RULES

For No-Limit Texas holdem, players are dealt two face-down cards. Afterwards, each player gets a chance to exercise his betting options. Next, three cards are dealt simultaneously on the table for all players to share. This is called the flop, and it is followed by another round of betting. A fourth card, called the turn, is then dealt, and it too is followed by a round of betting.

One final community card called the river is dealt followed by a final round of betting.

When all bets have concluded, there is a showdown, in which the highest ranking hand in play wins the pot.

We try and play as close to WSOP Tournament Rules as possible, but Tournament Directors

have the final say regarding any rule or behavior issue that arises during games.

http://www.wsop.com/2022/2023-WSOP-Tournament-Rules.pdf

The integrity of the game is paramount. All participants must adhere to the spirit and rules that forbid play or any action that is illegal, unethical or constitutes cheating or collusion in any form.

All participants are entitled to expect civility and courtesy from one another at every table. Any individual who encounters behavior that is not civil or courteous – or is abusive in any way – is encouraged to immediately contact the Tournament Director.

Participants who violate this rule are subject to penalty of suspension.

MISDEALS

In the case of a misdeal, the deal will be adjusted so that the correct players receive the cards that they are entitled to in the hand.

If play has already started and more than one player has acted on their hand, the deal stands as is and should be played through.

If substantial action occurs, a misdeal cannot be declared and the hand must proceed.

The following situations are considered misdeals:

Exposed cards on the first or second deal by the fault of the dealer, or if the dealer exposes two or more cards at any point in the deal.
In the opening hand of a game, if more than two extra cards are dealt
When more than two cards are incorrectly faced (boxed) in the deck.
When an active player is dealt out or an empty seat at the table is dealt in.
Cards are dealt out of sequence or the first deal begins with the wrong player, including in the case of the button being out of position.
If a player is dealt the incorrect number of cards, unless it can be corrected without a change in card sequence.

DEAD HANDS

Cards will always be considered dead if they are marked or damaged in some way. This is done to prevent any cheating or collusion between players.

If a player chooses to muck their cards, the hand is automatically declared dead. The exception to this rule is if a player chose to muck their hand following incorrect information, and the hand is identifiable without question in the pile. This is a discretionary rule, decided by the Tournament Director.

Once a player declares a fold, the hand is automatically dead.
If a player throws down their hand in a manner that leads others to believe they have folded, and another player moves along with the action.
If cards are thrown into another player's hand, they are ruled dead, in any case.
If a player's hand contains an incorrect number of cards, it will be considered dead.

IRREGULARITIES

In the game of poker, situations occasionally arise that require players to make exceptions to the normal rules. These irregularities are often rarely seen, but players should make themselves aware of the actions and reactions necessary, as they clearly can affect the outcome of the game.

Protecting your own hand is one of the most important things a player must do. Players may use their hands, chips, or another object on top of their cards to protect them. Those who do not protect their hand have no recourse if there is an issue.
If a card with a back of a varying color from the rest of the deck appears during a deal, the hand is dead, and chips will be refunded to the correct bettors. If the card is found in the deck stub, play will continue and that card will be removed.
When it is discovered that there are two cards in the deck of the same rank and suit, everything is declared dead and players' funds are returned to them.
Any player who is found to have had previous knowledge that there is a problem with a deck and does not share this information with the table will lose their right to a refund, and their bets will stay in the pot for the next legal deal. If this happens, new players cannot be added to the hand to take advantage of the monies that were carried over.
If a player chooses to play without looking at their hand, they are subject to having their hand declared dead. If they discover the erroneous card before action, it can be replaced. Otherwise their hand is declared dead.
Playing with a deck that is missing one or more cards will make no difference in the results of the hand.
If a dealer inadvertently deals an additional card prior to any action taking place, that card will be placed at the top of the stack and will be used as the burn card for the next round of dealing.
Exposed cards are dealt with on a situational basis. When a card is exposed by the fault of the dealer, the rules of the game apply, and the player does not get a say in keeping or rejecting the card. Any card shown to one or more other players by the dealer is considered an exposed card, as is any card that is dealt off the table. However, if a card is unintentionally exposed by the player, they must still be played.
A card is to be burned at the beginning of every deal. If a dealer fails to do so, or burns more than a single card, the cards should be restored to the proper players if the error is found before there is any betting for the round. If betting has begun, the cards stand as dealt. If a player is all-in and there was no betting in a final round where two cards are burned, the pot should not be awarded until the cards are restored to the proper players.
When the dealer deals the cards before betting is complete on a round, those cards will be considered dead, no matter the actions of the players.
Should the dealer foul the deck by dropping it, thinking the deal is over, the hand must be completed and the deck restored as best as is possible.

BETTING AND RAISING

Verbally stating that you are going to take a specific action, such as a bet, raise, call, or fold is binding. Once you have declared out loud that you are planning to make a move, you are held to that action. Additionally, if you knock on the table, this is considered a pass.
A player who intentionally acts out of turn will be penalized. When a player decides to check when it is not their turn in the action, they are held to the check and will not be allowed to call or raise when their actual turn comes into play. Any stated action which is out of turn will be considered binding if no subsequent players choose to act within their allowed turns.
Players are not allowed to string raise. Once you have made a decision on how to act, you must place all of those chips or make a declaration of your action before placing the chips into the pot. If you place more into the pot, you have committed to an additional full bet and are required to complete the action.
When a player adds a chip to the pot that is higher than the bet for that round, they must announce that they are raising, or their bet will be considered a call.

SHOWDOWN

In order to have won in showdown, two cards must be shown by the player, whether or not they are used to make up the winning hand. Take the word of the cards, not the word of the player. The cards speak for themselves. If there is any question about the validity of a winning hand, the dealer will make the call.
Players may not reveal their hand to any player at the table. Whether intentionally or by fault of the dealer, if a card is shown to one player that belongs to another player, all at the table must be given the same courtesy and allowed to see the card. As this information may affect the wagering of the player who has been given additional information, unfair advantages can affect the outcome of the deal. If this should happen during the deal, everyone should see the cards immediately. If the player who has been shown the cards is inactive in the hand, the cards should be shown once the hand is complete, as this can affect future hands within the game.
When players go all-in or check on the final round, the first to act is the first to present their hand. When wagering takes place in the final round, the last player to bet or raise will be the first to show their cards. When a player holds a hand that is likely the winner, they should show that hand immediately to speed play. When a side pot is involved, those playing in that pot should show their cards before those who are only involved in the main pot.

POKER HAND RANKINGS FROM HIGHEST TO LOWEST

1. Royal flush
A, K, Q, J, 10, all the same suit.

2. Straight flush
Five cards in a sequence, all in the same suit.

3. Four of a kind
All four cards of the same rank.

4. Full house
Three of a kind with a pair.

5. Flush
Any five cards of the same suit, but not in a sequence.

6. Straight
Five cards in a sequence, but not of the same suit.

7. Three of a kind
Three cards of the same rank.

8. Two pair
Two different pairs.

9. Pair
Two cards of the same rank.

10. High Card
When you haven't made any of the hands above, the highest card plays.