Rules of Poker

3. Table Layout and Equipment

• 3.1 Poker shall be played at a table having on one side places for seated players and on the opposite side a place for the dealer. Each poker table shall have a drop box attached to it.
• 3.2 The layout cloth covering the poker table may display the name and/or logo of the casino.
• 3.3 The following equipment shall also be used in the game:
  • (a) 1 deck of playing cards; and
  • (b) 1 cutting card.
• 3.4 A drop-slide will be located to the right of the tray bank. The drop-slide on the table shall be used by the dealer to place the rake. If a bonus is in operation for the game, a separate slot slightly in front and to the left of the tray bank will be used. Both the drop-slide and bonus slots go directly into drop boxes.

4. Cards

• 4.1 Poker shall be played with:
  • (a) a full deck of 52 cards without jokers, and one cutting card; or
  • (b) a 40 card deck consisting of ace, king, queen, jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 and 5 in each of spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs and one cutting card; or
  • (c) a 36 card deck consisting of ace, king, queen, jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, and 6 in each of spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs and one cutting card; or
  • (d) a 32 card deck consisting of ace, king, queen, jack, 10, 9, 8 and 7 in each of spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs and one cutting card.
• 4.2 Cards may, at the discretion of a casino supervisor, be changed after any round of play, if for any reason a card or cards become unfit for further use. If all the cards are replaced, the new cards shall be checked, shuffled and cut in accordance with these rules.
• 4.3 A casino supervisor may, at any time, instruct the dealer to check and verify the proper amount of cards.
• 4.4 All suits have the same rank, subject to rule 11.4(d), 12.2(a), 12.3(b), 12.4(b), 12.4(e), 13.2(a), 13.3(b), 13.4(b), 13.4(e), 14.4(e), 15.4(e), 16.5(e), and 17.5(e).

5. Maximum Players

• 5.1 The maximum number of players for a poker game shall be, in the case of:
  • (a) a 52 card game:
    • (i) Draw (Blind) eight,
    • (ii) Five Card Stud ten,
    • (iii) Seven Card Stud eight,
    • (iv) Hold-em ten,
    • (v) Omaha ten;
  • (b) a 40 card game:
    • (i) Draw (Blind) six,
    • (ii) Five Card Stud eight,
    • (iii) Seven Card Stud six;
  • (c) a 36 card game: 
    • Three Card Manila ….nine;
  • (d) a 32 card game:
    • (i) Draw (Blind) five,
    • (ii) Five Card Stud six,
    • (iii) Seven Card Stud four,
    • (iv) Two Card Manila eleven,
    • (v) Three Card Manila seven.

6. The Shuffle and Cut

• 6.1 The cards shall be shuffled so that they are randomly intermixed within the deck:
  • (a) immediately before the start of play; and
  • (b) at the end of each round.
• 6.2 After the cards have been shuffled, the dealer shall cut the cards (once only) and place them on the cutting card. No player ever cuts the cards.
• 6.3 The dealer may at any time check and verify that the deck of cards or any of the decks, as the case may be, contains the correct number of cards.
• 6.4 The casino operator may, after any round of play, direct that the cards be replaced, in which event the new cards shall be checked, shuffled and cut in accordance with this section.

7. Table Stakes and Wagers

• 7.1 Wagers shall only be accepted in chips.
• 7.2 The type of game, minimum buy-in, betting limits and house commission or hourly time charge shall be displayed on a notice at the table.
• 7.3 A poker room supervisor may change any game, minimum buy-in, betting limit and betting type, provided prior notice of at least three hands has been given to the players. In the event that all of the players are in agreement, no notice need be given and changes shall become effective immediately. Changes shall only be made at the completion of a hand.
• 7.4 On commencement of play each player shall place on the table, in full view of the dealer and all players, at least the minimum buy-in required in chips or cash, which shall be immediately converted to chips.
• 7.5 A player shall not augment or reduce his/her table stake during any round of play. A player not in a hand may augment his/her stake, but shall not remove chips from the table.
• 7.6 No onlooker or any player wagering at any table may influence another player's decisions of play.
• 7.7 Except as expressly permitted by these rules, players may not exchange cards, nor exchange, communicate, nor cause to be exchanged or communicated any information regarding their respective hands.
• 7.8 At any time while a game is in progress the casino operator may direct that:
  • (a) only English be spoken by the players at the table;
  • (b) there be silence while a hand is in progress;
  • (c) players suspected of collusion not play at the same table.

