RULES
House Rules are based on POKER TOURNAMENT DIRECTORS ASSN. 2022 Rules Version 1.0, Sept 2022 , https://www.pokertda.com/view-poker-tda-rules/, amended to fit NLHE in a home poker environment. See the full House Rules following League Procedures below. Here are a few points to note:
- Players should protect their hands, make their intentions clear, follow the action, act in turn, use proper terminology and gestures, defend their right to act, keep cards visible and chips correctly stacked with higher denominations visible, remain at the table with a live hand, table all cards properly when competing at showdown, speak up if they see a mistake, know and comply with the rules, practice proper etiquette, and generally contribute to an orderly event.
- Don't splash the pot. Keep your betting chips in front of you clearly visible to players and the dealer and separate from the pot. Allow the dealer to control gathering the pot. Other players may assist with raking chips, collecting cards, etc. at the dealer's discretion.
- The deal passes around with the button. Whomever is dealing is responsible for monitoring the hand including betting, pots, making change, determining winning hands, and awarding the pot. Other players may assist with raking chips, collecting cards, etc. at the dealer's discretion. Shuffling goes behind the button. The last dealer before a break should assure the next button position is set and may assist chipping up.
- Verbal bets are binding. If no verbal bet, one chip is a call. Bets should be made with chips in one motion.
- Show one, show all.
- All players in an all-in showdown must show hole cards as soon as betting is completed.
- Players may not hold or transport chips in a way that takes them out of view.
- The Tournament Director will be Chuck Wilson or his designee.
- Players must be at least 21 years of age.
- Smoking and vaping permitted only in designated areas outside at the discretion of the host.
- The Tournament Director software (TTDS) will determine initial table and seat assignments as well as suggesting reassignments to balance tables. Seat 1 is the first button and dealer. The TD reserves the right to reassign seats for tournament management or accommodations.
- Players added to a table at the small blind position must wait until the button passes their position before they may be dealt into the game.
- Late seating or moving seats: under former rules players may not be dealt in when moving to certain positions. PTDA changed that such that the only restriction is when moving between the SB and button. WPH procedure suggests when moving a player to another table, avoid placing them between the SB and button, ergo no one gets dealt out.
- If a clock is called the house uses a 60-second clock with a 10-second warning to act.
- Chips being colored up will be replaced with higher denomination chips rounded up (not raced).
- Rabbit hunting is discouraged and must not delay the next hand.
- Players may not talk on a phone while at the table. Phones should be on silent or vibrate.
- Respect the game, respect each other, respect the host. We subscribe to Armando’s Rule: Don’t be an asshole.
These House Rules were developed by amending POKER TOURNAMENT DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION 2022 Rules (Version 1.0, Sept 2022) as appropriate for the WPH Poker League. Some items were deleted (e.g., non-NLHE games, casino specific items) and a few modifications consistent with a friendly but regulated home tournament.
General Concepts
1: TD Decisions
The best interest of the game and fairness are top priorities in decision-making. Unusual circumstances occasionally dictate that common-sense decisions in the interest of fairness take priority over technical rules. When in doubt assume that all rules are “at the TD’s discretion.” TD decisions are final.
2: Player Responsibilities
Players should verify registration data and seat assignments, verify they’re dealt the correct number of cards before SA occurs, protect their hands, make their intentions clear, follow the action, act in turn with proper terminology and gestures, defend their right to act, keep cards visible and chips correctly stacked, remain at the table with a live hand, table all cards properly when competing at showdown, speak up if they see a mistake, play in a timely manner, call for a clock when warranted, transfer tables promptly, one player to a hand, know and comply with the rules, practice proper etiquette, inform the house if they see or experience discriminatory or offensive behavior, and generally contribute to an orderly event where all players feel welcome.
3: Official Terminology and Gestures
Official betting terms are simple, unmistakable, time-honored declarations like bet, raise, call, fold, check, all-in, and complete. Players must use gestures with caution when facing action; tapping the table is a check. It is the responsibility of players to make their intentions clear: using non-standard terms or gestures is at player’s risk and may result in a ruling other than what the player intended.
4: Electronic Devices and Communication
Players may not talk on a phone at the table. Ring tones, music, images, video etc. should be inaudible and non-disturbing to others. Betting apps and charts may not be used by players with live hands. These and other devices, tools, photography, videography, and communication must not create a nuisance, delay the game, or create competitive advantage.
5: English only during play please.
6: Random Correct Seating
Tournament seats will be randomly assigned by TTDS except for the TD and when accommodating special needs.
