Poker is a card game where players compete to make the best possible hand from five cards. The highest-ranking hand wins the pot. The game is played using a standard deck of 52 cards and some games include jokers to add more variations.
When a player declares out loud that they are going to take an action (bet, call, fold, raise), they must follow through on that commitment. If a player verbally states they are going to raise, but then decides not to, they are considered to have folded and will not be allowed to raise again in that same betting round. The same is true if they knock on the table, which is considered a pass.
In addition to poker etiquette, there are some unwritten rules that must be followed at the table to ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all of the players. These unwritten rules are referred to as poker rules and they can have a significant impact on the game and atmosphere at the table.
In recent years there has been increasing interest in the creation of a set of official poker rules that can be used globally. The Poker Tournament Directors Association, or TDA, is an organization of professional tournament directors from 63 countries that has been working to standardize the rules of poker. The TDA holds regular meetings every two years where they discuss poker rules and how to enforce them. The TDA has also created an online poker rule book that is updated regularly.