8. Commission/Table Charge

• 8.1 The casino operator shall levy a fee at each poker table in the form of a commission. This commission, known as a rake, may be either a straight percentage of the pot, a fee per hand, or a time charge on each player participating in the game. The casino operator shall display a sign detailing the type of commission utilised: straight percentage, hand fee, and/or time charge, and the amount of minimum and maximum permissible rake in dollar terms ("cap").
• 8.2 The casino operator shall use any of the following methods in determining and collecting the commission, at any one time:
  • (a) a commission in the range of 5% to 10% of all sums bet in a hand, shall be collected from the pot and any side pots:
    • (i) the amount to be collected shall be calculated and collected from the pot and any side pots by the dealer during or after the conclusion of a betting round and placed on the drop slide as play progresses, and
    • (ii) upon completion of that round of play, the commission shall be immediately dropped by the dealer into the drop box;
  • (b) a fee per hand dealt pursuant to which:
    • (i) assessments shall be calculated on a "per-hand" basis,
    • (ii) a sign detailing the maximum fee per hand shall be displayed at the table,
    • (iii) per hand charges once assessed shall be placed on the drop slide by the dealer, and
    • (iv) upon completion of that round of play, the per hand fee shall be immediately dropped by the dealer into the drop box;
  • (c) a fee based on time charges pursuant to which:
    • (i) assessments shall be calculated on a "per-table" basis and imposed on a "per-player" basis. Inactive players shall also be assessed,
    • (ii) time charges shall be expressed as an hourly fee, based on the particular limits at a game. The hourly fee shall be payable in advance,
    • (iii) a sign detailing the maximum hourly fee per player shall be displayed at the table,
    • (iv) time charges once assessed shall be placed on the drop slide by the dealer, and
    • (v) upon verification by a poker room supervisor of the time charges collected, they shall be immediately dropped by the dealer into the drop box.
• 8.3 A poker room supervisor may vary the method and amount of commission to be charged for a game prior to the commencement of a hand provided that the table signs are changed.
• 8.4 A poker room supervisor may vary the method and amount of commission to be charged for a game so that nil commission is collected.
• 8.5 For the purpose of calculating a percentage commission, an uncalled wager shall not form part of the pot.
• 8.6 In games where the only bets are blind bets no percentage commission (as in rule 8.2) shall be collected.
• 8.7 Once the amount of commission collected by the dealer has reached the cap no additional commission shall be collected.
• 8.8 Where two or more players hold hands of equal value at the showdown and have wagered and contested for the pot for the duration of the round of play and no other players have contributed to the pot, no percentage commission shall be deducted.

9. Order of Poker Hand Values

• 9.1 The value of each card in descending order for a 52 card deck is ace, king, queen, jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 (ace, when used in a small straight). The order is as follows:
  • (a) Royal Flush ace, king, queen, jack, 10 of the same suit, no suit is deemed higher than any other suit;
  • (b) Straight Flush five cards of the same suit in numerical sequence. The highest card in the hand designates the relative value of the straight flush. No suit is deemed higher than any other suit;
  • (c) Four of a Kind four cards of the same rank;
  • (d) Full House three cards of the same rank combined with a pair of another rank. The value of the three cards has priority over the pair in comparing hands;
  • (e) Flush five cards of the same suit. The highest card in the suit designates the relative value of the flush, followed by the next highest, and so on in descending order of rank. No suit is deemed higher than any other suit;
  • (f) Straight five cards in numerical sequence - the highest card in the sequence designates the relative value of the straight. An ace may count high or low in a straight e.g. 5, 4, 3, 2, ace or ace, king, queen, jack,10;
  • (g) Three of a Kind three cards of the same rank, with any two unmatched cards;
  • (h) Two Pair two cards of the same rank combined with two cards of another rank, plus one other card. The highest pair has priority when comparing hands. If the high pairs are the same, then the low pairs are compared, and then the remaining card;
  • (i) One Pair two cards of the same rank, combined with three unmatched cards. A higher pair beats a lower pair. If the pairs are the same, the remaining three cards are compared, beginning with the highest, then in descending order of rank;
  • (j) No Pair five unmatched cards, the highest card in the hand, designates the relative value of the hand, followed by the next highest, and so on in descending order of rank; and
  • (k) Lowhand Values for the purpose of determining winning hands in low poker the reverse order of ranking shall apply. Flushes and straights shall not disqualify a low hand. The highest card used in the hand designates the relative value of the low hand, e.g. if 7, 5, 4, 3, 2 versus 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, then the latter is the winning low hand.

