Poker House Rules

Every home or casino has it's own unique house rules besides the general rules. The house rules have to be announced to the players before the game and everyone has to follow them. Sometimes there are different rules for cash games and tournaments. If you don't want to follow the house rules, you should not play at that house/casino.

It is always a good idea to print your house tourney/cash rules and either put them at your bulletin board or have everyone read it.

 Poker Night

Following is a guide to home poker rules that I enforce in my own house games:

  • Smoking is not allowed at the table.
  • No spilling drinks. If you spill your drink once, you are banned from any more drinking at the table.
  • The house has the final word over any confusion during the hands.
  • The house can remove anyone from the game in case the players break any of the rules.
  • Anyone caught cheating will be asked to leave the house and they will not get paid out.
  • Keep your cards in front of your chips at all times.
  • Your bet is your first announcement. If you announce $30 raise and put $50, you have to take $20 back.
  • Do not under any circumstances handle/touch other people chips or cards.
  • Only one player to a hand
  • Conduct all the Poker Etiquette.
  • No rabbit hunting.
  • English only at the table.
  • The dead button rule will be applied.
  • Keep your larger denomination chips in front of your stack so everyone can see them.
  • No firearms.
  • No use of illegal substances.
  • Do not act out of turn.
  • Do not say the possibilities on the flop until the hand is over. (For example if there is a one card straight, don't bring it up until the hand is over).
  • If you are in a showdown and you have to show your cards, flip both of them, not just the one that wins you the hand. Basically don't slow roll.

Cash Game Exclusive Rules

  • One person, usually the host, handles all the buy-ins and payouts. That is one person only.
  • The buy-ins have to be multiples of $5. Depending on the level of your cash game this can change.
  • Everyone has to buy-in with cash or money orders only. No bank checks, or paychecks accepted.
  • Every player has to call half an hour before he leaves. No exceptions.

Following are two poker house rules hand outs for your games:

Last updated - May 28, 2007