Official poker is a game where a player can win a large amount of money if he plays well. There are several rules that are considered good to follow. However, it is also important to avoid bad habits such as cheating and revealing one’s hand to others. It is best to keep a positive poker atmosphere by following the rules.

Before you can begin playing poker, you will need to sign up and pay the required fees. This process includes printing your full name on a sign-in sheet. Then you can start the game by putting your starting chips on the table. Most online casinos will cap the game at nine players.

In the event you are playing an official poker game, the first rule you should follow is to not act out of turn. If you do act out of turn, you can be ejected from the table. To help you avoid this, you should pay attention to the other players. Also, you should avoid making fun of a player’s mistakes or advising them. By following these rules, you can avoid annoying or distracting others, which can hinder your chances of winning.

Another rule is to not use a cell phone while playing. Although this isn’t strictly prohibited, it is not acceptable to make calls while you are at the table. While playing, you should never use a cell phone to call your friends, talk to them, or otherwise disturb others. Many poker clients allow you to mute the chat box if you don’t want to interact with other players.

During the course of a poker game, you will likely spend several hours with the same players. Unlike casino games, where you can easily bet against someone else, you will not be able to do that in an official poker game. That is why it is important to be polite and courteous to your fellow players. Do not belittle another person’s hand or act rudely, especially if you have a bad beat. Avoid making jokes about your opponent’s mistakes, which will only upset him or her.

Another rule is to not fold your hand too early. Folding cards should be kept low to the table and should not be influenced by future action. Even if you have a strong hand, you should not be too aggressive and celebrate too hard when you win.

A good rule of thumb is not to make a “bet” or “raise” before the flop has already been dealt. After you have folded your hand, you should not react to the flop and continue betting. You should also keep your hands away from other players to avoid disturbing them.

It is also not acceptable to make a straddle bet. These are bets where the expected value of the bet is lower than the sum of the chips. When there are two or more players left, all bets are matched. Usually, the bet is made by the player closest to the dealer.