Regardless of whether you’re playing in a card room or a casino, following the rules of poker is essential. In general, players should not reveal which hand they are holding or what cards they hold. In addition, they should not ask for advice about the strength of their hand. While it’s common to receive advice from other players, it’s actually against the rules of the game. Instead, it’s best to play each hand individually.

The professional Tournament Directors Association, also known as the TDA, manages the rules. The organization was founded in 2001 by poker professionals Matt Savage, Linda Johnson, and David Lamb, and has since grown to include more than 2,500 members from 63 countries. Its members include managers of large live poker rooms and circuits as well as independent tournaments. Its members include WSOP Tournament Director Jack Effel.

As a player, you can learn the unwritten rules of poker and improve the atmosphere at the table. For example, you can avoid angle shooting, an unethical move that can be detrimental to the game’s outcome. In poker, angle shooting can take many forms. Although it’s still considered unethical, it has entered a gray area.

In addition to the official rules, you should also consider the house rules when playing. These can include non-standard poker hands. These are made by the house, and typically appear in games where wild cards are used. They’re also known as freak hands or special hands. These hands vary greatly, so it’s important to check the rules of the game before playing.