The game of poker is a game of chance, but also requires a lot of skill and psychology. In order to make this a fair and even game for all players, a written code of rules should be in place. This code should be the final arbiter of all questions arising during play. It should embrace the latest customs of the most expert games. However, it is also the tradition that clubs and groups of players may make up their own house rules to suit their preference and this is encouraged.

This rulebook is not intended to be a comprehensive collection of all rules for every card game, it simply attempts to produce the best possible set of rules that are compatible with those of the TDA. As such, many of the rules in this book have already been published elsewhere and may be recognized by other cardrooms as part of their standard rule set. If such is the case, credit will be given to the original source.

One of the most common mistakes of new players is jumping in the game too quickly and trying to win at all costs. This often leads them to chasing their losses and playing outside of their bankroll, which is not only unwise but can lead to poker tilt.

Players must have some kind of tokens to bet with – although these need not be real money (although seasoned gamblers will sneer at anything less than the real thing). Most often, poker chips are used and can be purchased in various colours and denominations.