VClub House Rules and Highlights from the TDA

In general, we want the rules to be beginner friendly and fair for all parties. It is the dealer’s responsibility to ensure the rules are followed and explain them when the players ask. It is also the player’s responsibility to protect their hand and play with the same information as other players on the table.

General Etiquette and Rules

• No phones allowed to be used if a player has cards.
• English on the table: English only when in a hand AND when not in a hand but there is a hand going on (as players may be speaking about the hand they folded)
  • Can call over tournament staff to make this announcement
• If the clock is called, the dealer should use their discretion to decide whether or not enough time passed for the clock to be called. Once the clock begins, the player has 60 seconds to act. If they don’t act by the time ends, their hand is dead. If the player was checked to and doesn’t act by the time the clock ends, their hand is automatically checked behind. If the player announces an act other than fold exactly when the clock ends, their called act takes precedence.
  • Any dealers unsure of whether the clock should be called or any other concerns should feel free to request the TD to initiate the clock instead
• If a player is all in, it is recommended for the player to put either all of their chips forward or none (with the all in puck visible in both scenarios). This prevents players from misunderstanding how much the all in is for. Dealers also MUST announce all in. Too often I see dealers only throwing out the puck without saying anything (this does not look cool).
• Blinds must be out before you pitch, especially the ante
  • This rule is can be pretty relaxed depending on if you see the player picking up the chips to put in their blinds
• It is important that players do not slow down the game.
• One Player to a Hand. Please do not discuss strategy or make comments about a player’s hand or what you witnessed about a hand if you are not in the hand or if it is multiway.

Obstruction of Player’s Head or Attention

Players can only choose to have 2 of 4 forms of obstructing their head or attention

1. Headphones
2. Sunglasses
3. Mask
4. Hood

There will be more leniency for players who must wear a mask for medical reasons.

Forward Motion Actions

• Forward motion is a binding action:
  • Once players move chips and/or cards toward the pot in a way that clearly indicates a bet or call (or fold), you are committed to that action — even if you haven't fully released the chips/cards
    • For the most part, you do not need to force players to put in more chips as a call, but you should tell them it’s strongly discouraged and they may have to put the rest of their chips in next time
  • A hand is folded when the player pushes cards forward or they announce fold
• Hands that are 100% retrievable and identifiable are still live at showdown when a player takes back their hand after accidentally mucking
  • Note that this is only allowed at showdown because no more action follows