Poker is a game in which individuals compete against one another for an amount of money or chips contributed by each player (called the pot). Individuals act independently and attempt to control the size of their own share of the pot based on their prediction of what their opponents will do.

In tournament play, players must remain at their tables during betting rounds and showdown to protect their hands and follow the action. Leaving the table without protection or without following the action is incompatible with protecting your hand and is subject to penalty.

Bets are declared by verbal declaration or by pushing out chips. If a player does both, the clearest and most reasonable verbal declaration takes precedence. If a dispute exists, the TD will determine the bet based on Rule 1 and the circumstances.

Unofficial betting terms and gestures are at the player’s own risk and may be interpreted differently by different people. If a bet cannot be clearly defined, it will be ruled the highest reasonable amount that is less than or equal to the pot size* before the bet.

Players, dealers, and the floor are entitled to a reasonable estimation of opponent’s chip counts. Visible and countable stacks of clean, same-denomination chips greatly improve counting accuracy. TDs will announce a chip color up when it is necessary or appropriate.