Official poker includes all the rules and regulations that govern the game of poker as played in cardrooms. These rules are often published by the cardroom or the gaming commission, and are subject to interpretation by the cardroom’s management staff. The rules of poker are designed to promote fair and orderly play, and to protect the interests of the cardroom and its players.

A player must always protect their cards. If they do not, they are liable for any damage to the cards caused by another player. The best way to protect your hand is by putting an object on top of it, such as your betting chips or the dealer button. If you verbally declare that you are going to make a bet, raise, or call, it is binding and you are obligated to follow through with the action.

In poker, a player must place in the pot enough chips (representing money, for which the game is almost invariably played) to cover the blind and ante of any player who has not yet contributed to the pot. A player who has placed the required amount is considered to be active and to be in a hand.

The rank of suits from highest to lowest is spades, hearts, diamonds, and clubs. Suits do not break ties for winning a pot, however they may be used to determine seating order in new games or seating order coming from a broken game. Odd chips are dealt one at a time until they are gone.