Poker is a card game played from a standard pack of 52 cards (some variant games use multiple packs or add a few jokers). The highest hand wins.
Betting is a key element of poker. Before a deal is made, players must put in an initial contribution called an “ante.” The ante may be any amount, usually a fixed value like a nickel. Once betting gets around to a player, that player has the choice of either calling the bet or folding it.
After a bet, betting continues until all of the players have called or folded. In a pot-limit or no-limit game, betting ends when the last player in the round of betting calls or folds.
Official betting terms are time-honored declarations such as bet, raise, call, fold, check, and all-in. Unofficial betting terms and gestures are at a player’s risk; they may be interpreted to mean other than what the player intended.
Rules on mucking and reading hands
Proper mucking in stud is to turn down all up cards and push them forward face down. If a player picks up the upcards while facing action, the hand is dead.
Players are required to have adequate racks for chip transport and enough color-ups to ensure that all chips are in the same denomination. If a player has too many chips, he or she can return them to the banker and receive credit or cash for them.
Rule on phones, ring tones and other electronic devices
Phones, ring tones, music, images or video must not create a nuisance, delay the game or create competitive advantage. These items are subject to house and gaming regulations, including a specific rule that a player must make an announcement at the table before talking on a cell phone or using an electronic device.