   

40 Card Deck, 36 card deck, and 32 card deck

• 9.2 The value of each card in descending order for a:
  • (a) 40 card deck is ace, king, queen, jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, (ace, when used in a small straight);
  • (b) 36 card deck is ace, king, queen, jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, (ace, when used in a small straight); and
  • (c) 32 card deck is ace, king, queen, jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, (ace, when used in a small straight).
• 9.3 The order of poker hand values for a 40 card deck, a 36 card deck, and a 32 card deck is:
  • (a) Royal Flush ace, king, queen, jack, 10 of the same suit;
  • (b) Straight Flush five cards of the same suit in numerical sequence. The highest card in the hand designates the relative value of the straight flush. No suit is deemed higher than any other suit;
  • (c) Four of a Kind four cards of the same rank;
  • (d) Flush five cards of the same suit. The highest card in the suit designates the relative value of the flush, followed by the next highest, and so on in descending order of rank. No suit is deemed higher than any other suit;
  • (e) Full House three cards of the same rank combined with a pair of another rank. The value of the three cards has priority over the pair in comparing hands;
  • (f) Straight five cards in numerical sequence - the highest card in the sequence designates the relative value of the straight. An ace may count high or low in a straight e.g. 8, 7, 6, 5, ace or ace, king, queen, jack, 10;
  • (g) Three of a Kind three cards of the same rank, with any two unmatched cards;
  • (h) Two Pair two cards of the same rank combined with two cards of another rank, plus one other card. The highest pair has priority when comparing hands. If the high pairs are the same, then the low pairs are compared, and then the remaining card;
  • (i) One Pair two cards of the same rank, combined with three unmatched cards. A higher pair beats a lower pair. If the pairs are the same, the remaining three cards are compared, beginning with the highest, then in descending order of rank; and
  • (j) No Pair five unmatched cards, the highest card in the hand, designates the relative value of the hand, followed by the next highest, and so on in descending order of rank.

11. Draw

• 11.1 The initial deal is as follows:
  • (a) players shall have a choice of seat. In the event of two or more players desiring the same seat a draw of cards shall decide seating positions. When a player leaves the game the remaining active players have priority over any player waiting to join the game, to move to the vacated playing position
  • (b) the dealer button shall indicate the designated player, who shall receive the last card in each round of play. The player to the immediate right of the dealer shall receive the button for the first round of play. The button shall be passed in a clockwise direction around the table at the conclusion of each round of play;
  • (c) prior to the first card being dealt, blinds shall be placed by the requisite players:
    • (i) the player on the immediate left of the designated player shall place the first blind bet,
    • (ii) the player on the immediate left of the first blind shall place the second blind bet and so on until all compulsory blind bets have been placed,
    • (iii) the number of compulsory blind bets required shall be displayed on a sign at the table, and
    • (iv) the player seated on the immediate left of the last compulsory blind bet shall have the option of placing one voluntary blind bet know as an "over blind" which shall be double the last blind bet;
  • (d) the dealer shall deal to each player, in a clockwise direction, commencing with the player to the immediate left of the button, one card at a time face down until each player receives five cards.
• 11.2 The first round of betting is as follows:
  • (a) after the initial deal, players in a clockwise direction commencing with the first player left of the last blind shall:
    • (i) call,
    • (ii) raise, or
    • (iii) fold;
  • (b) should the player designated in sub-paragraph (a) fold, the option to open the betting or fold shall pass to the next player in a clockwise direction;
  • (c) subsequent players in order shall call, raise or fold until:
    • (i) only one player remains in the game, this player shall win the pot, or
    • (ii) two or more players remain in the game.
• 11.3 The draw is as follows:
  • (a) if two or more players remain in the game each active player in a clockwise direction commencing with the first player to the immediate left of the button, shall discard any or all of the cards in his/her hand, announce the total number of cards to be replaced, pass those cards face down to the dealer and immediately receive an identical number of replacement cards, dealt face down from the top of the deck; and
  • (b) if more cards are required to complete a player's draw after the last card is dealt, only the previous discards (not including that player and subsequent player's discards) shall be shuffled, cut and used to complete the draw.
• 11.4 The final round of betting is as follows:
  • (a) after the draw the opener (first active player left of the last blind) shall open the betting, check or fold;
  • (b) players in a clockwise direction from the opener, shall call, raise or fold until:
    • (i) only one player remains in the game, this player shall win the pot, or
    • (ii) two or more players remain in the game;
  • (c) if two or more players remain in the game, the player being called shall then expose his/her cards. All remaining players shall, if holding a hand of equal or higher value, expose their cards. Any player at the table may request to see any or all hands involved in the final showdown. The dealer shall then announce the winning hand or hands. The winning hand shall be the highest ranking five card poker hand;
  • (d) when two or more players hold winning hands of equal value, the pot or pots shall be divided equally to the lowest chip denomination in play at the table. If in the event that, after the pot or pots have been divided, there is an amount remaining that cannot be equally divided among the players in contention for the pot or pots, then the amount remaining shall be given to the hand containing the highest card by suit. The rank of suits, highest to lowest, is spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs; and
  • (e) the pot shall not be divided by the agreement of two or more players. Each hand shall be played to a conclusion.
• 11.5 The rules for minimum and maximum wagers are as follows:
  • (a) the minimum and maximum wagers permitted shall be shown on a notice at the table;
  • (b) the last compulsory blind bet shall be at least equal to the table minimum for the first round of betting;
  • (c) should a voluntary blind bet be placed, it shall be double the value of the last compulsory blind bet placed;
  • (d) a raise shall be within the table limits and shall not be less than any previous bet or raise in that round, except in the event of a player tapping out;
  • (e) where a betting limit is specified in terms of a ratio to the pot (half pot or full pot) and a player wishes to raise, the amount required for a player to call shall be included in the pot before the betting limit is calculated;
  • (f) where the game is spread limit, each bet or raise of the first player to act shall be at least equal to the betting minimum or, if action has been taken, each bet or raise shall be at least equal to the last bet or raise, but a player may raise up to the betting maximum; and
  • (g) in all games where the betting limit is expressed in terms of a ratio to the pot, or specified no limit, there shall be no limit to the number of raises permitted. In all other cases there shall be a limit of three raises in a betting round, unless the betting is head to head, in which case there shall be no limit to the number of raises.

