Brief Overview of the Rules of Poker

The rules of the game of poker are easy to learn and understand. You might think that the “gold standard” of poker rules comes from the 18th century British gaming authority Edmund Hoyle. In fact, it does not. Poker was not invented until 150 years after Hoyle died. So, although you hear the phrase “Hoyle poker rules” or “according to Hoyle,” bear in mind that these phrases are more descriptive of a card-playing ethic than an actual set of rules. If you play honestly and with integrity, you’re said to be playing “according to Hoyle.”

A better source of authoritative poker rules is “Robert’s Rules of Poker,” by Robert Ciaffone, a noted poker author who plays poker himself. This guide is very accessible, available and easy to understand. Anyone who wants to learn poker rules will get a good, workable understanding of the rules of poker by reading Ciaffone’s book. If you’re looking for a simple list of poker rules or information on variants of poker rules, the Internet is a great source.

Here’s some general information about some of the general but very important poker rules from Ciaffone’s book. The book also contains detailed discussions of in-depth poker rules.

• Code of conduct. While not strictly part of basic poker rules, an established code of conduct such as these poker etiquette rules will make the game more enjoyable for everyone. Some typical actions forbidden by a code of conduct are:

• Cheating or conspiring with another player to cheat • Using obscene or profane language • Carrying a weapon • Using an illegal substance • Defacing, damaging or destroying property

• Verbal statements. If you make a verbal statement such as declaring a fold, check, bet, call or raise, that statement is considered binding and you are forced to take the actions.

• Acting out of turn. If you attempt to check, bet or raise out of turn, you will be prohibited from checking, betting or raising on your next turn.

These are just a few of the peripheral rules that govern the game of poker. While anyone can learn the specific rules, such as what hand beats another, the astute player will also familiarize himself with the subtleties of poker etiquette.