When a game of poker is considered official, there are certain rules that must be followed. These rules include the use of poker chips, which have different colors to indicate their value. This is done in order to keep consistency across venues and to make it easier for security systems to monitor the action at the tables. In addition, all players must ante before cards are dealt.

In the case of a conflict, the rules that are agreed to by all players and that are recorded in writing serve as the final authority on questions of fact or law. Players may also create house rules to suit their individual preferences, but these should be made known in advance.

One of the most important aspects of official poker is that any player who verbally states their intention to take an action, such as a bet, raise, or call, must be held to that action. Similarly, the actions of other players must be taken in the proper turn. If a player raises out of turn, this is against the rules and will result in a penalty for the offender.

Most poker tournaments follow a set of standard rules, which are managed by the Professional Poker Tournament Directors Association (Poker TDA). The organization was founded in 2001 by Matt Savage, Linda Johnson, Jan Fisher, and David Lamb to improve the playing experience for players around the world. The organization has grown to include managers of major live and online casinos, cardrooms, circuits, and leagues.