First off this week, let's discuss acting out of turn:
Rule 53: Action Out of Turn (OOT)
A: Any action out of turn (check, call, or raise) will be backed up to the correct player in order. The OOT action is subject to penalty and is binding if action to the OOT player does not change. A check, call or fold by the correct player does not change action. If action changes, the OOT action is not binding; any bet or raise is returned to the OOT player who has all options: call, raise, or fold. An OOT fold is binding.
Example 1: THE 50-100. Post flop Seat 3 opens for 300, Seat 4 folds, action is on Seat 5 when Seat 6 declares “raise to eight hundred”.
Step 1: Action backs up to the correct player in order (Seat 5) who is facing a bet of 300.
Step 2: If Seat 5 calls or folds then the action (a 300 bet) has not changed and Seat 6’s OOT raise is binding (raise to 800). However, if Seat 5 raises, (say, to 600 total), then the action to Seat 6 has changed from a 300 bet to a 600 bet. If action changes, the 800 chips may be returned to Seat 6 who has all options open: call 600, re-raise to at least 900, or fold.
Example 2: THE 50-100. Post flop Seat 3 checks, Seat 4 checks, action is on Seat 5 when Seat 6 declares “check”.
Step 1: Action backs up to the correct player in order (Seat 5) who is not facing a bet.
Step 2: If Seat 5 checks then the action (a check) has not changed and Seat 6’s OOT check is binding. However, if Seat 5 bets, (say, 300), then the action to Seat 6 has changed from a check to a 300 bet. If action changes, then Seat 6 has all options open: call 300, raise to at least 600, or fold.
B: Players skipped by OOT action must defend their right to act. If a skipped player had reasonable time and does not speak up before substantial action (Rule 36) OOT occurs after the player, the OOT action is binding. Action backs up and the floor will rule on how to treat the skipped hand given the circumstances, including ruling the hand dead or limiting the player to non-aggressive action.
Example 1: NLHE, blinds 100-200. UTG (Seat 3) makes it 600. Seat 4 is skipped when Seat 5 calls 600 OOT. Seat 6 thinks for a moment then folds. There are now two players acting with chips involved to the left of Seat 4. Two players with chips qualifies as substantial action (Rule 36). Also, Seat 4 has had reasonable time to speak up and bring it to the dealer’s attention that he has been skipped. The OOT call by Seat 5 is now binding due to substantial action OOT, and the OOT fold by Seat 6 is binding (Rule 58). The floor is called to make a decision on the fate of Seat 4’s hand.
Example 2: NLHE, blinds 100-200. Four players remain to see the turn. After the dealer tables the turn card, the UTG (Seat 3) opens betting for 600. Seat 4 is skipped when Seat 5 checks and Seat 6 calls 600 OOT. The floor is called to make a decision on the fate of Seat 4’s hand.
Rule 36: Substantial Action (SA)
Substantial Action is either A) any 2 actions in turn, at least one of which puts chips in the pot (i.e. any 2 actions except 2 checks or 2 folds) or B) any combination of 3 actions in turn (check, bet, raise, call, fold). Posted blinds do not count towards SA.
Acting Out of Turn: A Growing Issue in Our League
Who knew there could be so much to say about acting out of turn? Well, I did—and for good reason. It's become such an issue in our league that I've received multiple complaints from players about it. Acting out of turn not only disrupts the flow of the game, but it can also significantly impact the outcome of hands. For example, a premature all-in bet might scare players off, altering their actions and costing someone else a pot they could have won.
Responsibility and Awareness
As always, it's each player’s responsibility to stay aware of what's happening at the table. If you say “call” but missed that Johnny declared all-in, that's on you. You've just committed to calling that bet—whether Johnny silently pushed his chips in or not.
The same applies to acting out of turn. If you mistakenly take action when it’s not your turn, you’ll be held accountable. Ignorance isn’t an excuse.
On the flip side, if someone behind you acts out of turn, it’s up to you to speak up immediately. If you stay silent, you might lose your chance to act appropriately. Protect your position and your chips by staying vigilant.
Why It’s Harder in Our League
I recognize that keeping track of everything can be more challenging in our league. There are a couple of reasons for this:
We’re Amateurs: Many of us are still learning the rules. That’s okay! I always have a printed copy of the rules available at every event if you’d like to brush up.
No Dedicated Dealers: Without dedicated dealers to control the action, things can get messy.
At the final table, this issue tends to come up less often because I usually manage the action by pointing out whose turn it is or announcing the action. However, at other tables, it falls to the dealer to take charge.
How You Can Help
If it’s your turn to deal, you can do your part to reduce out-of-turn actions by:
Announcing the Action: Clearly state the bets and whose turn it is.
Controlling the Chips: Keep the pot organized and count bets properly.
Taking these steps helps everyone stay on the same page and creates a smoother, more enjoyable game for all.
Let’s work together to cut down on this issue and keep our games fair and fun!
Dead Man's Hand Poker uses the rules set forth by the Poker Tournament Directors Association. The Poker TDA is a voluntary poker industry association founded in 2001. The TDA mission is to increase global uniformity of poker tournament rules. The Poker TDA rules can be found here.
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