Rule 51 · TDA 2024

Binding Declarations / Undercalls in Turn

Play: Bets and Raises

TDA text 2024

A: General verbal declarations in turn (such as “call” or “raise”) commit a player to the full current action. See Illustration Addendum B: A player undercalls by declaring or pushing out less than the call amount without first declaring “call”. An undercall is a mandatory full call if made in turn facing 1) any bet heads-up or 2) the opening bet on any round multi-way. In other situations, TD’s discretion applies. The opening bet is the first chip bet of each betting round (not a check). In blind games the posted BB is the pre-flop opener. All-in buttons reduce undercall frequency (See Recommended Procedure 1). This rule governs when players must make a full call and when, at TDs discretion they may forfeit the amount of the intended undercall and fold (see Illustration Addendum). For underbets and underraises, see Rule 52. C: If two or more undercalls occur in sequence, play backs up to the first undercaller who must correct his or her bet per Rule 51-B. The TD will determine how to treat hands of the remaining bettors based on the circumstances.

Illustration Addendum

Rule 51

Binding Declarations / Undercalls in Turn

Example 1: NLHE, blinds 1000-2000. Post-flop, A opens for 2000, B raises to 8000, C pushes out 2000 silently. C has undercalled B’s bet. Per Rule 51-B, because B is not the opener (A is) and the round is still multi-way, at TD’s discretion C may be required to make a full call or allowed to forfeit the 2000 undercall and fold. Example 2: NLHE, blinds 1000-2000. Post-flop 4 players remain. A opens for 8000, B silently puts out 2000. Per Rule 51-B, B undercalled the opening bet and must make a full call of 8000. Example 3: NLHE, blinds 1000-2000. Post-flop, A opens for 2000, B raises to 8000, C declares “call”. Per Rule 51-A, C has made a general verbal declaration (“call”) in turn. C is obligated to call B’s full bet of 8000. Example 4: NLHE, blinds 200-400. Opener bets 400, player A raises to 1200 and Player B puts out one 500 chip silently. Dealer tells B it’s 1200 and B folds. At TD’s discretion B forfeits 400 and 100 is returned.

Recommended Procedures

RP-1

All-In Buttons

All-in buttons clearly indicate a player is “all-in.” The dealer should keep the buttons (not each player). When a player bets all-in, the dealer places an all-in button in front of the player, in full view of the rest of the table.

Original English text: Poker Tournament Directors Association

Source: PokerTDA.com ↗ · The original source prevails if this guide differs