7: New Players and Players from Broken Tables
New players entering the tournament and players from broken tables can get any seat including the small or big blind or the button and be dealt in, except between the SB and button. When moving a player to another table, avoid placing them between the SB and button; that way no one gets dealt out.
8: Balancing Tables and Halting Play
Balancing tables will usually be per suggested seating via TTDS. The TD reserves the right to modify seating changes for tournament management and player accommodations. Tables will combine at 10 players.
Pots / Showdown
9: Declarations, Cards Speak at Showdown
Cards speak to determine the winner. Verbal declarations of hand value are not binding at showdown, but deliberately miscalling a hand may be penalized. Any player, in the hand or not, should speak up if they think a mistake is made in reading hands or calculating and awarding the pot.
10: Tabling Cards and Killing Winning Hand
Proper tabling is turning both hole cards face up on the table and allowing the dealer and players to read the hand clearly. At showdown players must protect their hands while waiting for cards to be read. Players who do not fully table all cards, then muck thinking they’ve won, do so at their own risk. If a hand is not 100% retrievable and identifiable and the TD rules it was not clearly read, the player has no claim to the pot. The TDs decision on whether a hand was sufficiently tabled is final.
11: Live Cards at Showdown
Discarding non-tabled cards face down does not automatically kill them; players may change their minds and table cards that remain 100% identifiable and retrievable. Cards are killed by the dealer when pushed into the muck or otherwise rendered irretrievable and unidentifiable.
12: Showdown and Discarding Irregularities
A: If a player tables one card that would make a winning hand, the dealer should advise the player to table all cards. A player who refuses is subject to penalty.
B: If a player bets then discards thinking they have won (forgetting another player is still in the hand), the dealer should hold the cards and call the TD. If cards are mucked and not retrievable and identifiable to 100% certainty, the player is out and not entitled to a refund of called bets. If cards are mucked and the player initiated a bet or raise not yet called, the uncalled amount will be returned.
13: Face Up for All-Ins
All hands will be tabled without delay once a player is all-in and all betting action by all other players in the hand is complete. No player who is either all-in or has called all betting action may muck his or her hand without tabling. All hands in both the main and side pot(s) must be tabled and are live.
14: Non All-In Showdowns and Showdown Order
A: In a non all-in showdown, if cards are not spontaneously tabled or discarded, the TD may enforce an order of show. The last aggressive player on the final betting round (final street) must table first. If there was no final round bet, the first seat left of the button must table first.
B: A non all-in showdown is uncontested if all but one player mucks face down without tabling. The last player with live cards wins and is not required to table the cards.
15: Asking to See a Hand
A: Players not still in possession of cards at showdown, or who have mucked their cards face down without tabling, lose any rights or privileges to ask to see any hand.
B: If there was a river bet, any caller has an inalienable right to have the last aggressor’s hand tabled on request (“the hand they paid to see”) provided the caller tabled or retains his or her cards. TDs discretion governs all other requests such as to see the hand of another caller, or if there was no river bet.
16: Playing the Board at Showdown
To play the board, players must table all hole cards to get part of the pot.
17: Awarding Odd Chips
Odd chips will be broken into the smallest denomination in play, any odd chip goes to the first seat left of the button.
18: Side Pots
Each side pot will be split separately.
19: Disputed Hands and Pots
The reading of a tabled hand may be disputed until the next hand begins. Accounting errors in calculating and awarding the pot may be disputed until substantial action occurs on the next hand. If a hand finishes during a break, the right to any dispute ends 1 minute after the pot is awarded.
General Procedures
20: New Hand and New Limits
A new level starts on announcement from the tournament clock. If the SB or BB are posted prior to the announcement the blinds remain at the posted amounts and the new level applies to the next hand. If a hand starts at the prior level by mistake, after substantial action occurs the hand will continue at the prior level.
21: Color Ups
A: At scheduled color-ups lowest denomination chips will be replaced by chips of higher denomination (not raced). Chips to be replaced should be stacked neatly for easy counting and fully visible. Players are encouraged to witness the replacement. Any odd chips will be replaced by a chip of the next highest denomination (i.e., rounded up).
B: The TD controls the number and denominations of chips in play and may color up one or more players at his discretion at any time.
22: Cards and Chips Kept Visible, Countable, and Manageable.
A: Players and dealers are entitled to a reasonable estimation of chip counts; thus, chips should be kept in countable stacks when feasible. The TDA recommends clean vertical stacks of 20, or 10 for smaller stacks, with the same denomination chips each. Higher denomination chips must be always visible and identifiable.
