TDA Rule 3 says: Players may not talk on the phone while at the poker table. House rules apply to all other forms of electronic devices.
FIDPA Rules:
11-6. Any player using a telephone, text-messaging or any other “communication device” at the table will receive a penalty. All penalties will begin at the completion of the hand.
a) Use of a Communication Device with Action Pending, if at anytime, a player with a live hand has NOT completed their action, whereas they can still bet, call, (re)raise or fold/muck their hand, and attempts to use or uses a “communication device,” will have their hand declared a “dead hand.” The player will also receive a penalty that will begin once the hand has been completed.
b) Use of a Communication Device when “all in,” if a player is “all in,” whereas they can NOT bet, call, (re)raise or fold/muck their hand and attempts to use or uses a “communication device” while waiting on an opponent(s) pending action, the player will receive a penalty; their hand will NOT be declared a “dead hand.” If the player survives their “all in” bet, the penalty will begin once the hand is completed. The first offense may warrant a “verbal warning,” repeated infractions are subject to escalating penalties.
I think it is a good rule that players are not allowed to use their cell phones at the table. But I think declaring the hand dead is a bit harsh.
What do you think?
Georg