Player Rules & Policies are aligned with TDA Guidelines and 2025 Updates.

1. Player Responsibilities

• Know the rules: Players must understand both the TDA and house rules.

• Protect your hand: Guard your cards to avoid fouls like accidental mucking.

• Act in turn: Acting out of turn may lead to penalties.

• Keep cards visible: Hole cards must remain above the table and in view.

• One player to a hand: No advice or discussion of live hands is allowed.

• Inform staff of offensive behavior: Report any discriminatory or offensive conduct to the tournament house. Poker Tournament Directors Association

2. Fair Play & Conduct

• Respect all participants: No abuse or disruptive behavior is permitted.

• English-only rule may apply when a hand is live if mandated.

• No devices at the table: Phones or electronic devices must not rest on the table; players with live hands may not use them. Betting apps and strategy tools are strictly prohibited.

• No stalling: Deliberate slow play may result in penalties.

• Face visibility: Players must remain clearly identifiable; sunglasses, hoodies, or masks may be required to be removed.

3. Betting Rules

• Verbal declarations are binding: Terms like “call,” “raise,” or “all-in” must be honored.

• Chips must remain in play: Taking chips off play is not allowed.

• Clear bets: Place chips cleanly across the betting line to avoid confusion.

• No string bets: Bets must be made in one motion or verbally declared.

4. Showdown Rules

• Cards speak: The hand you show is what counts, regardless of what you say.

• All-in showdowns are tabled face-up completely.

• No rabbit hunting: Revealing what cards would have come next after the hand ends is prohibited.

5. Tournament Integrity

• Chips are tournament property and may not be shared, sold, or transferred.

• One player per seat: Collusion, ghosting, or chip dumping is forbidden.

• Stay seated: Players must remain in their assigned seats unless officially moved.

6. 2025 TDA-Specific Updates

• Big Blind Ante Format: When using a single-player ante, the big blind ante format with big-blind-first calculation is preferred. Antes must remain constant throughout the tournament, even at final tables.

• Electronic Devices: Phones and other electronic devices may not be on the table, and players with live hands cannot use them. Betting apps and strategy tools are banned.

• Player Identity: Players must be clearly identifiable at all times. Staff may ask players to remove any item that obscures identity (e.g., sunglasses, hoodies, masks).

• Rule Enforcement (Penalties): A structured penalty system is now in place. Infractions may lead to verbal warnings, dead hands, or even disqualification.

7. TDA Procedures

• The Tournament Director (TD) has final authority in disputes and may use rulings in the best interest of the game. Poker Tournament Directors Association

• TDA membership, rule translations, and full rule documentation can be accessed via their forums or official site. Poker Tournament Directors Association+1

8. Player Code of Conduct

• ⁠  ⁠Respect for dealers, staff, and other players.

• ⁠  ⁠No abusive language, gestures, or harassment.

• ⁠  ⁠No collusion, chip dumping, or soft play.

• ⁠  ⁠No disruptive behavior (e.g., excessive slow-rolling, unnecessary tanking).

9. Tournament Rules & Regulations

• ⁠  ⁠Adherence to *TDA (Tournament Directors Association)* or customized house rules.

• ⁠  ⁠Clear policies on:

  * Blind structure

  * Late registration & re-entry

  * Breaks and dinner intervals

  * Time bank and shot clock usage

  * Minimum age requirement (18+ or local legal age)

  * Use of smart watches & mobile devices at the table

10. Dispute Resolution Policy

• ⁠  ⁠Players must first raise disputes with the floor manager.

• ⁠  ⁠Final decision rests with the Tournament Director.

• ⁠  ⁠Appeal process is not allowed once a final ruling is made unless it breaches stated policies.

11. Buy-In, Payout & Tax Policy

• ⁠  ⁠Buy-in and service fee transparency.

• ⁠  ⁠Payout percentages (e.g., top 12–15%).

• ⁠ Minimum Payout and Rounding Policy: All prize payouts shall be made in the official currency used at the series venue. Amounts involving coins or fractional currency units shall be rounded down to the nearest whole currency unit. No coins or fractional amounts will be issued.

• ⁠  ⁠Foreign player tax handling (e.g., 5–10% tax withheld, with declaration forms if needed).

12. Anti-Cheating & Surveillance Policy

• ⁠  ⁠Full-time surveillance in place.

• ⁠  ⁠Cheating, use of unauthorized devices, or outside assistance will lead to disqualification and lifetime ban.

13. Refund & Cancellation Policy

• ⁠  ⁠What happens if a player cancels after registration.

• ⁠  ⁠Policy if an event is canceled due to venue, regulatory, or force majeure reasons.

14. Player Image & Media Release

• ⁠  ⁠Agreement that players may appear on livestreams or promotional materials.

• ⁠  ⁠Option to opt out for non-feature tables if privacy is requested in advance.

15. Livestream Feature Table Policy

• ⁠ Headphones, mobile phones, and smart watch may be restricted.

• ⁠  ⁠Delays of 20–30 minutes with RFID or overhead cameras.

• ⁠  ⁠Behavior expectations while on camera.

16. Chip Race & Color Up Policy

• ⁠  ⁠Chips removed during color-ups follow standard procedures.

• ⁠  ⁠Players must be present or have a stack properly maintained.

17. Responsible Gaming & Self-Exclusion Policy

• ⁠  ⁠Players may request temporary bans or self-exclusion.

• ⁠  ⁠Staff may intervene if a player appears intoxicated or distressed.