There are three key areas of Rules that govern our Club Night games:
• The first area covers the type of games we play
On a Club Night we play low stake "Texas Holdem" Tournaments. There are deductions made from these games which ultimately create ourJackpot Funds. There are points awarded for your finishing position within these games.
We normally play a 15 + 5 or 20 + 5 Freezeout followed by a 10 + 5 Rebuy Tournament. However, this has always been flexible (and will continue to be) according to the Venue & Players attending. In the Rebuy game we know offer Double Rebuys in the 1st hour for 15.
There are a few Rules that remain constant in these games.
The first game always includes a 5 Club Fee (hence the + 5). This is for all intensive purposes the revenue for the Tournament Director & the Dealers involved. The remainder creates a pot on the night (ie the 15 or 20) however, from this pot is deducted 3 euros which is distributed evenly to the 3 Jackpot Funds, ie 1 euro to each pot.
Playing in this game attracts 2 points per player, so a 10 player game gives 20 points to the Winner, 2 to the first one out & 2 more for each better position achieved.
The second game always includes a 2.50 Club Fee PLUS 10% is deducted from any Rebuys &/or Add Ons. This is in line with all clubs that run this type of game.
We still charge the + 5 but this (more or less) covers the initial 2.50 & the 3 euro jackpot money. Again this is, for all intense and purposes, revenue for the Tournament Director & the Dealers involved. The remainder creates a pot on the night (ie the 10 + the rebuys &/or add on's less 10%) however, from this pot 3 euros is deducted, which is distributed evenly to the 3 Jackpot Funds, ie 1 euro to each pot.
Playing in this game attracts 2 points per player, so a 10 player game gives 20 points to the Winner, 2 to the first one out & 2 more for each better position achieved.
• The second area of Rules covers the Structure of the 3 Regular Tournaments we play (the Monthly, the Quarterly & the Annual) and how players can qualify for them.
The Monthly & the Quarterly “Top of the Flops” Leagues
It is intended that these Tournaments are played in various Venues to reward the support from Venues hosting our Club Nights. They will be played on the first suitable night in the week following the end of the month or quarter. Please check the Upcoming Events page for information where the next League game is Scheduled.
Tournament Registration opens @ 7.30pm.
The Entry Fee is 20 + 5 & the Tournament is a Freeze Out format.
It is possible to Register by Text or Phone Call on the night prior to the Start Time (8.00pm)
It is also possible to indicate if you want extra Chips in advance. If you arrive, having pre registered and HAVE NOT indicated you want extra Chips they will not be available once the Tournament has started but you will have your “Chips for Points” allowance.
The Tournament begins SHARP @ 8.00pm
The Blinds will start @ 25 / 50 & the Blind Periods are 15 Minutes.
There will be a 5 minute Break Every Hour as there is NO SMOKING at the Table.
You will receive 5,000 Chips for your Entry Fee PLUS 50 Chips Per Point Attained in the Monthly or Quarterly League.
It is also possible to take extra Chips upto ¾ of the Chip Leaders Stack.
These are available at the rate of 5 euros for 1,000 Chips.
At the Re Start, after the first break, any (pre registered) players that have not yet arrived will have their Chips removed from the game.
The Blind Levels will be Capped at a Level to be decided and based on the Small & Big Blind totaling not more than 10% of the total Chips in Play.
Playing in these games attracts 2 points per player, so a 20 player game gives 40 points to the Winner, 2 to the first one out & 2 more for each better position achieved.
It therefore follows that playing in these games give a great boost to your ongoing Points for the future Monthly, Quarterly & Annual Tournament Leagues.
There of course is a 3 euro per player deduction from the pot which is distributed to the ongoing League Jackpots.
Players that have Qualified for the Tournaments are High Lighted Blue in the first column on the current League Tables that is displayed on a Club Night.
To play in the Monthly Tournament it is necessary to have played just 3 Club Night Games in the Month. To play in the Quarterly Tournament it is necessary to have played just 9 Club Night Games in the Quarter. However, when a Player has not Qualified by playing the minimum number of games it WAS possible to enter providing they pay for the missing games, this is NO LONGER the case.
