The game of poker is a game of skill, with players aiming to minimize their losses with poor hands and maximize their winnings with good ones. Among other things, the game requires knowledge of probability and mathematics to be played successfully. In addition, the game requires a high degree of concentration and attention to detail.
When a player makes a bet, they must place the appropriate amount of chips into the pot. In some games, players may be required to put an initial contribution into the pot (as an ante) before the cards are dealt. In other games, players may choose to “check” or pass when it is not their turn to bet. In such a case, they forfeit the right to raise when it is their turn to act.
During a betting interval, a player may only increase their bet by an equal amount when it is their turn to bet. However, in some cases, a player may raise their bet after the first player has raised. This is known as capping.
A player must protect their cards, and may only reveal the cards to others by placing a chip or another object on top of them. This is done to prevent cheating.
The following rules were selected and worded by Robert Ciaffone, who is a prominent cardroom rules consultant and the author of this rulebook. The rules are free to copy, but may not be sold for profit, and they must not be modified or reprinted without written permission from the author.