B: Players must always keep live hands in plain view.
23: Deck Changes
Deck changes will be at the discretion of the TD. Players should bring to attention any fouled decks but may not ask for deck changes.
24: Rabbit Hunting
Rabbit hunting is discouraged and must not delay the next hand.
25: Calling for a Clock
Players should act in a timely manner to maintain a reasonable pace of the game. If in TD’s judgement reasonable time has passed, he may call the clock or approve a clock request by any player in the event. Players must be at their seats to call for a clock. A player on the clock has up to 60 seconds with a 10 second warning to act. If the player faces a bet and time expires, the hand is dead; if not facing a bet, the hand is checked. Time ties go to the player.
26: At Your Seat and Live Hands
To have a live hand, players must be in reach of their chair when the last card is dealt to all players on the initial deal. If not, their cards are mucked and their posted blinds and antes forfeit to the pot. Dealers may exercise reasonable discretion for players who are near, house business, etc.
27: At the Table with Action Pending
Players with live hands (including players all-in or otherwise finished betting) must remain at the table for all betting rounds and showdown to follow the action and protect their hands.
Dealing Rules
28: Button in Heads-up
Heads-up, the small blind is the button, is dealt the last card, and acts first pre-flop and last on all other betting rounds. Starting heads-up play, the button may need to be adjusted to ensure no player has the big blind twice in a row.
29: Misdeals
A: Misdeals include but are not necessarily limited to: 1) 2 or more boxed cards on the initial deal; 2) first card dealt to the wrong seat; 3) cards dealt to a seat not entitled to a hand; 4) a seat entitled to a hand is dealt out; 5) the wrong number of cards is dealt to any player; 6) 1 of the first 2 cards dealt off the deck or any other 2 downcards are exposed by dealer error.
B: Players may be dealt 2 consecutive cards on the button.
C: In misdeals, the re-deal is an exact re-play.
D: Once substantial action occurs a misdeal cannot be declared; the hand must proceed.
E: Fouled decks. If 2 or more cards of the same suit and rank are found, the deck is fouled. If a fouled deck is discovered, regardless of SA, play will stop and all bets will be returned. Once a hand concludes, the right to dispute based on a fouled deck ends.
30: Substantial Action (SA)
Substantial Action is either A) any 2 actions in turn, at least one of which puts chips in the pot or B) any combination of 3 actions in turn. Posted blinds do not count towards SA.
31: Button with Too Few Cards
A player on the button dealt too few cards should announce it immediately. Missing button cards may be replaced even after substantial action. However, if the button acts on a hand with too few cards (by check or bet), the button’s hand is dead.
32: Burns After Substantial Action
The burn card is to protect the stub, not preserve card order. If SA occurs and a hand is killed due to the wrong number of cards, all cards of the killed hand are mucked and randomness applies to further dealing. The stub is treated as a normal stub and one and only one card is burned off the stub for each subsequent street. The burn is always one card per street, never more.
33: Irregular Flops and Premature-Dealt Cards
A: If the flop has 4 rather than 3 cards the dealer scrambles the 4 cards face down, randomly selects 1 as the next burn card and the other 3 are the flop.
B: If there was no burn on a 3-card flop, if no action has occurred the 3 cards are scrambled face down, one chosen as the burn. The flop will be the other 2 cards plus the next card off the stub. If any action (even one check) has occurred, play proceeds with the initial 3 cards.
C: For prematurely dealt flop, turn or river, return the premature board cards to the deck stub, reshuffle the entire stub then re-deal the flop, turn, or river.
D: Anytime the stub must be re-shuffled during the play of a hand the cards must be shuffled face-down and unexposed.
Play: Bets and Raises
34: Methods of Betting: Verbal and Chips
A: Bets are by verbal declaration and/or pushing out chips. If a player does both, whichever is first defines the bet. If simultaneous, a clear and reasonable verbal declaration takes precedence, otherwise the chips play. In unclear situations or where verbal and chips are contradictory, the TD will determine the bet.
B: Verbal declarations may be general (“call,” “raise”), a specific amount only (“one thousand”) or both (“raise, one thousand”).
C: For all betting rules, declaring a specific amount only is the same as silently pushing out an equal amount. Ex: Declaring “two hundred” is the same as silently pushing out 200 in chips.
35: Methods of Calling
Standard and acceptable forms of calling include: A) saying “call” or “complete”, B) pushing out chips equal to a call; C) silently pushing out one chip; or D) silently pushing out multiple chips equal to a call.
