Reading through the 2026 revision of the Tournament Directors Association rules produced one clear takeaway: the TDA thinks the players need to clean up their act. Sure, there were a few minor technical changes. Like figuring out whether the big blind ante counts as part of a player’s stack in determining who had the bigger stack when two players go out on the same hand (it does not; the stack is calculated after the ante is put in). But there are no changes on the scope of some past TDA updates, like creating the big blind ante to begin with.
The focus of many of the changes seems to indicate that too many players have gotten into some bad habits. From the verbalization of hand actions, to the verbalization of a player’s lack of affection for another player, the TDA took on player behavior this summer. Let’s see how they want you to act.
Verbalize Actions Properly
The TDA stated “Players facing action must use official betting terms only when declaring their own action.” So, for example, if action is to you and you mumble “I should so raise him here” that could be interpreted as verbalizing an intent to raise. The more likely scenario comes into play when you did not hear what another player did when throwing in a single chip more than twice the current bet. To clarify, you should NOT say “Did she raise?” but instead “What was her action?”. Using that “neutral” language will prevent misinterpretation.
TDA Warns: Careful with Those Electronics
The use of electronic devices has long been regulated in poker. You can’t be on a phone call at the table. You can’t delay play because you’re watching a video. But the twist added this year is that you can’t use electronics to “compromise the integrity” of the game. This rule grows out of increasing concerns about electronic opportunities to cheat. Specific banned items include wearable devices like smart glasses or hidden cameras that could be used to gain advantage. While in many rooms this would be unlikely, high-tech cheating has already happened elsewhere.
Begone Dirty or Creative Chip Stacks!
Have you ever look across the table and seen a hodgepodge of chips in front of an opponent and struggled to figure out what they have? Well, that was never supposed to be OK. But this specific rule has been added: “Chips must be kept in clean vertical stacks of 20 same-denomination chips.” Pretty straightforward for large stacks, and obviously not an issue if you have less than 20. But a good, clear guideline nonetheless.
Clean Up Language, Behavior and Yourself
Multiple conduct sections of the TDA rules have been rewritten. First, you can’t behave verbally or physically aggressively to other players, staff, or spectators. This includes hurling cards or chips at anyone. You also can’t be critical of other players’ actions. You can’t wear clothes with offensive, aggressive, or prejudiced material on them. If alcohol or drug use is causing you to be a distraction, you could get booted. Didn’t feel like showering the last few days and haven’t done laundry for a month? Your strong odor could get you dismissed as well.
TDA Wants You to Keep up the Pace
Yeah, call it the Kassouf rules (he’d love that likely) but the TDA is focused on keeping play moving along. Repeatedly slowing down play will not be tolerated. Playing out of turn or exposing cards prematurely have always been no-nos, but those actions are being underscored as well. Also saying anything to mislead a player as they are making a decision will be punished.
Softer Stance on Some Soft Play
While verbally agreeing to check a hand down remains not allowed, there is an interesting twist on not betting the nuts. The TDA states this: “Checking the exclusive nuts when last to act on the river is not an automatic soft play violation; TD’s discretion applies based on the situation.” With all of the concerns about collusion this seems odd, as there is zero reason to check the nuts on the river when last to act. However, we’ve all seen this happen so many times and it is seldom suspicious. Usually a player just did not realize he had the nuts. Or they decided there was no way the opponent was calling anything, so figured “Why bother?”. Interesting that the TDA even took this on, but it does indeed happen often.
So, we are all on notice. Tournament directors are empowered to expect good and clear behavior at the tables. Shenanigans can, and likely will be, called out and penalized.