12. Five Card Stud

• 12.1 The initial deal is as follows:
  • (a) players shall have a choice of seat. In the event of two or more players desiring the same seat a draw of cards shall decide seating positions. When a player leaves the game the remaining active players have priority over any player waiting to join the game, to move to the vacated playing position;
  • (b) prior to the cards being cut, all players shall be required to place an ante;
  • (c) the dealer shall deal to each player, in a clockwise direction, commencing with the player to the immediate left of the dealer, one card face down then one card face up.
• 12.2 The first round of betting is as follows:
  • (a) after the initial deal, the player with the lowest up card shall place a bet not less than the table minimum. If two or more players have up cards of equal rank then the player with the lowest card by rank of suit shall open the betting. The rank of suits, highest to lowest, is spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs;
  • (b) subsequent players in order shall call, raise or fold until:
    • (i) only one player remains in the game, this player shall win the pot, or
    • (ii) two or more players remain in the game.
• 12.3 The second and third rounds of betting are as follows:
  • (a) if two or more players remain in the game the dealer shall burn a card before the start of the dealing round and deal to each active player in sequence a card face up;
  • (b) the player with the highest value hand showing shall open the betting, check or fold. If two or more players have up cards of equal rank then the player with the highest card by rank of suit shall open the betting. The rank of suits, highest to lowest, is spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs;
  • (c) players in a clockwise direction from the opener, shall call, raise or fold until:
    • (i) only one player remains in the game, this player shall win the pot, or
    • (ii) two or more players remain in the game.
• 12.4 The final round of betting is as follows:
  • (a) if two or more players remain in the game the dealer shall burn a card before the start of the dealing round and deal each active player in sequence a card face up. If there are insufficient cards remaining, the dealer shall either shuffle the burns and the remaining undealt cards or if the total including burns shall be insufficient to complete the deal, the dealer shall burn a card and deal a community card face up;
  • (b) the player with the highest value hand showing, not including the community card, shall open the betting, check or fold. If two or more players have up cards of equal rank then the player with the highest card by rank of suit shall open the betting. The rank of suits, highest to lowest, is spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs;
  • (c) players in a clockwise direction from the opener, shall call, raise or fold until:
    • (i) only one player remains in the game, this player shall win the pot, or
    • (ii) two or more players remain in the game;
  • (d) if two or more players remain in the game, the player being called shall then expose his/her hole card. All remaining players shall, if holding a hand of equal or higher value, expose their hole card. Any player at the table may request to see any or all hands involved in the final showdown. The dealer shall then announce the winning hand or hands. The winning hand shall be the highest ranking five card poker hand, which, in some instances, may include a community card pursuant to sub-paragraph (a);
  • (e) when two or more players hold winning hands of equal value, the pot or pots shall be divided equally to the lowest chip denomination in play at the table. If in the event that, after the pot or pots have been divided, there is an amount remaining that cannot be equally divided amount the players in contention for the pot or pots, then the amount remaining shall be given to the hand containing the highest card by suit. The rank of suits, highest to lowest, is spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs;
  • (f) the pot shall not be divided by the agreement of two or more players. Each hand shall be played to a conclusion.
• 12.5 The rules for minimum and maximum wagers are as follows:
  • (a) the minimum and maximum wagers permitted shall be shown on a notice at the table;
  • (b) a raise shall be within the table limits and shall not be less than any previous bet or raise in that round, except in the event of a player tapping out;
  • (c) where a betting limit is specified in terms of a ratio to the pot (half pot or full pot) and a player wishes to raise, the amount required for a player to call shall be included in the pot before the betting limit is calculated;
  • (d) where the game is spread limit, each bet or raise shall be at least equal to the betting minimum, if first to act, or equal to the last bet or raise, if action has been taken, but a player may raise up to the betting maximum;
  • (e) in all games where the betting limit is expressed in terms of a ratio to the pot, or specified no limit, there shall be no limit to the number of raises permitted. In all other cases there shall be a limit of three raises in a betting round, unless the betting is head to head, then there shall be no limit to the number of raises.

