Rule 11 · TDA 2024
Balancing Tables and Halting Play
Seating, Breaking and Balancing Tables
TDA text 2024
A: To balance in flop and mixed-games, the player to be big blind next moves to the worst position, including single big blind if available, even if that means the seat is big blind twice. Worst position is never the small blind. In stud-only, players move by position (last seat open at the short table is the seat filled). B: In mixed games (ex: HORSE), when the game shifts from hold’em to stud, after the last hold’em hand the button moves to the position it would be if the next hand was hold’em and is frozen there during stud. The player moved in stud is the player who would be big blind if the game were hold’em for that hand. Shifting to hold'em the button starts where it was frozen. C: The table from which a player is moved will be specified by a predetermined procedure. D: Play will halt on tables 3 or more players short (by elimination) than the table with the most players once the blinds are impacted (See Illustration Addendum). Play halts on other formats (ex: 6-hand and turbos) at TDs discretion. TDs may waive halting play and waiver is not a misdeal. As the event progresses, at TD’s discretion tables should be more tightly balanced.
Illustration Addendum
Rule 11-D
Balancing Tables and Halting Play.
Example: NLHE 9-handed, table A has 5 players, table B has the most players with 8. Play halts on table A once the BB hits an open seat.
Recommended Procedures
RP-6
Efficient Movement of Players
Moving players for breaking and balancing should be expeditious so as not to unduly miss blinds or otherwise delay the game. If possible, players should have racks for chip transport and sufficient color-ups should be done so players do not carry unusually large numbers of chips (see Rules 10, 11 and 63).
Original English text: Poker Tournament Directors Association
Source: PokerTDA.com ↗ · The original source prevails if this guide differs