So please ensure that if you want to play in these Tournaments you must meet the Criteria of 3 for the Monthly & 9 for the Quarterly.
The Annual “Top of the Flops” Trophy League
It is intended that this Tournament will take place around the middle of December 2010 probably Saturday the 11 th @ 7pm.
Tournament Registration opens @ 6.00pm.
The Entry Fee is 25 euros & the Tournament is a Freeze Out format.
It is possible to Register by Text or Phone Call on the night prior to the Start Time (7.00pm)
It is also possible to indicate if you want extra Chips in advance. If you arrive, having pre registered and HAVE NOT indicated you want extra Chips they will not be available once the Tournament has started but you will have your “Chips for Points” allowance.
The Tournament begins SHARP @ 7.00pm
The Blind will start @ 25 / 50
The Blind Periods are 15 Minutes.
There will be a 10 minute Break Every Hour as there is NO SMOKING at the Table.
You will receive 5,000 Chips for your Entry Fee PLUS 25 Chips Per Point Attained in the Annual League. It is also possible to take extra Chips upto ¾ of the Chip Leaders Stack.
These are available at the rate of 5 euros for 1,000 Chips.
At the Re Start, after the first break, any (pre registered) players that have not yet arrived will have their Chips removed from the game.
The Blind Levels will be Capped at a Level to be decided and based on the Small & Big Blind totaling not more than 10% of the total Chips in Play.
Playing in this game DOES NOT ATTRACT 2 points per player, because it is the End of Year Tournament. The New Leagues will start at the beginning of January 2011.
It therefore follows that there is no 3 euro per player deduction from the pot for ongoing Jackpots.
Players that have Qualified for the Annual Tournament are High Lighted Blue in the first column on the current Annual League Table that is displayed on a Club Night.
To play in the Annual Tournament it is necessary to have played just 18 Club Night Games in the Year.
Whilst it is possible in the Monthly or Quarterly Leagues that if a Player has not Qualified by playing the minimum number of games he/she could enter providing they pay for the missing games. It should be noted that this IS NOT POSSIBLE with regard to the Annual.
This is essentially a free-roll tournament; however there is an entry fee of 25 euros which covers the costs of Venue, Buffet, Dealers, Tournament Director, Trophies & sundries.
• The third area covers the Rules that apply during a game held by this Club. A copy of which is available upon request & will be eventually posted on the new Website.
Venues
The current Venues include Heidi's Restaurant in Alhaurin de la Torre, Talk of the Tyne in Torremolinos and El Pilarejo in Santa Rosalia.
We are always interested in adding Venues to our Schedule because increasing these ultimately increases the Memberships and that increases what we all play towards.
Dealers
T here are two types of Dealers, those that assist in Venues and those that wish to host their own Club Nights with the ultimate benefit of their Night being included within the Structure & Leagues that we run under the “Top of the Flops Poker” banner.
Dealer franchises are available for the later mentioned & should you be interested please contact us.
This is the official rulebook
for our poker club
Welcome to our poker club. Your presence at our tables means that you agree to abide by our rules and procedures. By taking a seat in one of our card games, you are accepting our management to be the final authority on all matters relating to that game.
There are some specific Rules which we wish to apply to our games.
In the interest of All Players & Dealers it is respectfully requested that there is No Smoking at the Tables.
Regular breaks will be taken in Tournaments to facilitate Smoke / Toilet breaks. Other than that of course you may leave the Table but please bear in mind your position in the game as it may be necessary to remove your hand from play. This will of course be avoided if at all possible.
YOUR CHIPS SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN WITH YOU IN A BREAK
Chip Change.
When Chips are removed from the table, this should only be done by the Dealer or Tournament Director due to a Chip Raise, the player will get a higher denomination chip for all lower denomination chips that are of sufficient quantity. Odd chips will also be exchanged rounded off upwards for 1 higher denomination chip.