13. Seven Card Stud

• 13.1 The initial deal is as follows:
  • (a) players shall have a choice of seat. In the event of two or more players desiring the same seat a draw of cards shall decide seating positions. When a player leaves the game the remaining active players have priority over any player waiting to join the game, to move to the vacated playing position;
  • (b) prior to the cards being cut, all players shall be required to place an ante;
  • (c) the dealer shall deal to each player, in a clockwise direction, commencing with the player to the immediate left of the dealer, one card face downward continuing this deal until each player receives two cards. The dealer shall then continue in the same sequence and deal each player one card face up.
• 13.2 The first round of betting is as follows:
  • (a) after the initial deal, the player with the lowest up card shall place a bet not less than the table minimum. If two or more players have up cards of equal rank then the player with the lowest card by rank of suit shall open the betting. The rank of suits, highest to lowest, is spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs;
  • (b) subsequent players in order shall call, raise or fold until:
    • (i) only one player remains in the game, this player shall win the pot, or
    • (ii) two or more players remain in the game.
• 13.3 The second, third and fourth rounds of betting are as follows:
  • (a) if two or more players remain in the game the dealer shall burn a card before the start of the dealing round and deal to each active player in sequence a card face up;
  • (b) the player with the highest value hand showing shall open the betting, check or fold. If two or more players have up cards of equal rank then the player with the highest card by rank of suit shall open the betting. The rank of suits, highest to lowest, is spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs;
  • (c) players in a clockwise direction from the opener, shall call, raise or fold until:
    • (i) only one player remains in the game, this player shall win the pot, or
    • (ii) two or more players remain in the game.
• 13.4 The final round of betting is as follows:
  • (a) if two or more players remain in the game the dealer shall burn a card before the start of the dealing round and deal each active player in sequence their seventh card face down. If there are insufficient cards remaining, the dealer shall either shuffle the burns and the remaining undealt cards or if the total including burns shall be insufficient to complete the deal, the dealer shall burn a card and deal a community card face up;
  • (b) the player with the highest value hand showing, not including the community card, shall open the betting, check or fold. If two or more players have up cards of equal rank then the player with the highest card by rank of suit shall open the betting. The rank of suits, highest to lowest, is spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs;
  • (c) players in a clockwise direction from the opener, shall call, raise or fold until:
    • (i) only one player remains in the game, this player shall win the pot, or
    • (ii) two or more players remain in the game;
  • (d) if two or more players remain in the game, the player being called shall then expose his/her cards. All remaining players shall, if holding a hand of equal or higher value, expose their cards. Any player at the table may request to see any or all hands involved in the final showdown. The dealer shall then announce the winning hand or hands. The winning hand shall be the highest ranking five card poker hand consisting of any combination of the player's seven cards, which, in some instances, may include a community card pursuant to sub-paragraph (a);
  • (e) when two or more players hold winning hands of equal value, the pot or pots shall be divided equally to the lowest chip denomination in play at the table. If in the event that, after the pot or pots have been divided, there is an amount remaining that cannot be equally divided among the players in contention for the pot or pots, then the amount remaining shall be given to the hand containing the highest card by suit. The rank of suits, highest to lowest, is spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs;
  • (f) the pot shall not be divided by the agreement of two or more players. Each hand shall be played to a conclusion.
• 13.5 The rules for minimum and maximum wagers are as follows:
  • (a) the minimum and maximum wagers permitted shall be shown on a notice at the table;
  • (b) a raise shall be within the table limits and shall not be less than any previous bet or raise in that round, except in the event of a player tapping out;
  • (c) where a betting limit is specified in terms of a ratio to the pot (half pot or full pot) and a player wishes to raise, the amount required for a player to call shall be included in the pot before the betting limit is calculated;
  • (d) where the game is spread limit, each bet or raise shall be at least equal to the betting minimum, if first to act, or equal to the last bet or raise, if action has been taken, but a player may raise up to the betting maximum;
  • (e) in all games where the betting limit is expressed in terms of a ratio to the pot, or specified no limit, there shall be no limit to the number of raises permitted. In all other cases there shall be a limit of three raises in a betting round, unless the betting is head to head, then there shall be no limit to the number of raises.

