Highland Poker

First Round of Betting
This takes place immediately after the Deal. The first player to speak is the player to the left of the Big Blind. In non-tournament games he may choose to become a third Blind by placing a bet of double that of the Big Blind before the cards are dealt. This is known as the Straddle. The advantage of this to the Straddler is that in the first round of betting he gets to speak last, which enables him to take into consideration the bets of all the other players.
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The First To Speak
The first to speak is on the immediate left of the Big Blind (or Straddler at Cash Games) has three options: Call, Raise or Fold.
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To Call
The player places a bet that is equal to the Big Blind or Straddle.
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To Raise
To raise the player adds an additional amount. The size of this amount varies with the type of game being played: in No Limit games, it may be any amount, that is at least double the previous bet. Limited only by the number of chips in front of the player.
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To Fold
To fold the player places his cards face-down in front of him and pushes them towards the middle of the table where they constitute the Muck. When any card touches the Muck it is deemed to have been folded. That player can take no further part in the hand and any bets he has made are forfeit.
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Subsequent Players
Subsequent players have the same three options, plus the option to ReRaise (or ReReRaise). A ReRaise must equal at least the size of the last bet.
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Splashing The Pot
Splashing the Pot is not allowed. Players must place their chips over the betting line in a manor that keeps them separate from all other chips in play if this is not done then a penalty may apply.
The penalty is 2 warnings ,any further infringement additional penalties may apply. Such as time off the table
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Second Betting Round
This round and all subsequent betting rounds start with the first player to the dealer's left still in the hand. In addition to Calling, Raising or Re-Raising, players now have the option to Check - staying in the hand without betting until it is their turn to speak again.
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The Turn (also called Fourth Street)
After the completion of the Second Betting Round, a further card is Burned.(discarded) and the next card exposed and added to the Board. This the Turn card.
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The River (also called Fifth Street)
After the completion of the Third Betting Round, a further card is Burned and the fifth and final community card is exposed and added to the Board. This is the River card.
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Fourth Betting Round
This precedes the Show-Down, when the challenged player must reveal his cards.
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Split Pots
Split pots If two or more players have the same hand, the next highest card in the player's hand (the Kicker) is used to break the tie. If there is no kicker card (the tied players have used both Hole Cards, or have the same hand), the pot is split between them.
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All In
Inadequate amount of chips in front of him/her In this case, he/she may go All-In (betting the total amount he/she has) and one or more Side Pots are established, limiting the amount he/she may win to an accumulation of equal amounts from the Main Pot from players who contributed to that pot.
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Verbal Declarations
Acting in Turn
Verbal declarations in turn are binding. Players are required to act in turn. Action out of turn will be binding if the action to that player has not changed. A check, call or fold is not considered action changing.
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Acting out of turn
Acting out of turn will be binding if the action to that player has not changed. A check, call or fold is not considered action changing. The player acting out of turn may incur a penalty. The penalty is 2 warnings any further same infringement will result in the player involved will take no further part in that hand. And the hand is mucked.
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Methods of Raising
Methods of Raising :In no-limit, a raise must be made by (1) placing the full amount in the pot in one motion; or (2) verbally declaring the full amount prior to the initial placement of chips into the pot; or (3) verbally declaring “raise” prior to the placement of the amount to call into the pot and then completing the action with one additional motion. It is the player’s responsibility to make his intentions clear.
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Raises
A raise must be at least the size of the previous bet. If a player puts in a raise of 50% or more of the previous bet but less than the minimum raise, he or she will be required to make a full raise. The raise will be exactly the minimum raise allowed. In no-limit, an all-in bet of less than a full raise does not reopen the betting to a player who has already acted.
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Oversized Chip
A single oversized chip will be considered a call if the player does not announce a raise. If a player puts an oversized chip into the pot and states raise but does not state the amount, the raise will be the maximum allowable up to the size of that chip. After the flop, an initial bet of an oversized chip without comment will constitute the size of the bet. To make a raise with a single oversized chip, a verbal declaration must be made before the chip hits the table surface.
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Multiple Chips
Unless a raise has been declared, placing multiple chips in the pot that add to less than double the bet one is facing will be deemed a call if removal of any one chip leaves less than the bet the player will have called.
