Official poker is a game of cards, played with five community cards and two hole cards. Each player’s goal is to make the best five-card hand possible.
The cards are dealt clockwise around the table, one at a time. There are a variety of different betting rounds, which can vary widely depending on the type of game being played.
A round of betting begins with one or more players making a forced bet (the blind or ante). Each player must then either match the previous bet or fold, losing their original bet and all further involvement in the hand.
Bets may be declared by verbal declaration or by pushing out chips. If both, a clear and reasonable verbal declaration takes precedence.
In unclear situations or where verbal and chips are contradictory, the TD will determine the bet based on the circumstances.
Reshuffling During a Hand
To preserve game integrity, any time the stub must be re-shuffled, it should be done face-down and unexposed. This includes premature cards (Rule 39), disordered stubs, extra draw or stud cards, etc.
Players are allowed to play their hands on a clock (Rule 30). A player on the clock has up to 25 seconds plus a 5 second countdown to act, and if the time expires without a bet being made, the hand is dead.
Players must not use unofficial betting terms or gestures unless they meet the test of being clear and unmistakable, time-honored, and standardized by the House. Such terms and gestures are at the player’s risk and may result in a ruling that is not intended by the player.