Heads Up game:
In our regular tournaments the blind change will occur every 4 hands when we are down to Heads Up. Ensuring that each player therefore will play 2 big and 2 small blinds until the Blinds are Capped.
Blind Capping:
Towards the later stages of a Tournament the Blinds will be Capped at a Total of 10% of the Total Chips in play.
Chip Visibility:
Your Chips should always be clearly visible, especially the highest ones. They should at no time be removed from the table unless you are asked to move seats by a Tournament Director.
Please note some major points,
ALL PLAYERS INVOLVED IN A SHOWDOWN MUST EXPOSE THEIR CARDS
BOTH CARDS MUST BE SHOWN TO CLAIM A POT
IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO SHOW YOUR CARDS IF THERE ARE NO CALLERS
Dealer errors most commonly occur when a Player is inadvertently hiding their cards from view of the Dealer. If this happens discretion to the normal Texas Holdem Rules may be applied
A mention for our Dealers, thanking them in advance & reminding you (the players) that they are here for your benefit, there is ONLY one Dealer on a table & their decision is final. However, in circumstances they can not resolve, the Tournament Director will arbitrate and come to a conclusion.
Our “Official” Texas Hold ‘Em Rules taken from TexasHoldem-Poker.com's website
1. The organizer of the tournament is to consider the best interest of the game and fairness as the top priority in the decision-making process. Unusual circumstances can, on occasion, dictate that the technical interpretation of the rules be ignored in the interest of fairness. Their decision is final.
Betting Procedures
2. The action of betting is physically defined as the release of chips after a single, forward motion.
3. Above all, verbal declarations in turn are binding. A player who declares a call, raise, fold, must do so to the limit that the chips allow. If simultaneous declarations are made (tossing in a raise and saying call), the verbal declaration takes precedence.
4. Action out of turn is not binding. The deliberate intention to act out of turn may result in a penalty.
5. Check-raising (checking, then later raising over a bet) is allowed.
6. String betting (placing out bets with more than one motion without verbally declaring your intention) is forbidden. Any betting motions after the first motion will be dismissed.
7. In no limit or pot limit, by stating the word “raise“, a player protects his right to raise, but the raise must be made in one additional motion unless he states the amount.
8. In no limit or pot limit, a bet must be at least the amount of the big blind.
9. In no limit or pot limit, a raise must be at least the amount of the previous bet.
9a. If a player puts in a bet below the minimum allowed that is equal
or above 50%, the player will be required to make a full raise. The raise
will be exactly the minimum raise allowed. If a player cannot cover the
full minimum raise, he or she must go all-in.
9b. If a player puts in an amount that is less than 50% of the minimum
allowed bet, the player is considered to have called and is returned
the excess chips.
10. In limit holdem, there will be a max limit of a bet, a raise, a reraise, and another reraise. When only two players are involved in a hand this betting “cap” does not apply.
11. When a player throws in an oversized chip without making a verbal declaration...
11a. In limit holdem, an oversized chip will be considered to be a call.
11b. In no-limit, before the flop, an oversized chip is a call.
11c. In no limit, after the flop, an oversized chip by the initial
bettor will constitute the size of the bet.
11d. In no limit, after the flop, an oversized chip by a player
facing a bet will be considered a call.
11e. In no limit, if a player states just the word “raise” and throws in
an oversized chip, the raise will be that amount.
11f. In pot-limit, if a player states just the word “raise” and throws in
an oversized chip, the raise will be the maximum amount
allowable up to the size of that chip.
Split Pots, Side Pots, and going All-in
12. A player who is all-in must show his cards at the showdown.
13. In the case of a split pot when there are two or more high hands, the chip(s) will be split as evenly as possible (chips may need to be broken down into smaller denominations) with any odd chip(s) left over given out to the winning player with the worst position (left of the button being the worst).
14. Each side pot will be split as a separate pot. They will not be mixed together before they are split.
15. When a player creates a side pot by going all-in, the side pot will be the current pot plus each call up to the amount of the all-in. Any raises (or calls in the case of a below-the- limit all-in) go into the new pot.