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Number of Raises
There is no cap on the number of raises in no-limit games.
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Declarations
Cards speak. Verbal declarations as to the content of a player’s hand are not binding; however, any player deliberately miscalling his or her hand may be penalized.
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The penalty is 2 warnings any further same infringement will result in the player involved being penalised.
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Face Up
All cards will be turned face up once a player is all-in and all betting action is complete.
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Showdown
At the end of last round of betting, the player who made the last aggressive action in that betting round must show first. If there was no bet, the player to the left of the button shows first and so on clockwise.
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Side Pots
Each side pot will be split separately.
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String Bets and Raises
Any player can call the dealers attention to a suspect bet. But only the dealers will be responsible for calling string bets and raises. If agreement can't be reached at the table the Tournament Director can be called for a final decision.
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Blinds
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Antes
Normally there are no antes required from all players in Texas Holdem poker game, instead, there are two forced bets called blinds. Games begin with the two players to the left of the dealer or putative dealer (The Button) putting a predetermined amount of money (The Blinds) into the pot before any cards are dealt, thus ensuring that there is something to play for on every hand. In tournaments this amount is increased in a time pattern in order to ensure the elimination of players.
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Additional Antes at larger 2 day events
Antes at larger 2 day events may apply on the second day.
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Small and Big Blinds
Most often, the Small Blind (the player on the immediate left of the dealer) puts up half the minimum bet, and the player on his left (the Big Blind) puts up the full minimum bet. This is called "posting the blinds."
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Dodging Blinds
A player who intentionally dodges any blind when moving from a broken table will incur a penalty. If a player has been moved to another table they must go directly to that table with their chips. Failing to do so will result in that player forfeiting the amount of two big blinds. Even if this means elimination from the tournament.
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Missed Blinds
Through players being eliminated, no player should miss a big or small blind.
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Button
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The Button
The Button was previously called "the Buck", from a buck knife used for the purpose, and is the origin of the phrase "the buck stops here".
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Dead Button
Tournament play will use a dead button. Dead Button: Tournament play will use the dead button rule. Dead Button is defined as a button that can not be advanced due to elimination of a player or the seating of a new player into a position between the small blind and the button.
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Button in Heads-up
Button In heads-up play, the small blind is on the button and acts first. When beginning heads-up play, the button may need to be adjusted to ensure no player takes the big blind twice in a row.
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Changing The Deck
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Dealer Delt
Deck changes will be on the dealer push at a dealer delt game or level changes or as prescribed by the house. Players may not ask for deck changes. Unless a card is visibly marked.
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Self Dealer Delt
All players involved on a table would have to agree on a change of deck. Unless a card is visibly marked.
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Chipping Up
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Prior to any chipping up
Prior to any chipping up the big stack at the table will buy all chips that are to be removed. Leaving only the odd small chips that would not balance.
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Chipping up is defined
Chipping up is defined as removal of a denomination chip no longer in use. When it is time to colour-up chips, and the big stack has bought all chips that balance. Leaving only odd chips that would not balance, the player having odd small chips, he or she will be given one chip of the smallest denomination still in play. Players found to have lower denomination chips remaining in their stack after chipping up will forfeit those chips unless they are equivalent in value to a chip still in play.
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Clock
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Calling for a Clock
Calling for a Clock procedures: Once a reasonable amount of time, which is no less than two minutes has passed and a clock is called, a player will be given one (1) minute to act. If action has not been taken by the time the minute has expired, there will be a ten (10) second countdown. If a player has not acted on his hand by the time the countdown is over, the hand will be dead. Tournament Supervisors reserve the right to speed up the amount of time allotted for a clock if it appears that a player is deliberately stalling. Any player intentionally stalling the progress of the game will incur a penalty
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Dealer
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To Start The Game
At the start of the Texas Holdem poker game, the Dealer shuffles a standard 52-card deck. In casinos and card-rooms, the Dealer does not play. However, when there is a shortage of Dealers or in home games, games may be self-dealt. In self-dealt games, the deal changes each hand in a clockwise direction. In games with a Dealer, a round disc called the "Dealer Button" moves clockwise from player to player with each hand. The Button marks which player would be the dealer if the game was self-dealt.
