Raising
A raise must be at least the size of the bet. For example, if I bet $4 in a 1-4 game, then you must raise by $4 if you want to raise. If I had bet $2 then you could raise $2,$3, or $4.You cannot make a $2 raise if the original bet was $4.
Be Careful What You Say
Verbal declarations usually count.“Call and raise” is the verbal equivalent of a string bet, and, in some cardrooms, if you say that before you put your chips in the pot, you will be limited to a call.
Splashing the Pot
When you make a call or bet, just place your chips in front of you. Don’t toss your chips into the pot. The dealer will count your chips before putting them into the pot to ensure your bet is the correct amount.
Just throwing your chips directly into the pot is called splashing the pot because of the bouncing of the chips that usually results. Don’t do it. Again, the purpose of the rule is to protect you.
Act in Turn
In Holdem, the action at each betting round begins with the first player to the left of a designated dealer. Each player then acts in turn. Don’t act until it’s your turn-don’t fold or bet early.
Table Stakes
All cardroom games are played at tables stakes. That means you can’t reach into your pocket for more money during the play of the hand.
You can’t be bet out of the hand either you remain in competition for whatever the pot is up to the point where you’ve run out of chips.
This is called creating a side-pot. You can buy chips to add to your stack at any time between hands. You cannot add to your stack during the play of a hand.
Ratholing
“Ratholing” is the poker term for taking money of the table and slipping it into your pocket. It’s not allowed.
Except for incidental uses, such as tipping the cocktail waitress, taking money off the table is not allowed.
Short Buys
Every table has an established minimum buy-in. Your first purchase of chips must be at least that amount. At some cardrooms, after the initial purchase, it is permissible to buy less than the minimum buy.
This is called a short buy. Almost all cardrooms will allow a short buy if you are not out of chips. Some will allow a short buy when you run out of chips but only once.
Dealers
The dealer is an employee of the cardroom and is at work. If you have a question,about the game ask dealer.
If you want to talk about last night’s football game, talk to one of the other players. The dealer’s job is to keep the game running smoothly, not to provide you with conversation.
Making Friends, avoiding Deadbeats
Most cardroom players eventually make some friends of people they meet in the cardroom. My advice is don’t be too quick to do this.
Poker attracts a complete cross section of society. You’ll meet all kinds of people from all walks of life. Although most of them are great people, some really are thieves and deadbeats.
Be careful about extending your friendship, and don’t loan money.
Entering a Public Cardroom / The Play of the Game / The First Betting Round
