Official poker is the set of rules that governs how poker games are played at the casino. These rules may vary depending on the game and version of poker being played.
Rules for Poker Tournaments
In poker tournaments, players are rewarded by prize money in proportion to the number of entrants. These prize money amounts are not standardized, but are generally close to 10% of the total amount wagered.
Tournament games typically use small and big blinds (forced bets by two players) in addition to an ante (a forced contribution by all players). In tournaments with a dealer button, the button is rotated clockwise after each hand, changing the position of the dealer and blinds.
Dead card, dead hand, and dead money
Cards that are marked or damaged in any way are considered dead. This rule is primarily used to prevent cheating or collusion between players.
Dead button
A player who misses the small blind or the dealer button in a hand is not required to post the big blind, as long as they enter the game within a certain time frame. The player will be allowed to raise their hand once the next round of betting begins.
Dead card, dead hand, or dead money
Cards that are marked or damaged in any way, such as throwing them or tearing them, are considered dead. This rule is primarily designed to prevent cheating or collusion between players, but it can also be used as a way to avoid paying a seat fee.