is a check.
• Make intentions clear, as using non-standard terms or gestures is at player's risk.

Player Identity

• Clothing or accoutrements must not continuously obscure player identity or become a distraction to the game.

Electronic Devices and Communication

• Do not talk on a phone at the table.
• Ensure ring tones, music, images, and videos are inaudible and non-disturbing to others.
• Do not use betting apps and charts with live hands.
• Electronic devices, tools, photography, videography, and communication must not create a nuisance or delay the game.

Official Language

• The house will clearly post and announce acceptable language(s) at the table.

Seating, Breaking and Balancing Tables

Random Correct Seating

• Tournament and satellite seats will be randomly assigned.

Alternates, Late Registration, and Re-Entries

• Alternates, players registering late, and re-entries will be sold full stacks.
• They will randomly draw a seat and table by the same process and from the same seat pool then in place for new players.

Special Needs Accommodations

• Accommodations will be made for players with special needs when possible.

New Players and Players from Broken Tables

• New players entering the tournament and players from broken tables can get any seat, including the small or big blind or the button, and be dealt in except between the small blind and button.

Balancing Tables and Halting Play

• To balance in flop and mixed-games, the player to be big blind next moves to the worst position, including single big blind if available.
• Worst position is never the small blind.
• In stud-only, players move by position (last seat open at the short table is the seat filled).