Poker is a card game that involves an element of skill. It has many variants and players compete to win a sum of money (called the pot) by betting on the likelihood that they have a winning hand. It is a card game that can be played at home, in casinos or at professional tournaments. The game has become a worldwide phenomenon and is played by millions of people.

Like most sports and games, poker has rules that must be followed. But it can be a challenge to keep up with all of the different rules that are out there and to know which ones apply in any given situation. This article will take a look at official poker rules that must be followed to ensure a fair and equitable game for all players.

The rules of poker are set by the professional Tournament Directors Association (also known as the Poker TDA). This organization sets standards for tournament directors and other professionals who run live and online poker events. Their goal is to avoid disputes over poker rules and create a universally accepted set of rules.

A good understanding of the rules of poker can help players to improve their game and maintain a positive atmosphere at the table for everyone. It’s also important to be aware of the unwritten poker rules that must be observed. This includes things like angle shooting, which is when a player makes an unethical move to take advantage of other players or a specific situation at the table.