14. Two Card Manila

• 14.1 The initial deal is as follows:
  • (a) players shall have a choice of seat. In the event of two or more players desiring the same seat a draw of cards shall decide seating positions. When a player leaves the game the remaining active players have priority over any player waiting to join the game, to move to the vacated playing position;
  • (b) the dealer button shall indicate the designated player, who shall receive the last card in each round of play. The player to the immediate right of the dealer shall receive the button for the first round of play. The button shall be passed in a clockwise direction around the table at the conclusion of each round of play;
  • (c) prior to the first card being dealt, blinds shall be placed by the requisite players:
    • (i) the player on the immediate left of the designated player shall place the first blind bet,
    • (ii) the player on the immediate left of the first blind shall place the second blind bet and so on until all compulsory blind bets have been placed,
    • (iii) the number of compulsory blind bets required shall be displayed on a sign at the table;
  • (d) the dealer shall deal to each player, in a clockwise direction commencing with the player to the immediate left of the button, one card at a time face down until each player receives two cards. The dealer shall then deal a community card. (This is the first of a possible five community cards to be dealt). Community cards shall always be dealt face up.
• 14.2 The first round of betting is as follows:
  • (a) after the initial deal, players in a clockwise direction commencing with the first player left of the last blind shall:
    • (i) call,
    • (ii) raise, or
    • (iii) fold;
  • (b) should the player designated in sub-paragraph (a) fold, the option to open the betting or fold shall pass to the next player in a clockwise direction;
  • (c) subsequent players in order shall call, raise or fold until:
    • (i) only one player remains in the game, this player shall win the pot, or
    • (ii) two or more players remain in the game.
• 14.3 The second, third and fourth rounds of betting are as follows:
  • (a) if two or more players remain in the game the dealer shall burn a card before dealing a community card;
  • (b) players in a clockwise direction commencing with the first player to the immediate left of the button shall open the betting, check or fold;
  • (c) players in a clockwise direction from the opener, shall call, raise or fold until:
    • (i) only one player remains in the game, this player shall win the pot, or
    • (ii) two or more players remain in the game.
• 14.4 The final round of betting is as follows:
  • (a) if two or more players remain in the game the dealer shall burn a card before dealing the fifth and final community card;
  • (b) players in a clockwise direction commencing with the first player to the immediate left of the button shall open the betting, check or fold;
  • (c) players in a clockwise direction from the opener, shall call, raise or fold until:
    • (i) only one player remains in the game, this player shall win the pot, or
    • (ii) two or more players remain in the game;
  • (d) if two or more players remain in the game, the player being called shall then expose his/her cards. All remaining players shall, if holding a hand of equal or higher value, expose their cards. The winning hand shall be the highest ranking five card hand consisting of the player's two hole cards and three community cards. Any player at the table may request to see any or all hands involved in the final showdown. The dealer shall then announce the winning hand or hands;
  • (e) when two or more players hold winning hands of equal value, the pot or pots shall be divided equally to the lowest chip denomination in play at the table. If in the event that, after the pot or pots have been divided, there is an amount remaining that cannot be equally divided among the players in contention for the pot or pots, then the amount remaining shall be given to the player with the highest card by suit in his/her hole cards. The rank of suits, highest to lowest, is spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs;
  • (f) the pot shall not be divided by the agreement of two or more players. Each hand shall be played to a conclusion.
• 14.5 The rules for minimum and maximum wagers are as follows:
  • (a) the minimum and maximum wagers permitted shall be shown on a notice at the table;
  • (b) the last compulsory blind bet shall be at least equal to the table minimum for the first round of betting;
  • (c) a raise shall be within the table limits and shall not be less than any previous bet or raise in that round, except in the event of a player tapping out;
  • (d) where a betting limit is specified in terms of a ratio to the pot (half pot or full pot) and a player wishes to raise, the amount required for a player to call shall be included in the pot before the betting limit is calculated;
  • (e) where the game is spread limit, each bet or raise shall be at least equal to the betting minimum, if first to act, or equal to the last bet or raise, if action has been taken, but a player may raise up to the betting maximum;
  • (f) in all games where the betting limit is expressed in terms of a ratio to the pot, or specified no limit, there shall be no limit to the number of raises permitted. In all other cases there shall be a limit of three raises in a betting round, unless the betting is head to head, then there shall be no limit to the number of raises.

