In the poker world, there is a growing interest in creating a set of international rules that would apply to all poker games and tournaments. Currently, different poker venues use their own rules and varying rules can cause confusion and disagreements. Spearheaded by famed poker professional Marcel Luske, the International Poker Federation (FIDPA) has developed a set of 81 rules that, if adopted worldwide, will avoid most disputes. These rules can be found on the FIDPA website and are free to download.
Almost all poker is played using the standard 52-card pack with a joker or two, but some players use specialized chip sets to speed up dealing. Typically, chips are of a specific color or value and each player buys in for the same amount, which is usually equal to the minimum ante. The dealer will then deal each player one card at a time. The cards are then exposed, and a winning hand is determined.
If you play poker regularly, then you have probably witnessed some of the many ways that a player might try to cheat other players. While some of these methods are not necessarily considered cheating by official poker rules, they are poor etiquette and should be avoided. For instance, crying after a bad beat is not only annoying for other players but it also gives away that you’re on tilt and will make you play suboptimally going forward.
If you notice a violation of official poker rules, the onus is on you to speak up and inform the floor, who will then come over and make a final judgment. This is especially important if you’re dealing, as dealers often don’t catch infractions because they’re busy with all the other hands.