16. At the showdown with a side pot, the player who is all-in can only win the pot set aside when he or she went all-in. After the winner of that hand is resolved, the players involved in the main pot determine the winner without regard to the all-in hand.
17. In case of multiple side pots, a player can only win up to what he put in times the number of calls up to the all-in amount.
Blinds and Antes
18. Players must post blinds and antes before cards are dealt.
19. If a player does not have enough to cover his blind/ante, a side pot is created before cards are dealt and...
19a. In an ante only game, the side pot will equal the amount of the
all-in times the number of players.
19b. In a blind only game, the side pot will equal the amount of the
all-in times the number of callers.
19c. In a game with blinds AND antes, if the player can call the
ante and part of the blind, the side pot will equal the amount
of the ante times the number of player PLUS the amount of the
remaining all-in blind times the number of callers.
19d. In a game with blinds AND antes, if the player can call all or
part of the ante but no part of the blind, the side pot will equal
the amount of the all-in times the number of players and the
blind will be absent.
20. When heads up, the blinds are reversed. The player on the button has the small blind.
21. In the hand after a big blind is eliminated, the button will move normally and there will be no small blind. The following hand, the button will move into the position where the eliminated player was, creating a dead button situation.
22. In the hand after a small blind is eliminated, the button will move into the position where the eliminated player was, creating a dead button situation.
23. In the hand after both blinds are eliminated, the button will move into the position where the former small blind was and there will be no small blind. The following hand, the button will move into the position where the former big blind was.
24. Through players being eliminated, no player should miss a big or small blind.
Chips
25. All chips must be visibly displayed at all times. Players may not have tournament chips in their pockets at any time. A player who has chips in his pocket will forfeit the chips. The forfeited chips will be taken out of play from the tournament. Any other form of “rat holing” will be dealt with similarly.
26. Players must keep their highest denomination chips visible at all times.
27. There will be no foreign chips allowed on the table.
28. At the request of the dealer, a player must exchange his or her chips for chips of a different denomination.
Killing a Hand / Dead Hands
29. Another player may call for a clock against a player who is taking an unreasonable amount of time to make a decision.
29a. Once a clock is called for, the player with action will be given one minute
to make a decision. If a decision has not been made by the time the
minute is over, there will be a 10-second countdown. If a player
has not acted on his hand by the time the countdown is over, the hand
will be dead.
29b. A player who calls "time" will act on the same rules as above.
30. If a live player leaves during a hand, there will be no minute countdown and the hand will be declared dead.
31. A player must be in their seat by the time all players have complete hands in order to have a live hand. Otherwise the blinds/antes will be forfeited and the hand will be killed.
32. If a live hand touches the muck, it will immediately be ruled dead.
33. If a dealer kills an unprotected hand, the player will have no redress and will not be entitled to his money back. An exception would be if a player raised and his raise had not been called yet, he would be entitled to receive his raise back.
34. Dealers cannot kill a winning hand that was turned face up and was obviously the winning hand.
Verbal Discussion
35. Verbally disclosing the true contents of your hand will cause the hand to be killed and a penalty will be assessed.
35a. A player cannot verify the contents of a live hand that was verbally
disclosed. Only a director or “floor person” may check those
contents after the hand is over, but before the pot has been
awarded. If the hand is verified but is not in violation of
the previous rule, the contents will not be revealed by the
floor or director to anyone.
35b. If a verbally disclosed hand is killed through verification after the
hand, the pot goes to the best hand among the remaining players
at the showdown, or to the last player to fold.
35c. By definition, verbal disclosure must include the actual ranks or
suits, or any synonym to the ranks or suits. Nicknames for
specific two-hand combinations like “Big Slick” or “American
Airlines” will also constitute verbal disclosure.
Furthermore, only a definitive declaration will constitute
a verbal disclosure. Language like “may”, “might”, or “could”
could nullify a declaration as verbal disclosure.