15. Three Card Manila

• 15.1 The initial deal is as follows:
  • (a) players shall have a choice of seat. In the event of two or more players desiring the same seat a draw of cards shall decide seating positions. When a player leaves the game the remaining active players have priority over any player waiting to join the game, to move to the vacated playing position;
  • (b) the dealer button shall indicate the designated player, who shall receive the last card in each round of play. The player to the immediate right of the dealer shall receive the button for the first round of play. The button shall be passed in a clockwise direction around the table at the conclusion of each round of play;
  • (c) prior to the first card being dealt, blinds shall be placed by the requisite players:
    • (i) the player on the immediate left of the designated player shall place the first blind bet,
    • (ii) the player on the immediate left of the first blind shall place the second blind bet and so on until all compulsory blind bets have been placed,
    • (iii) the number of compulsory blind bets required shall be displayed on a sign at the table;
  • (d) the dealer shall deal to each player, in a clockwise direction commencing with the player to the immediate left of the button, one card at a time face down until each player receives three cards. The dealer shall then deal a community card. (This is the first of a possible five community cards to be dealt). Community cards shall always be dealt face up.
• 15.2 The first round of betting is as follows:
  • (a) after the initial deal, players in a clockwise direction commencing with the first player left of the last blind shall:
    • (i) call,
    • (ii) raise, or
    • (iii) fold;
  • (b) should the player designated in sub-paragraph (a) fold, the option to open the betting or fold shall pass to the next player in a clockwise direction;
  • (c) subsequent players in order shall call, raise or fold until:
    • (i) only one player remains in the game, this player shall win the pot, or
    • (ii) two or more players remain in the game.
• 15.3 The second, third and fourth rounds of betting are as follows:
  • (a) if two or more players remain in the game the dealer shall burn a card before dealing a community card;
  • (b) players in a clockwise direction commencing with the first player to the immediate left of the button shall open the betting, check or fold;
  • (c) players in a clockwise direction from the opener, shall call, raise or fold until:
    • (i) only one player remains in the game, this player shall win the pot, or
    • (ii) two or more players remain in the game.
• 15.4 The final round of betting is as follows:
  • (a) if two or more players remain in the game the dealer shall burn a card before dealing the fifth and final community card;
  • (b) players in a clockwise direction commencing with the first player to the immediate left of the button shall open the betting, check or fold;
  • (c) players in a clockwise direction from the opener, shall call, raise or fold until:
    • (i) only one player remains in the game, this player shall win the pot, or
    • (ii) two or more players remain in the game;
  • (d) if two or more players remain in the game, the player being called shall then expose his/her cards. All remaining players shall, if holding a hand of equal or higher value, expose their cards. The winning hand shall be the highest ranking five card hand consisting of two of the player's three hole cards and three community cards. Any player at the table may request to see any or all hands involved in the final showdown. The dealer shall then announce the winning hand or hands;
  • (e) when two or more players hold winning hands of equal value, the pot or pots shall be divided equally to the lowest chip denomination in play at the table. If in the event that, after the pot or pots have been divided, there is an amount remaining that cannot be equally divided among the players in contention for the pot or pots, then the amount remaining shall be given to the player with the highest card by suit in his/her hole cards used to complete the winning hand. The rank of suits, highest to lowest, is spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs;
  • (f) the pot shall not be divided by the agreement of two or more players. Each hand shall be played to a conclusion.

