A game of chance or skill, poker is a card game that has been played since the sixteenth century. It is the most popular card game in the world. It can be played socially for pennies or matchsticks, in the privacy of a home, or professionally at prestigious casinos. It requires alert, continuous observation and counting skills. A player’s right to a reasonable estimation of his opponent’s chips is guaranteed (Rule 25). Visible and countable chip stacks greatly improve counting accuracy.

Players must verbally declare their intention to act, either verbally or by pushing out chips. Any action verbally declared is binding, and a player committing to that action is required to complete it (Rule 37). A “call” means calling the amount of a bet made by an opponent. A “raise” means raising the bet by at least the amount of the previous bet. A “fold” means dropping a hand.

The table stakes limit is the maximum amount a player can wager during a hand. A player cannot buy more chips until a hand has concluded. Buying chips before a hand begins is permitted, but the total of all bets placed at that time must not exceed the limit.

The floorperson and/or supervisor are qualified to make rulings. Attempting to circumvent these rules will result in a disciplinary hearing. Examples of etiquette violations include unnecessarily touching another person’s cards or chips, repeatedly acting out of turn, poor card or chip visibility and countability, improper hygiene, offensive conduct, and excessive chatter.