League Rules

1 All Multi Table Tournaments will begin at the time stated, and are No Limit Texas Hold-em.

2 Registration for all tournaments will open approximately half an hour before play is due to start and will continue until the game is fully subscribed or just before it is due to start

3 At the start of the tournament players are randomly assigned to the various tables by the Tournament Director.

4 Players can choose to sit on any of the seats at the table they have been assigned to. The dealer of the first hand is decided by random drawing of cards. If two or more people draw the same rank of card then they re-draw until one has drawn a higher card. The ONLY exception to this rule is if someone draws the Ace of Spades. They immediately assume the dealer chip even if someone draws another ace.

5 The tournament ends when one player wins all of the chips in play.

6 Each player starts the tournament with 5000-8000 in chips depending on the venue and number of players. The chips have no cash value.

7 Blinds will be raised approximately every twenty minutes; this will be announced by the Tournament Director. If a hand is still being dealt during the blind raise, the next round of play will be with the raised blind

8 Lower valued chips will be "coloured up" when they are no longer needed due to increased blinds. Any amounts not equal to the "coloured up" chip denomination will be rounded up

9 Players must place their blinds. The Small Blind is the player seated to the left of the Dealer. The Big Blind is the player seated to the left of the Small Blind. The Small Blind is half the value of the Big Blind.

10 When a player loses all of their chips, they are eliminated from the tournament.

11 The button acts as a dead button when players are eliminated in blind positions and will not move until both blinds have been paid.

12 If two or more players are eliminated in the same hand, the player with the most chips at the start of the hand will be placed higher. If the chips are tied then the player with the highest ranked hand will be placed higher.

13 When play is heads up, (only 2 players remain) the player on the button will post the small blind and be first to act.

14 Players may be moved to other tables to maintain the balance. If the player is moved into the Button or Big blind position, this position is live and is in play immediately. Players who are moved inbetween the Button and Big Blind, i.e the small blind position, will not be dealt into the hand until the button has passed them.

15 Players chips and cards must remain on or above the table at all times. Please do not go to the bar or the toilet with your chips. This may lead to a disqualification from the tournament.

16 Players or railbirds (Observers) may not discuss hands until a hand is over. Anyone discussing their discarded cards or hand possibilities will be warned, and may be subject to disqualification.

17 Soft playing, team playing or chip dumping will result in disqualification from the tournament, and possibly suspension from The Bristol Poker League. (Soft-Play - To go easy on another player at the table (e.g. not betting or raising against him). Suppose you and your brother are the last two people left in a hand. On the river, you have the nuts, but he bets. If you don't raise, you are "soft-playing" him. )
Chip dumping is a result of 1 player purposefully getting into a hand that he is way behind in for the purpose of losing his chips to a player he prefers.

18 Unless any specific Bristol Poker League Rules are applied, normal tournament rules apply to all tournaments.

19 English is the only language allowed at the tables.

20 The Bristol Poker League reserves the right to cancel or reschedule tournaments at their discretion.

21 In the event of a dispute, the Tournament Directors decision will be final.

22 The Bristol Poker League reserve the right to amend the Tournament or League Rules and Policies at any time without notice to the players.

23 Everyone who plays will be allocated points to count to their monthly total. It is the players responsibility to advise the tournament director if they go out, if the tournament director is not aware of the situation. Failure to do so may mean being placed last.

24 By participating in a tournament the player consents to be bound by the league and tournament rules.

25 Poker etiquette is expected from all players. Inappropriate behavior like throwing cards that go off the table may be punished with a penalty such as being dealt out for a period of time. A severe infraction such as abusive or disruptive behavior may be punished with eviction and or/disqualification from the tournament. Please remember this is a free league and players play for enjoyment first and foremost

26 PLAYERS LEAVING

If a player leaves the table for any reason and says they will return before 10 minutes are up, they can opt to drop every hand that occurs during their absence. They will be responsible for all blinds and although they will be dealt cards they cannot win any hands. Players remaining at the table, will post all blinds for the absent player.
If the missing player is moved to another table, their chips will move and they will continue to blind appropriately at the new table.
This is not to be abused. We will not allow someone to play one hand, leave for 10 minutes, return for 1 hand, leave for 10 minutes etc. This will result in disqualification from the game, the removal of the chips from the game and the offending player awarded zero points.
Any player who does not return within 10 minutes forfeits all their remaining chips, which will be removed from play, and the player will not score any points for that game.
Anyone who leaves the game entirely, whilst still having chips in front of them will not be allowed 10 minutes grace. They will be removed from the game immediately, the chips will be taken out of the game, the offending player will be awarded  zero points and warned their behaviour will not be tolerated in future games.

27 PLAYERS SIGNING IN FOR THE GAME IN ADVANCE
At present we allow people who might be running late to phone in, or arrange someone to sign them in and reserve them a place.
If they are not present when the game starts they will be allowed to join and play a game up to the end of the second blind level or half an hour, whichever is greater, and have their blinds posted and folded until they get there. If they do not arrive before 30 minutes after the first hand is dealt have elapsed their chips will be removed from play and they will not be awarded any points for that game.