Poker is a game of chance, but it also requires a certain degree of skill and psychology. It is very important to understand the rules of the game and follow them in order to make your games as fair as possible. However, sometimes the unwritten rules of poker can lead to some serious problems for both the players and the dealers.

For example, it is a common practice to use different colors of chips to represent various denominations. This allows security systems to monitor the action at the table more effectively, as it is easier to distinguish between different chip stacks. Moreover, it helps with the identification of a player’s location.

In addition, some games require players to “cut” (take) one low-denomination chip from the pot when a player raises. These chips go into a special fund known as the kitty and are used to pay for new decks of cards or food and drinks when the game is over. When a player leaves the game before it is over, they are not entitled to take their share of chips from the kitty.

Some casinos allow players to buy their own chips directly from the dealer, in order to speed up the game. This is an efficient method for a casino and can help reduce the amount of money they rake, but many players feel that it slows down play and increases confusion. In order to combat this issue, some casinos employ chip runners who handle these transactions and bring the chips to the tables for them.