36: Methods of Raising
A raise must be made by A) saying “raise” then pushing out the full amount in one motion or B) verbally declaring the full amount prior to pushing out chips, or C) pushing out raising chips, however players are encouraged to verbally declare a raise. It is the responsibility of players to make their intentions clear.
37: Raise Amounts
A: A raise must be at least equal to the largest prior full bet or raise of the current betting round. A player who raises 50% or more of the largest prior bet but less than a minimum raise must make a full minimum raise. If less than 50% it is a call unless “raise” is first declared or the player is all-in. Declaring an amount or pushing out the same amount of chips is treated the same. Ex: opening bet is 1000, verbally declaring “Fourteen hundred” or silently pushing out 1400 in chips are both calls unless raise is first declared.
B: Without other clarifying information, declaring raise and an amount is the total bet. Ex: A opens for 2000, B declares “Raise, eight thousand.” The total bet is 8000.
38: Oversized Chip Betting
If facing a bet or blind, pushing out a single oversized chip (including your last chip) is a call if raise is not first declared. To raise with an overchip you must declare raise before the chip hits the table surface. If raise is declared but no amount is stated, the raise is the maximum allowable for the chip. If not facing a bet, pushing out an overchip silently (no declaration) is a bet of the maximum for the chip.
39: Multiple Chip Betting
A: If facing a bet, unless raise or all-in is declared first, a multiple-chip bet (including a bet of your last chips) is a call if every chip is needed to make the call; i.e., removal of just one of the smallest chips leaves less than the call amount.
B: If every chip is not needed to make the call; i.e., removing just one of the smallest chips leaves the call amount or more: 1) if the player has chips remaining, the 50% standard governs the bet. 2) A bet of a player’s last chip(s) is an all-in bet whether reaching the 50% threshold or not.
40: Prior Bet Chips Not Pulled In
A: To avoid confusion, players with prior-bet chips not yet pulled in who face a raise should verbalize their action before adding chips to the prior bet.
B: If facing a raise, clearly pulling back prior bet chip (s) binds a player to call or raise; they may not put the chip(s) back out and fold.
C: If new chip(s) are added silently and the bet is unclear to the house, the call and raise rules apply as follows: 1) If prior chips do not cover the call AND are either left alone OR fully pulled back, an overchip is a call and multiple new chips are subject to the 50% raise standard. 2) If prior chips are partly pulled back OR if prior chips cover the call, the combined final chip bet is a raise if reaching the 50% standard, if less it is a call.
41: Re-Opening the Bet.
An all-in wager (or cumulative multiple all-ins) totaling less than a full bet or raise will not reopen betting for players who have already acted and are not facing at least a full bet or raise when the action returns to them. If multiple all-ins re-open the betting, the minimum raise is always the last full valid bet or raise of the round.
42: Number of Allowable Raises
There is no cap on the number of raises.
43: Accepted Action
Poker is a game of alert, continuous observation. It is the caller’s responsibility to determine the correct amount of an opponent’s bet before calling, regardless of what is stated by others. If a caller requests a count but receives incorrect information from a dealer or player, then pushes out that amount or declares call, the caller has accepted the full correct action and is subject to the correct wager or all-in amount.
44: Acting in Turn
Players must act in turn verbally and/or by pushing out chips. Action in turn is binding and commits chips to the pot that stay in the pot.
45: Binding Declarations / Undercalls in Turn
A: General verbal declarations in turn commit a player to the full current action.
B: Pushing out less than the call amount without a verbal declaration is a call if made in turn.
C: If two or more undercalls occur in sequence, play backs up to the first undercaller who must correct their bet.
46: Incorrect Bets, Underbets and Underraises
Opening or raising less than the minimum legal amount is corrected anywhere on the current street (if on the river any time before showdown starts).
47: Action Out of Turn (OOT)
Any action out of turn (check, call, or raise) will be backed up to the correct player in order. The OOT action is binding if action to the OOT player does not change. If action changes, the OOT action is not binding; any bet or raise is returned to the OOT player who has all options: call, raise, or fold. An OOT fold is binding.
48: Pot Size
A: Players are not entitled to a pot count.
B: Declaring “I bet the pot” is not a valid bet in no-limit but it does bind the player to making a valid bet.
49: Invalid Bet Declarations
If a player faces no bet and: A) declares “call” it is a check; B) declares “raise”, the player must make at least a minimum bet. A player declaring “check” when facing a bet may call or fold, but cannot raise.
50: String Bets and Raises
String bets and raises are not allowed and subject to penalty.