36. Advising a player how to play a hand may result in a penalty.
37. Verbal declarations as to the content of a player's hand at the showdown are not binding (cards speak); however at management's discretion, any player deliberately miscalling his hand to induce other players to reveal their cards may be penalized.
38. Players are obligated to protect the other players in the tournament at all times. Discussing cards discarded or hand possibilities is not allowed.
Exposing Cards
39. During the initial deal, if any pocket card is exposed due to dealer error, it is a misdeal.
40. A player who exposes his cards during the play may incur a penalty, but will not have his hand killed. If any player at the table saw the exposed cards, any other player has a right to know what the exposed card or cards were. If a player unintentionally exposes his cards during play, his hand will not be ruled dead. If any player at the table saw the exposed card(s), then any other player at the table has the right to know what the exposed card(s) was.
41. At the showdown players begin the show their cards starting with the player to the left of the last to call. A player may “muck” his cards if they cannot win over a previously shown hand. If the house suspects cheating or collusion, you may be asked to expose your cards to the dealer, coordinator, and/or the other players.
42. Any player who is live during the showdown may ask to see both pocket cards from a player who reveals only one.
43. Any player may ask another player to reveal his or her pocket cards if they were exposed to any player at the table.
44. A player may not ask to see both pocket cards from another player who revealed them to a spectator.
Penalty Situations
45. Penalties available for use by the tournament organizers are verbal warnings, 10, 20, 30, and 40 minutes away from the table and may be used with discretion. These may be utilized up to and including disqualification. A player who is disqualified shall have his chips removed from play.
46. A penalty may be invoked if a player exposes any card with action pending, if a card(s) goes off the table, if soft-play occurs, or similar incidents take place. Penalties WILL be invoked in cases of abuse, disruptive behavior, or similar incidents.
Going up in Levels and Chip Raising
47. When time has elapsed in a round and a new round is announced, the new limits apply to the next hand. The hand begins when the first card is dealt.
48. Excessive stalling during a hand to receive a favorable position prior to a limit change may result in a penalty.
49. As levels progress it may be necessary to exchange chips of a low denomination for chips of a higher denomination. When this happens, players may have odd chips. These are chips which, due to an insufficient sum, cannot be traded to the higher denomination. These odd chips will be exchanged for one chip of the lowest denomination still in play.
49. Cont. For example: When removing the 25 chips a player has 3 left over which only add up to 75. If the next chip value is 100, he/she will receive 100 chip for their 3 x 25 chips. This principle applies through out the Tournament.
50. A player cannot be raised out of a tournament. In the event that a player has only one chip left, a chip raise should be delayed or he/she will be given one chip of the smallest denomination still in play.
Multi-table rules
51. Initial tournament and satellite seats will be randomly assigned.
52. Players going from a broken table to fill in seats assume the responsibilities of their new position. They may receive any position from blind to button.
53. The only place a moved player cannot be placed is between the small blind and the button. If it is necessary for a player to be moved to this position, that player must sit out that hand.
54. A player moved to balance two tables will be the player who will not lose position as a result of the move. Play may be halted temporarily to accommodate for the move. In a case where multiple seats are open, the worst positioned seats are the most preferable to be moved.
55. A player who intentionally dodges his blind(s) when moving from a broken table will forfeit the blind(s) and/or incur a penalty. The money will be put into the next pot and will be considered dead money.
56. Prior to the “bubble” (the point where only a few more players must be eliminated for all remaining players to be guaranteed a portion of the prize pool), the tournament may be played “hand-for-hand”. This means that each table will wait until all other tables finish their hands before starting another. This deters stalling by players in an attempt to place higher.
57. Hand-for-hand play may also be instituted during times where stalling to receive a higher place in the tournament would be advantageous to any player.
Rebuy and Add-on Rules
58. A player with no chips may not miss a hand. If a player with no chips misses a hand, they lose their right to rebuy and are no longer able to participate in the tournament.
59. If a player announces intent to rebuy before the first card is dealt but does not have chips yet then that player is live, playing behind, and obligated to make the rebuy.
