Rules (amended 2022) Major changes in red

Dress standards at every venue vary. Players are guests of the venue and it is the players’ responsibility to be aware of the dress standards. Generally hoodies with hoods up, beanies, caps and the like will be permitted while seated at the playing table only however, these may not be permitted at all. Observe and respect the venue.

The game will commence with one player shuffling the cards and spreading them across the table. Each player will select a card (other than the two end ones) and the highest card is the dealer. If more than one player has the same high card, then those players select again and will continue to do so until there is one clear winner.

The deck of cards must be cut by the dealer and must be more than five cards on the top and bottom pile.

Chips placed across the line on the table are committed. Cards placed across the line on the table are mucked. Cards left across the line may be swept and mucked.

If a player shows another player their cards or reveals the true content of their hand, when both are active in the same hand, then that player may face penalty.

If a player shows another player their hand after they have folded, the hand must be shown to all other players on their request.

The first increase (or raise) in betting pre flop must be at least double the big blind or any amount more than double.

The minimum bet for any round post flop must equal the “big Blind” wager.

Any re-raise(s) must be at least double the immediate preceding raise.

If a card is upturned whilst being dealt, then that card is shown to all players then takes the place of the card that is normally burned before “the flop”. The next card in the deck is then dealt to the next player and the player whose card was upturned receives the last one dealt. During the first round of dealing, if the Dealer exposes the card that would have been due to the dealer, then that card becomes the burn card as normal, however the next card is dealt to the dealer rather than the small blind. This ensures the dealer does not receive 2 cards in a row.

In the case of an error by the dealer, the dealer must first try to reconstruct the hand. If they can't then the cards are re shuffled and re-dealt. The game cannot be folded due to a misdeal if substantial action has taken place.

If a number of players are eliminated in a hand, then the game is reconstructed so whoever’s turn it was to place the “big Blind” must still place it. The “small blind” may miss out and (depending on who or how many were eliminated) the previous dealer may have to deal again. The “Big Blind” must be placed by someone as that constitutes the minimum bet for that round. Each player must take their turn at playing the big blind.

All minimums and raise limits are set for each round. In the event that a player is required to go all in on a blind, this will not change the limits for the round.

When balancing tables players must be placed in a similar position or in a position no less favourable at the new table.

Where a pot is split between one or more players and the bet doesn't allow an even distribution then the odd chip will go to the person who bet first (left of the dealer). If three are involved and there are two chips over then they go to the first two after the dealer.

A player does not have to show their hand unless they are ‘called' to do so or to prove that they have the winning hand if more than one player is left in the final action. Normal all-in situations apply.

In an all-in situation, all hands will be turned face up when all betting action is complete. Those hands are “live” and cannot be mucked.

When chip denominations are no longer required, they may be chipped up.

Late registrations will be at the Tournament Director’s discretion only.

If a card is flipped over (flop, turn or river) before the last person has had an opportunity to place a bet, then that card and the burn card are placed back in the deck, re-shuffled and re-dealt. Same thing applies if a card is dealt before a player has the opportunity to bet.

Action out of turn. If a player bets out of turn, the player will be warned but is not compelled to follow this when their turn is officially available. Chips placed in for the bet must stay in the middle until action is at the out of turn player. If a player before raises the bet and the out of turn player now has changed their mind and doesn't want to bet - then the player must forfeit the chips bet.

Any player who bets out of turn can only minimum raise when that player’s turn becomes available. That player may receive a warning.

Failure to stop the play prior to substantial action occurring may result in the missed player losing the right to act.

Substantial action is deemed to be two or more players acting on their hands.

A player cannot touch another's chips unless placing "Blind" bets in that player's absence.

If a player turns their cards over when going “all in” prior to betting action being complete, then the cards must remain face up for the rest of the hand.

A player must be seated at the table when the first card is dealt. If not seated in time, that player’s hand will be mucked immediately.

To win any part of a contested pot, the player must table both of their cards face up.

“Rabbit Hunting” (revealing subsequent cards in the deck when the hand is over) is strictly prohibited.

Do not “splash” the pot with chips. Chips are to be placed across the line in a neat stack.

Mucked cards are to be pushed in a gentle forward motion toward the dealer or muck pile. They are not to touch the community or another player’s cards.

· One Chip Rule

If not facing a bet or blind and a player puts out a single chip (even a higher valued one) into a pot without announcing the size of the bet, the bet will be the maximum allowable for that chip.

If facing a bet or blind and a player puts out a single chip (even a higher valued one) into a pot without announcing the size of the bet after a bet, it is considered a call.

· Multiple Chip Rule

Where multiple chips are placed across the line, without announcing, and those chips equal or exceed 50% of a raise, then that action constitutes a raise or minimum raise and the raise must be fully completed.

· Penalties

Players are expected to maintain a high standard of behaviour while participating. In the case of bad language, intoxication, inconsideration or disrespect toward others, general abuse, failure to heed Tournament Directors instructions/decisions and the like, players may face a penalty. Penalties may be a period of time or orbits where the player must sit out.

Tournament Directors have the discretion to eliminate any player from an event where the issue of penalties is not in the best interests of the event.

·                     Tournament Directors will have the final say on any disputes.

POKER ETIQUETTE.

·                Ensure that your cards and chips are always behind the line – otherwise they will be considered a fold for the cards or a bet with the chips.

·                Make sure that you do not bet out of turn.

·                When watching a game that you are not involved in or playing at a table when not involved in the hand, please refrain from commenting on the game whilst in progress – such as pointing out a potential flush or straight etc

·                String betting or placing part of a bet then increasing it is not allowed. All bets must be placed in one movement. You also cannot place a number of chips on the table and (even though your fingers haven't released form the chips) only leave some of the chips behind.

·                Ensure that the game is played at a reasonable speed without intentionally slowing it down.

·                Once a hand is folded you cannot pick them up again to look at.

·                You must at all times show your chips and cards (if still playing the hand) and not cover them, especially with your arms folded around them.

·                “Dirty Stacking” is not permitted – all chips must be at all times stacked by colour with the greater value chips to the front and no stacks concealed.

·                Any player who sees an error being made or about to be made has an obligation to advise the dealer.

·                When raising a bet or going “all in” please declare this in a clear and audible voice.

·               When it is time to “chip up”, all players are to stack their chips to be exchanged.

·        Accept Bad Beats graciously, they are part of the game.