It is difficult to determine whether a certain game is an “official poker.” Some may refer to it as the game that is played in a card room, casino, or even in a home. Regardless, the game is a type of poker, and the rules of poker are very similar. A few differences in wording can make it difficult to determine which game is an “official” one. These differences can cause a game to become “unofficial” or even unplayable.
In an official poker idn game, a player is not allowed to leave his or her seat during the game. A player must be “at seat” at the time that the first card is dealt, so that they can see the remaining cards. If a player leaves his or her seat, the dealer must place all of the chips he or she needs for the antes and blinds in the pot. A player who leaves his or her seat before a hand is dealt will be considered absent.
An official poker hand chart can be helpful when playing a game. It’s also helpful to refer to a hand ranking chart for reference. In many games, the hand rankings are flipped, and the worst hand is a high card. You can get a free copy of an official poker hand chart from the internet. If you want to learn more about the rules of a particular game, check out What Beats What in Poker. The book will provide you with a solid foundation on the basics of poker.