Whether played for pennies or thousands of dollars, poker is an immensely popular game. Despite the belief that poker is a pure game of luck, it actually requires immense skill as well. While there are many different variations of the game, there are certain rules that all players must follow in order to maintain fair play and respect for others at the table.

Verbally declaring your intention to take a certain action, such as calling, raising, or folding is binding. Once you have made your decision, you are bound by it until the hand is complete. If you are unsure about what you want to do, it is best to ask your opponents before raising or calling.

While it may not be as important in no-limit games, you should always try to keep your chips visible and countable at all times. This will help everyone at the table, including the dealer, to have a more accurate pot count.

Players, dealers, and the floor are entitled to a reasonable estimation of their opponent’s chip stacks (Rule 25). When facing an all-in bet, you must request a more precise count before acting if you have a chance to act before your opponents do.