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In self deal games prior to a new hand being dealt. The dealer must give the pack a comprehensive shuffle and the offer it to the player on the dealers right. The pack must be cut. If the player to the dealers immediate right refuses to cut the pack it will then be offered to the next inline to the right until the pack has been cut.
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In dealer dealt games prior to a new hand being dealt. The dealer must give the pack a comprehensive shuffle and the pack will be cut by the dealer.
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To cut the pack the cards must be placed on the table. A single handed cut must be preformed.
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Hole Cards
Each player is dealt two cards, face down (the Hole Cards). He keeps their denominations a secret, usually emphasized by shielding the cards with one hand while turning a corner of them up. In Texas Hold Em poker the Hole Cards must stay on the table but may be momentarily raised to ensure that a player has full sight of them. They must then be replaced on the table but may be consulted at any time during the hand, but only by the player to whom they were dealt.
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The Flop
The Flop After the first betting round, the dealer discards the top card of the deck. This is called Burning, and is done to ensure that no one accidentally saw the top card, and to help prevent cheating. The Burnt Card is placed alongside the Flop, under the next Open Card.
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The Object Of The Game
The object of the game is to combine these two cards with the five cards which will eventually be laid out in front of the Dealer ("the Board") to make the best poker hand (see "Hand Order") among the players. This hand may consist of the two Hole Cards and three of the Board, one Hole Card and four of the Board or - very occasionally - neither of the Hole Cards and just the Board. The holder of this hand wins the Pot (the accumulation of all bets).
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Killing Winning Hand
Dealers cannot kill a winning hand that was tabled and was obviously the winning hand. Players are encouraged to assist in reading tabled hands if it appears that an error is about to be made.
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Rabbit Hunting
No rabbit hunting is allowed. Rabbit hunting is revealing any of the cards “that would have come” if the hand had not ended.
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Dealer Error
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Unprotected Hands
If a dealer kills an unprotected hand, the player will have no redress and will not be entitled to a refund of bets. However, if a player had raised and the raise had not yet been called, the raise will be returned to the player.
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Protected Hands
If a protected hand is mucked by the dealer or any other player in error. That player will be entitled to the total he/she has
invested in the pot.
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Misdeals
In flop games, exposure of one of the first two cards dealt is a misdeal. Players may be dealt two consecutive cards on the button. If any other Hole Card is exposed due to a dealer error, the deal continues. The exposed card may not be kept. After completing the hand, the dealer replaces the card with the top card on the deck, and the exposed card is then used for the Burn Card. If more than one Hole Card is exposed, this is a misdeal and there must be a redeal.
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Four-Card Flop
If the flop contains four (rather than three) cards, whether exposed or not, the dealer shall scramble the 4 cards face down. A floor person will be called to randomly select one card to be used as the next burn card and the remaining three cards will become the flop.
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Premature Flop
If the Flop needs to be re-dealt because the cards were prematurely Flopped before the betting was complete, the Board Cards are mixed with the remainder of the deck. The Burn Card remains on the table. After shuffling, the dealer cuts the deck and deals a new Flop without burning a card.
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Error With The Turn Card
If the dealer turns the fourth card on the board before the betting round is complete, the card is taken out of play for that round, even if subsequent players elect to fold. The betting is then completed. The dealer burns and turns what would have been the fifth card in the fourth cards place. After this round of betting, the dealer reshuffles the deck, including the card that was taken out of play, but not including the Burn Cards or discards. The dealer then cuts the deck and turns the final card without burning a card. In a Texas Holdem game if the fifth card is turned up prematurely, the deck is reshuffled and dealt in the same manner.
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First Player Extra Card
If the dealer mistakenly deals the first player an extra card (after all players have received their starting hands), the card will be returned to the deck and used for the Burn Card. If the dealer mistakenly deals more than one extra card, it is a misdeal.
Play: Bets & Raises
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Pot Size
Dealers will not count the pot in no-limit games. The dealer may organize the pot to be counted. Only the dealer may touch chips already bet or in the pot. No player at the table can interfere with the chips in play for any reason. Any change must be given by the dealer.
