This week, instead of diving into an official TDA rule, I’m focusing on a couple of house rules that might be unique to Dead Man’s Hand Poker. These rules are all about leaving the table during play.
Leaving the Table During Play
Yes, you’re allowed to leave the table while the clock is running and no scheduled break is in place. However, your hand will still be dealt, and your blinds will be posted in your absence. While this is permissible, it’s strongly encouraged that you save these breaks for the scheduled times—after Level 5 and before the final table.
I understand that life happens—you might need a bathroom break or to step outside for a quick smoke (by the way, if you’re considering quitting, <<click here>>—best decision I ever made!). That said, unscheduled breaks should be brief to avoid disrupting the game’s rhythm.
Key Guidelines for Leaving the Table
Do not leave after looking at your cards but before it’s your turn to act. I covered this a few weeks ago. This is considered acting out of turn, which violates Rule 53: Action Out of Turn, and could result in a penalty. If you must leave, do so before the cards are dealt, or wait until it’s your turn to fold after looking. Why does this matter? Leaving after seeing your cards gives other players valuable information—namely, that you likely don’t have a strong hand. In poker, even small bits of information can shift the dynamics of the game.
(And yes, I made a killer meme about this, but apparently, the message still isn’t sticking, because I still see it happening!)
Only one player should leave the table at a time. Multiple absences disrupt the game flow and are bad etiquette.
Never leave the table during your deal. Unless it’s an emergency or an unavoidable situation, stepping away when it’s your turn to deal is a big no-no. Other players are already handling the dead stacks, and skipping your deal adds to the inconvenience.
By sticking to these guidelines, you’ll help ensure the game runs smoothly and respectfully for everyone involved. Happy playing, and please don’t make me meme again!
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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