House Rules

"House Rules" in poker refer to the specific set of rules that are established and enforced by the entity or individual who is hosting the game. These rules can vary widely from one poker room or home game to another.

Introduction to House Rules

In poker, House Rules are the specific rules set up by the host of the game. These can encompass everything from betting limits and allowable poker variants to procedures for dealing with misdeals or player disputes. While there are standard rules in poker, House Rules can often add to or modify these based on the preferences of the host.

The Nature of House Rules

House Rules can vary greatly depending on the setting. In a formal poker room or casino, the House Rules might be quite extensive and cover a wide range of situations, all aimed at ensuring fair play and a smooth-running game. They're crucial in upholding the integrity of the game and must be black and white to avoid disputes at the tables.

In a home game, on the other hand, House Rules might be much simpler and more relaxed, often tailored to the preferences of the regular players. While they're still there to limit disputes or contentious areas, they might also be implemented to add to the fun or action of the game.

Example of "House Rules"

• In a home game, the host might set a House Rule that the dealer gets to choose the variant of poker for each hand. This would be a departure from standard poker room rules where the game variant is fixed.
• A casino might have a House Rule that any player who is away from the table for more than 15 minutes will have their chips picked up and their seat given to the next player on the waiting list.
• A poker room might have a House Rule that any disputed hands will be decided by the floor manager, whose decision is final.

House Rules FAQs