51: Non-Standard and Unclear Betting
Players use unofficial betting terms and gestures at their own risk. These may be interpreted to mean other than what the player intended. If a declared bet can legally have multiple meanings, it will be ruled the highest reasonable amount that is less than or equal to the pot size before the bet. Ex: NLHE 200-400, the pot totals less than 5000, player declares “I bet five.” With no other clarifying information, the bet is 500; if the pot totals 5000 or more, the bet is 5000.
52: Non-Standard Folds
Any time before the end of the final betting round, folding in turn if there is no bet to you or folding out of turn are binding folds.
53: Conditional and Premature Declarations
A: Conditional statements of future action are non-standard and strongly discouraged. At TDs discretion they may be binding and/or penalized. Example: “if – then” statements such as “If you bet, I will raise.”
B: If Player A declares “bet” or “raise” and B calls before A’s exact bet amount is known, the TD will rule the bet as best fits the situation including possibly obliging B to call any amount.
54: Count of Opponent’s Chip Stack
Players, dealers, and the TD are entitled to a reasonable estimation of opponents’ chip stacks. A player may request a more precise count only if facing an all-in bet and it is his or her turn to act. The all-in player is not required to count; on request the dealer will count it. Accepted action applies. Visible and countable chip stacks greatly improve counting accuracy.
55: Over-Betting Expecting Change
Betting should not be used to obtain change. Pushing out more than the intended bet can confuse everyone at the table. All chips pushed out silently are at risk of being counted in the bet.
56: All-In with Chips Found Behind Later
If A bets all-in and a hidden chip is found behind after a player calls, if not part of the action A is not paid off for the chip(s) if they win. If A loses, they are not saved by the chip(s) and the chip(s) go to the winning caller.
Play: Other
57: Chips Out of View and in Transit
Players may not hold or transport chips in a way that takes them out of view.
58: Lost and Found Chips
Lost and found chips for which ownership cannot be determined will be taken out of play and returned to tournament inventory.
59: Accidentally Killed / Fouled / Exposed Hands
A: Players must always protect their hands, including at showdown while waiting for hands to be read. If the dealer kills a hand by mistake or if in TDs judgement a hand is fouled and cannot be identified to 100% certainty, the player has no redress and is not entitled to a refund of called bets. If the player initiated a bet or raise and has not been called, the uncalled amount will be returned.
B: If a hand is fouled but can be identified, it remains in play despite any cards exposed.
Etiquette and Penalties
60: No Disclosure. One Player to a Hand
Players must always protect other players in the tournament. Therefore players, whether in the hand or not, must not:
A: Discuss contents of live or mucked hands, advise or criticize play at any time, read a hand that has not been tabled.
B: One-player-to-a-hand is in effect. Among other things, this rule prohibits showing a hand to or discussing strategy with another player, advisor, or spectator.
C: Hands shown to another player must be shown to all players after the hand is over (“Show One, Show All”).
61: Exposing Cards and Proper Folding
Exposing cards with action pending, including the current player when last to act, may result in a penalty but not a dead hand. Any penalty begins at the end of the hand. When folding, cards should be pushed forward low to the table, not deliberately exposed or tossed high (“helicoptered”).
62: Ethical Play
Poker is an individual game. Soft play will result in penalties, which may include chip forfeiture and/or disqualification. Chip dumping and other forms of collusion will result in disqualification.
63: Etiquette Violations
Etiquette violations are subject to enforcement actions. Examples include but are not limited to: persistent delay of the game, unnecessarily touching another player’s person, cards, or chips, repeatedly acting out of turn, maintaining poor card or chip visibility and countability, betting out of reach of the dealer, abusive conduct, offensive hygiene, and excessive chatter.
64: Warnings, Penalties, and Disqualification
A: Enforcement options include but are not limited to verbal warnings, one or more “missed hand” or “missed round” penalties, and disqualification. For missed rounds, the offender will miss one hand for every player (including him or her) at the table when the penalty is given multiplied by the number of penalty rounds. Repeat infractions are subject to escalating penalties. Players away from the table or on penalty may be anted or blinded out of a tournament.
B: A penalty may be invoked for etiquette violations, card exposure with action pending, throwing cards, violating one-player-to-a-hand, or similar incidents. Penalties will be given for soft play, abuse, disruptive behavior, or cheating. Checking the exclusive nuts when last to act on the river is not an automatic soft play violation; TD’s discretion applies based on the situation, but in any case is strongly discouraged.
C: Players on penalty must be away from the table. Cards are dealt to their seats, their blinds and antes posted, and their hands are killed after the initial deal.
D: Chips of a disqualified player shall be removed from play.