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Ethics
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Player Obligation
Players are obligated to protect the other players in the game at all times. Therefore, players, whether in the hand or not, must not:
1. Disclose contents of live or folded hands,
2. Advise or criticize play at any time,
3. Read a hand that hasn’t been tabled. Unless heads-up
The one-player-to-a-hand rule will be enforced.
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Whilst In A Hand
Players may not a discuss hands or strategy with any spectator, or b) seek or receive consultation from an outside source. The one-player-to-a-hand rule will be enforced.
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Exposing Cards Intentionally
A player who exposes his cards during the play may incur a penalty, but will not have his hand killed. If any player at the table saw the exposed cards, any other player has a right to know what the exposed card or cards were.
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The penalty is 2 warnings any further same infringement will result in the player involved will take no further part in that hand. And the hand is mucked.
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Exposing Cards Unintentionally
If a player unintentionally exposes his cards during play, his hand will not be ruled dead. If any player at the table saw the exposed card(s), then any other player at the table has the right to know what the exposed card(s) was.
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Prohibited Items
A player may not leave a camera, cell phone, any recording instrument, or highly reflective item on the table.
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Soft Play & Chip Dumping
Poker is an individual game. Soft play will result in 2 warnings any further same infringement, will include forfeiture of chips and/or disqualification. Chip dumping and/or all other forms of collusion will result in disqualification.
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General Table Conduct
All participants are entitled to expect civility and courtesy from one another at every Tournament table and throughout the Tournament area. Any individual who encounters behavior that is not civil or courteous -- or is abusive in any way -- is encouraged to immediately contact a Tournament official.
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Etiquette Violations
Repeated etiquette violations will result in penalties. Examples include, but are not limited to, unnecessarily touching other players’ cards or chips, delay of the game, repeatedly acting out of turn or excessive chatter.
The penalty is 2 warnings any further same infringement will result in the player involved will take no further part in that hand. And the hand is mucked. And further penalties may apply. Such as time off the table
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Mobil Phones
Players may not talk on the phone while at the poker table. House rules apply to all other forms of electronic devices.
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Chip Exchanging
Players may not exchange chips for any reason with each other. All chip exchanging must be done the dealer.
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Language
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Official Language
The English-only rule will be enforced in all Highland Poker Tournaments during the play of hands.
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Levels and Limits
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New Limits
New Limits When time has elapsed in a round and a new level is announced by a member of the tournament staff, the new level applies to the next hand. A hand begins with the first riffle. If an automatic shuffler is being used, the hand begins when the green button is pushed.
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Penalties
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Penalties and Disqualification
A penalty may be invoked if a player exposes any card with action pending, throws a card off the table, violates the one-player-to-a-hand rule, or similar incidents take place. Penalties WILL be invoked in cases of soft play, abuse, or disruptive behavior Penalties available to the TD include verbal warnings and “missed hand” penalties. Except for a one-hand penalty, missed hand penalties will be assessed as follows: The offender will miss one hand for every player, including the offender, who is at the table when the penalty is given multiplied by the number of rounds specified in the penalty. For the period of the penalty, the offender shall remain away from the table but will continue to be dealt in.
Tournament staff can assess a one-hand penalty, one-, two-, three-, or four-round penalties or disqualification. A player who is disqualified shall have his or her chips removed from play. Repeat infractions are subject to escalating penalties.
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Player
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At Your Seat
A player must be at his or her seat by the time all players have been dealt complete initial hands in order to have a live hand. The deal is complete when the button receives their second card. A player must be at his/her seat to call time.
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Action Pending
A player must remain at the table if he has a live hand. Any player leaving the table without folding his/her hand will be deemed to have acted out of turn. And a warning may apply.
The penalty is 2 warnings any further same infringement will result in the player involved will take no further part in that hand. And the hand is mucked.Any further infringements may lead to further penalty.
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Disqualified Players
A player who is disqualified shall have his or her chips removed from play and no refund will be provided to that disqualified player.