60. Players can only rebuy between hands, under no circumstances will a player be allowed to make a rebuy when cards are out.
61. If rebuys are permitted in situations where the player still has chips when the rebuy is made, that player must settle the rebuy completely to allow those additional chips into the next hand. Thus a player is not permitted to play from behind if they have chips in front of them.
62. If rebuys and add-ons are only permitted until a certain point in time, a player has until that point in time to provide funds for the rebuy. If funds are presented at that time, then the player may rebuy and/or add-on.
Miscellaneous Rules
63. One player to a hand. During the hand, a player may not discuss play with other players, spectators, or the dealer.
64. English only at the table During a hand, between players involved in the hand.
65. Players may not exchange chips for any reason.
66. A player who wants to use a cellular phone or any communication device must step away from the table.
67. A player may not leave a camera, cell phone, any recording instrument, or highly reflective item on the table.
68. Deck changes will be when there is a change of dealer or the limit changes. The house may additionally call for deck changes in other circumstances. Players may not ask for deck changes unless proof can be made that certain cards can be construed as “marked”.
69. Rabbit hunting (asking to see additional board cards after play is over) is forbidden as it can give insight into players' hands by reducing the possible number of unknowns.
70. The tournament coordinator reserves the right to cancel or alter any event at its sole discretion in the best interest of the tournament and/or its players.
71. You must declare that you are playing the board before you throw your cards away; otherwise you relinquish all claim to the pot.
Dealer Error Rules
72. If the first hole card dealt is exposed, a misdeal results. The dealer will retrieve the card, reshuffle, and re cut the cards. If any other hole card is exposed due to a dealer error, the deal continues. The exposed card may not be kept. After completing the hand, the dealer replaces the card with the top card on the deck, and the exposed card is then used for the burn card. If more than one hole card is exposed, this is a misdeal and there must be a re deal.
73. If the flop contains too many cards, it must be re dealt. (This applies even if it were possible to know which card was the extra one.)
74. If the flop needs to be re dealt because the cards were prematurely flopped before the betting was complete, or the flop contained too many cards, the board cards are mixed with the remainder of the deck. The burn card remains on the table. After shuffling, the dealer cuts the deck and deals a new flop without burning a card.
75. If the dealer turns the fourth card on the board before the betting round is complete, the card is taken out of play for that round, even if subsequent players elect to fold. The betting is then completed. The dealer burns and turns what would have been the fifth card in the fourth card's place. After this round of betting, the dealer reshuffles the deck, including the card that was taken out of play, but not including the burn cards or discards. The dealer then cuts the deck and turns the final card without burning a card. If the fifth card is turned up prematurely, the deck is reshuffled and dealt in the same manner.
76. If the dealer mistakenly deals the first player an extra card (after all players have received their starting hands), the card will be returned to the deck and used for the burn card. If the dealer mistakenly deals more than one extra card, it is a misdeal.
Tournament General Rules
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By participating in any tournament, you agree to abide by the rules and behave in a courteous manner. A violator may be verbally warned, suspended from play for a specified length of time, or disqualified from the tournament. Chips from a disqualified participant will be removed from play.
1. Whenever possible, all rules are the same as those that apply to live games.
2. Initial seating is determined by random draw or assignment. (For a one-table satellite event, cards to determine seating may be left faceup so the earlier entrants can pick their seat, since the button is assigned randomly.)
3. A change of seat is not allowed after play starts, except as assigned by the director.
4. The appropriate starting amount of chips will be placed on the table for each paid entrant at the beginning of the event, whether the person is present or not. Absent players will be dealt in, and all chips necessary for antes and blinds will be put into the pot.
5. If a paid entrant is absent at the start of an event, at some point an effort will be made to locate and contact the player. If the player requests the chips be left in place until arrival, the request will be honored. If the player is unable to be contacted, the chips may be removed from play at the discretion of the director anytime after a new betting level is begun or a half-hour has elapsed, whichever occurs first.
