The rules of poker are managed by the professional Tournament Directors Association (TDA). This organization was founded by poker players Matt Savage, Linda Johnson, Jan Fisher, and David Lamb in 2001 and has more than 2,500 members in 63 countries. Its members include tournament directors of independent and large live poker rooms. The WSOP Tournament Director, Jack Effel, is also a member.

The dealer places a specific number of starting chips on the table at the beginning of the tournament. The dealer buttons are used to determine starting position in tournament games. The blinds and antes are raised at regular intervals. If a player folds, he or she does not get any more chips. Then, a new round of betting occurs.

A good poker experience is enhanced by appropriate table manners. A good experience keeps players coming back, while a bad experience may turn them away from the game. To make your poker experience a pleasant one, follow these guidelines and make sure that the table is clean and tidy. If you do not follow these rules, you may end up making a gaffe or losing money.

It is not okay to be obnoxious or offensive to the other players. They disrupt the game and can make other players feel uncomfortable. While playing poker, don’t make fun of your opponents. The last thing you want is a game where players start shouting at each other.