The professional Tournament Directors Association, or TDA, manages the rules for poker tournaments and other cardroom events. Founded in 2001 by four professional poker players, the TDA now has over 2,500 members worldwide. Its members include the managers of large live poker rooms and circuits as well as the directors of independent poker tournaments. One of its members is WSOP Tournament Director Jack Effel, who has helped shape the rules for poker for decades.

The basic rules of the game are simple. A player has limited time to decide whether to check or fold. If the player cannot decide within that time, he is automatically assumed to fold. A timer is used to speed up the process. At showdown, players must reveal their hands. The player with the best poker hand wins the pot. If there are ties, the pot may be split among the winners.

The game rules for online poker are similar to those for live games. The only difference is that a new player cannot change their seat after the game has begun. When play begins, a director will assign a starting stack of chips to each paid entrant. If a player is absent, the director will deal in another person. A player’s chips for the blinds and antes are then placed in the pot.

A player should never act out of turn while playing poker. This is considered unethical and can hurt the game. A player should be attentive and not make fun of another player for his mistakes.