6. A starting stack of chips may be placed in a seat to accommodate late entrants (so all antes and blinds have been appropriately paid). An unsold seat will have such a stack removed at a time left to the discretion of the director.
7. Limits and blinds are raised at regularly scheduled intervals.
8. If there is a signal designating the end of a betting level, the new limits apply on the next deal. (A deal begins with the first riffle of the shuffle.)
9. The lowest denomination of chip in play will be removed from the table when it is no longer needed in the blind or ante structure. All lower-denomination chips that are of sufficient quantity for a new chip will be changed up directly. The method for removal of odd chips is to exchange one more of the lowest denomination chips still in play for the odd chip/s to be removed.
10. An absent player is always dealt a hand, and will be put up for blinds, antes, and the forced bet if low.
11. A player must be present at the table to stop the action by calling “time.”
12. If you are not present when it becomes your turn to act, your hand is dead. This includes situations in which a live blind is not present to act, since an absent player cannot exercise the option to raise.
13. As players are eliminated, tables are broken in a pre-set order, with players from the broken tables assigned to empty seats at other tables.
14. The number of players at each table will be kept reasonably balanced by the transfer of a player as needed. With more than six tables, table size will be kept within two players. With six tables or less, table size will be kept within one player.
15. In all events, there is a redraw for seating when the field is reduced to three tables, two tables, and one table. (Redrawing at three tables is not mandatory in small tournaments with only four or five starting tables.) There is always a redraw for the Final Table which will normally be the last 8 remaining Players.
16. A player who declares all in and loses the pot, then discovers that one or more chips were hidden, is not entitled to benefit from this. That player is eliminated from the tournament if the opponent had sufficient chips to cover the hidden ones (A rebuy is okay if allowable by the rules of that event). If another deal has not yet started, the director may rule the chips belong to the opponent who won that pot, if that obviously would have happened with the chips out in plain view. If the next deal has started, the discovered chips are removed from the tournament.
17. If a player lacks sufficient chips for a blind or a forced bet, the player is entitled to get action on whatever amount of money remains. A player who posts a short blind and wins does not need to make up the blind.
18. All players must leave their seat immediately after being eliminated from an event.
19. Showing cards from a live hand during the action injures the rights of other players still competing in an event, who wish to see contestants eliminated. A player may not show any cards during a deal (unless the event has only two remaining players). If a player deliberately shows a card, that hand may be ruled dead and the player penalized.
20. Inappropriate behavior like throwing cards that go off the table may be punished with a penalty such as being dealt out for a length of time. A severe infraction such as abusive or disruptive behavior may be punished by eviction from the tournament.
21. The deck is not changed on request. Decks change when the dealers change, unless there is a damaged card.
22. In all tournament games using a dealer button, the starting position of the button is determined by dealing for the high card.
23. The dealer button remains in position until the appropriate blinds are taken. Players must post all blinds every round. Because of this, the button may stay in front of the same player for two consecutive hands.
24. New players are dealt in immediately unless they sit down in the small blind or button position. In these two cases, they must wait until the button passes.
25. In heads-up play with two blinds, the small blind is on the button.
26. At stud, if a downcard on the initial hand is dealt faceup, a misdeal is called.
27. If a player announces the intent to rebuy before cards are dealt, that player is playing behind and is obligated to make the rebuy.
28. All hands will be turned faceup whenever a player is all-in and betting action is complete.
29. If two (or more) players go broke during the same hand, the player starting the hand with the larger amount of money finishes in the higher tournament place for point and cash awards.
30. Management is not required to rule on any private deals, side bets, or redistribution of the prize pool among finalists.
31. Private agreements by remaining players in an event regarding distribution of the prize pool are not condoned. (However, if such an agreement is made, the director has the option of ensuring that it is carried out by paying those amounts.) Any private agreement that excludes one or more active competitors is improper by definition.
32. A tournament event is expected to be played until completion. A private agreement that removes all prize money from being at stake in the competition is unethical.
33. Management retains the right to cancel any event, or alter it in a manner fair to the players. |