As poker has become more of an international game over the past decade there has been a growing interest in creating a set of rules that can be used worldwide to avoid disputes. Spearheaded by Marcel Luske of the Netherlands the International Poker Federation (FIDPA) has compiled a set of 81 poker rules that can be found on their website. They are free to download and will help to avoid the majority of disputes that can occur at casinos or in poker tournaments.

There are many different variations of poker and some will have a larger following than others, but despite the differences there are still some unwritten poker rules that must be followed in order to ensure a fair and ethical game for all players. Knowing the do’s and don’ts of these rules will help to improve your poker experience as well as the atmosphere at your table for everyone else.

Poker is a game of chance as much as it is a game of skill and therefore luck will always play a factor in the outcome of any hand. However, players who approach the game with sound strategy will have a greater chance of winning more frequently than those who do not.

As part of the poker etiquette it is important for all players to protect their cards and this can be done by placing chips or another object on top of them. This is essential to prevent someone else from seeing your cards and potentially mucking them before the showdown.