Brian:
I wrote this over two years ago. Take notice of the mention of deliberate action out of turn. I've been working on this rule for some time, see how you like this.
RULE # 29 VERBAL DECLARATIONS / ACTING IN TURN (THE NEW VERSION IS COVERED BY RULES #34 & #35).
29.1 Players must act in turn. Verbal declarations in turn will have precedence over actions or gestures. Therefore a player stating a wager, but pushing a different amount into the pot, will be corrected to the spoken amount.
29.2 Players acting out of turn because they were misled by another player, or the dealer, will have the right to retract their wager and change their action provided another player has not acted after them. If another player acts, (substantial action) the skipped player or players may only fold or call when action returns to them, they can not raise.
29.3 Deliberate action out of turn, including words and gestures, WILL BE AS BINDING AS A BET IN TURN. The deliberate action out of turn will remain in the pot even if the intervening player raises in front of them. The out of turn player can call, or surrender their bet and fold. The option to raise will be taken away.
29.4 Any out of turn action may seriously disrupt to flow of the game. Deliberate action out of turn is highly unethical in any form of poker. Therefore, repeat offenders will be penalized up to, and including being eliminated from tournament play, at the discretion of the floor.
Nick C
I really think many of the problems stem from weak wording...like..."if you do this, we might do something about it!" I think the rules should be overstated at times, just so we can show how serious we are. Then, I think, a floorperson can show them the written rule, explain the seriousness of their infraction and issue one warning. That should get the message across and justify any action taken by the floor for a repeat offense
Thanks