A poker tournament is a competition that uses a set of official poker rules. The rules are managed by the professional Tournament Directors Association (PDA). The TDA was founded in 2001 by poker players David Lamb, Linda Johnson, and Matt Savage. It currently has more than 2,500 members in 63 countries. Its members include managers of large live poker rooms and circuits, as well as independent tournaments and individuals. Many renowned poker professionals have served as TDA members, including WSOP Tournament Director Jack Effel.
While many of the unwritten rules of poker are optional, others are required for players to have the best experience possible. Following these rules will improve the atmosphere around the table and increase your chances of winning. You should also avoid certain behaviors such as angle shooting, which is considered unethical. Angle shooting can take on many forms, but is generally considered a form of cheating.
When playing poker, make sure to treat new players with respect. While it’s easy to get frustrated and angry with a new player, it’s important to be patient and understanding. A new player will make mistakes and act out of turn, and may even show their cards when it’s not appropriate. Although they aren’t doing anything intentionally, they will likely not return if they feel they’ve been treated unfairly.
It’s important to treat your opponents with respect and courtesy. Remember that you will spend hours with them. Being nice to them will pay off. Not only will it make it easier to get along with them, but it’ll also help you extract monetary value from your interactions.