Poker is a card game where players place wagers on the outcome of hands. It has many variations and is a popular casino game. It has been adapted for video games and is even featured in some television shows. It is also played in tournaments. Players compete for an amount of money or chips contributed by all players, called the pot.
Unlike most other gambling games, poker has an organization that manages its rules and standards. The Professional Tournament Directors Association (PTDA) is responsible for this and meets every two years to discuss new reforms. The PTDA is comprised of managers from major live and online casinos, circuits, poker leagues and independent tournaments.
Official Poker Rules
The standard poker deck consists of 52 cards with the usual ranking of Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, and 2. Some games add jokers to the mix, although they are not necessary for all game types. The cards are usually printed on plastic and come in contrasting colors, with hearts and diamonds in red and clubs in black.
In a poker tournament, players are not allowed to change seats once play begins. Changing seats can make other players uncomfortable, and it is considered a breach of tournament rules. There is, however, an exception: If a player has been dealt in and then calls the clock on another player, they can do so for a limited time. This is typically done in cases where the player has a short stack and is trying to struggle into the money rather than be one of the first players eliminated.