Poker is an international game and there are many different rules regarding how to play it. A famous poker player in the Netherlands, Marcel Luske, created the International Poker Federation, which developed a set of rules in 2008. These rules are available online and are free to download. They help to ensure that poker is played the same way around the world.

The official poker rankings are updated every day and contain all of the relevant information. The ranking site also tracks prize ladders and profitability in poker tournaments. The author strongly advocates the use of uniform poker rules and applauds the work of the Tournament Directors Association. The rules in this book are nearly identical to those in the TDA, though there are minor differences in wording.

The first betting round begins with the player to the left of the big blind. The player can call, fold, or raise. The betting continues clockwise. Players must bet in the amount specified in the rules for their position. During the game, players must not interfere with the dealer by stacking their chips, playing someone else’s chips, or looking through the discard piles.

Each player must raise their bet if their opponent raises their bet. The amount of a raise depends on the stakes of the game.