There are a number of important things that poker players must be aware of in order to play official poker. These include knowing the rules of the game and what kinds of actions will be considered soft play. Some examples of soft play are touching another player’s cards, hands or chips, acting out of turn, maintaining poor card and chip visibility and countability, excessive chatter and foul language, and abusive conduct.

The game is played on a table with one player per hand. Each player must act in turn verbally and by pushing out chips. Action in turn is binding and commits chips to the pot that stay there. The only exception to this rule is when a player wishes to fold a hand. It is illegal to reveal a folded hand before the betting is complete or to discuss strategy with another player, advisor or spectator. It is also against the rules to touch or handle other player’s cards, hands or chips, to look through the discards or deck stub, or to play a hand with more than one card exposed from your side of the table in stud games.

Only official betting terms are allowed: simple, unmistakable, time-honored declarations like bet, raise, call, check and all-in (pot-limit only). Regional terms or gestures are used at the player’s risk, as they may be interpreted to mean something other than what is intended. Incorrect or unclear counting information will be ruled the highest reasonable amount that is less than or equal to the pot size* before the bet.