Reference

Table rules.

The rules and manners people actually ask about: raises, all-ins and side pots, showdowns, etiquette, and how tournaments differ. Look something up, then get back to playing.

← The lessons

Betting rules

Most arguments at a table are about betting. These are the rules nearly every game uses.

Going deeper

In no-limit, an all-in that is less than a full raise doesn't reopen the betting for players who already acted. (stack ÷ pot on the flop) is the quick way to plan how much of your stack a hand is worth.

How big does a raise have to be?
At least as big as the last bet or raise. Someone bets $10: you can raise to $20 or more. They raise to $30 (a $20 raise): the next raise must go to at least $50. That's the .
Can the big blind raise before the flop?
Yes. If everyone just calls, the big blind gets the "option" to check or raise.
Is check-raising allowed?
Yes, in almost every game. is a normal, strong play.
What's a 3-bet?
A re-raise before the flop. The big blind is the first bet, the open raise the second, so re-raising it is the . A re-raise of that is a 4-bet.
I threw in one big chip. Is that a call or a raise?
In live games, a single oversized chip without saying "raise" is only a call. Say the amount out loud if you mean to raise.
What's a string bet?
Putting chips in with more than one motion ("I call your ten… and raise twenty"). Only the first part counts. Say "raise" first, or push the whole amount in one go.
What are antes and straddles?
An ante is a small forced bet from every player (common late in tournaments). A straddle is an optional blind raise before the cards, usually twice the big blind, that buys the last say before the flop.

All-ins and side pots

You can always call with all your chips, even when you can't match the whole bet. You just can't win more from anyone than you put in. The extra goes into a .

Side pot builderEveryone is all-in
Main pot$80AnnBenCaraDev
Side pot 1$90BenCaraDev
Side pot 2$60CaraDev

Each player can only win, from each opponent, as much as they put in themselves. The shortest stack can win only the main pot; the side pots are decided among the players who paid into them. Chips no one could match go back to their owner.

I only had $20 and they bet $50. Can I still win?
Yes: you're all-in for $20 and can win the main pot, made of $20 from each player. Anything bet above that is a side pot you're not in.
Who wins which pot?
Side pots are decided first, among the players in them; then the main pot among everyone. The best hand overall may win only the main pot.

Showdown

When the betting ends and more than one player is left, cards are shown and the best five-card hand wins.

Who shows first?
The last player to bet or raise on the river. If everyone checked, the first player left of the button shows first.
Do I have to show if I lose?
No. You can (throw your cards away face down). A mucked hand can't win, so don't muck until you're sure.
What does "cards speak" mean?
Your hand is whatever the cards make, even if you misread it. Always turn both cards face up; the dealer reads the hand.
We have the same hand. Now what?
Compare kickers: the next highest cards in each best five. If all five cards match (for example, the board plays), you . Suits never break ties.
Who gets the odd chip in a split?
The first winning player to the left of the button.

Table manners

Short list, and it applies online too.

Act in turn
Folding or betting before it's your turn gives information away and can change others' decisions. Wait for the action to reach you.
Don't talk about a hand in progress
Even after you fold, saying what you had can help or hurt someone still playing.
Don't slow-roll
If you know you have the winner at showdown, show it. Making someone wait while you hold the best hand is the rudest move in poker.
Keep it moving
Take time on big decisions, not on every one. Here, the turn clock does this for you.
Be kind to new players
Everyone was new once. Explaining a mistake is fine after the hand; lecturing isn't.

Cash games and tournaments

Blindspot Poker plays cash games. Tournaments work differently, and a lot of televised poker is tournaments.

Cash gameTournament
ChipsWorth real (here: play) moneyJust a score; the prizes are fixed
BlindsStay the sameGo up every level, forcing action
Running outRebuy any timeYou're out (unless rebuys are allowed)
LeavingAny time, take your chipsPlay until you bust or the end
Who gets paidWhoever wins each potUsually the top 10–20% of finishers
Going deeper

Near the prize places, chips you could lose are worth more than chips you could win, because busting ends your tournament. The Independent Chip Model (ICM) turns stacks into prize value, which is why good tournament players fold hands near the money that they'd happily play in a cash game.