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Players Withdrawing
Any player who forfeits play for health or other personal reasons after the start of a Tournament will have his or her chips blinded off accordingly. A player can miss one level and only post blinds on his/her turn. If any player is missing from the table through a blind increase that player will then post a big blind for every hand until they turn up at the table or are blinded out of the tournament,
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Chips on the Table
Players must keep their higher denomination chips visible and identifiable at all times.
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Chips in Transit
Players may not hold or transport tournament chips in any manner that takes them out of view. A player who does so will forfeit the chips and will face disqualification. Players may not have tournament chips in their pockets at any time. A player who has chips in his pocket will forfeit the chips. The forfeited chips will be taken out of play from the tournament.
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Player Error
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Mucked in Error
If a player accidentally folds/mucks their hand before cards are turned up, the Tournament Staff reserves the right to retrieve the folded cards if the cards are clearly identifiable and standing alone. If a live hand touches the mucked cards, it will immediately be ruled dead.
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Pot
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Playing the Board
A player must show both cards when playing the board in order to get part of the pot.
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Disputed Pots
The right to dispute a hand ends when a new hand begins.
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Re-Buying
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Re-buys
A player may not miss a hand. If a player announces the intent to re-buy before a new hand, that player is playing chips behind and is obligated to make the re-buy.
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Seating
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Random Seats
Tournament and satellite seats will be randomly assigned. Accommodations for players with special physical needs will be made when possible.
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Breaking Tables
Players going from a broken table to fill in seats assume the rights and responsibilities of the position. They can get the big blind, the small blind, or the button. The only place they cannot get a hand is between the small blind and the button.
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Balancing Tables
In flop and mixed games when balancing tables, players will be moved from the left of the big blind to the worst position. Worst position is the seat left of the big blind. Play will halt on any table that is three or more players short.
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Number of Players at Final Table:
In flop games, the final table will consist of eight (8) players.
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Upon nearing the “Money”
Upon nearing the “Money” (the first level of the prize pool payout), a “Hand-for-Hand” method of determining player placement within the prize pool and the actual amount of prize pool disbursement within that event will be utilized. This will begin by completing the current hand in progress at all tables. Once all hands are complete, the dealer at each table will deal one hand only, then – once the hand is complete – suspend play. This process will continue until enough players have been eliminated to reach the money. During the Hand-for-Hand process, more than one player may be eliminated during the same hand. If two players are eliminated during the same hand at different tables, both players will “tie” for that place finish. If two players are eliminated during the same hand at the same table, the player who began that hand with the highest chip count will receive the higher place finish.
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Tournament Director
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The Tournament Directors decision is final
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The Tournament Director
The Tournament Director, Managers, and Supervisors are to consider the best interest of the game and fairness as the top priority in the decision-making process. Unusual circumstances can on occasion dictate that decisions in the interest of fairness take priority over the technical rules. The Tournament Director reserves the right to overrule any floor decision.
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Floor People
Floor people are to consider the best interest of the game and fairness as the top priority in the decision-making process. Unusual circumstances can on occasion dictate that decisions in the interest of fairness take priority over the technical rules. The floor person's decision is final.
The Tournament Director and nominated officials may impose penalties ranging from a verbal warning, one or more missed hand away from the table up to disqualification and expulsion from the tournament venue.
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A Missed Hand Penalty
A missed-hand penalty will be assessed as follows The offender can miss one hand or one to four rounds of hands away from the table. The offender’s missed hand is counted as part of the round when a penalty is given.
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Player Penalty Exclusion
Players who receive a missed-hand penalty must remain outside the designated Tournament areas for the length of their penalty.
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End of Penalty Period
The player must notify the Tournament staff prior to returning to their seat. Repeat infractions are subject to escalating penalties up to disqualification.
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Record of Penalties
The Tournament Director will maintain a written log of all penalties issued throughout the duration of the tournament.
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Penalty Notice
It should be noted that penalties: may not always be imposed in successive manner. Tournament staff in their sole discretion, for example, can disqualify a person for a first offence if action of player is deemed worthy. Or a player, for example, may forego a warning and be assessed a three round penalty. Players should know any conduct deemed penalty-worthy could result in a wide range of discipline for a first offence.