17. Omaha

• 17.1 The initial deal is as follows:
  • (a) players shall have a choice of seat. In the event of two or more players desiring the same seat a draw of cards shall decide seating positions. When a player leaves the game the remaining active players have priority over any player waiting to join the game, to move to the vacated playing position;
  • (b) the dealer button shall indicate the designated player, who shall receive the last card in each round of play. The player to the immediate right of the dealer shall receive the button for the first round of play. The button shall be passed in a clockwise direction around the table at the conclusion of each round of play;
  • (c) prior to the first card being dealt, blinds shall be placed by the requisite players:
    • (i) the player on the immediate left of the designated player shall place the first blind bet,
    • (ii) the player on the immediate left of the first blind shall place the second blind bet and so on until all compulsory blind bets have been placed,
    • (iii) the number of compulsory blind bets required shall be displayed on a sign at the table;
  • (d) the dealer shall deal to each player, in a clockwise direction commencing with the player to the immediate left of the button, one card at a time face down until each player receives four cards.
• 17.2 The first round of betting is as follows:
  • (a) after the initial deal, players in a clockwise direction commencing with the first player left of the last blind shall:
    • (i) call,
    • (ii) raise, or
    • (iii) fold;
  • (b) should the player designated in sub-paragraph (a) fold, the option to open the betting or fold shall pass to the next player in a clockwise direction;
  • (c) subsequent players in order shall call, raise or fold until:
    • (i) only one player remains in the game, this player shall win the pot, or
    • (ii) two or more players remain in the game.
• 17.3 The second round of betting is as follows:
  • (a) if two or more players remain in the game the dealer shall burn a card before the start of the dealing round and deal three community cards (these are the first three cards of a possible five community cards). These first three cards shall be called the flop and are dealt one at a time face down and then turned face up in a pile and spread;
  • (b) players in a clockwise direction commencing with the first player to the immediate left of the button shall open the betting, check or fold;
  • (c) players in a clockwise direction from the opener, shall call, raise or fold until:
    • (i) only one player remains in the game, this player shall win the pot, or
    • (ii) two or more players remain in the game.
• 17.4 The third round of betting is as follows:
  • (a) if two or more players remain in the game the dealer shall burn a card before dealing the fourth community card;
  • (b) players in a clockwise direction commencing with the first player to the immediate left of the button shall open the betting, check or fold;
  • (c) players in a clockwise direction from the opener, shall call, raise or fold until:
    • (i) only one player remains in the game, this player shall win the pot, or
    • (ii) two or more players remain in the game.
• 17.5 The final round of betting is as follows:
  • (a) if two or more players remain in the game the dealer shall burn a card before dealing the fifth and final community card;
  • (b) players in a clockwise direction commencing with the first player to the immediate left of the button shall open the betting, check or fold;
  • (c) players in a clockwise direction from the opener, shall call, raise or fold until:
    • (i) only one player remains in the game, this player shall win the pot, or
    • (ii) two or more players remain in the game;
  • (d) if two or more players remain in the game, the player being called shall then expose his/her cards. All remaining players shall, if holding a hand of equal or higher value, expose their cards. The winning hand shall be the highest ranking five card hand consisting of two of the player's four hole cards and three community cards. Any player at the table may request to see any or all hands involved in the final showdown. The dealer shall then announce the winning hand or hands;
  • (e) when two or more players hold winning hands of equal value, the pot or pots shall be divided equally to the lowest chip denomination in play at the table. If in the event that, after the pot or pots have been divided, there is an amount remaining that cannot be equally divided among the players in contention for the pot or pots, then the amount remaining shall be given to the player with the highest card by suit in his/her hole cards used to complete the winning hand. The rank of suits, highest to lowest, is spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs;
  • (f) the pot shall not be divided by the agreement of two or more players. Each hand shall be played to a conclusion.
• 17.6 The rules for minimum and maximum wagers are as follows:
  • (a) the minimum and maximum wagers permitted shall be shown on a notice at the table;
  • (b) the last compulsory blind bet shall be at least equal to the table minimum for the first round of betting;
  • (c) a raise shall be within the table limits and shall not be less than any previous bet or raise in that round, except in the event of a player tapping out;
  • (d) where a betting limit is specified in terms of a ratio to the pot (half pot or full pot) and a player wishes to raise, the amount required for a player to call shall be included in the pot before the betting limit is calculated;
  • (e) where the game is spread limit, each bet or raise shall be at least equal to the betting minimum, if first to act, or equal to the last bet or raise, if action has been taken, but a player may raise up to the betting maximum;
  • (f) in all games where the betting limit is expressed in terms of a ratio to the pot, or specified no limit, there shall be no limit to the number of raises permitted. In all other cases there shall be a limit of three raises in a betting round, unless the betting is head to head, then there shall be no limit to the number of raises.