Hi Everyone,
I had an odd action the other day and was looking for thoughts on the correct decision.
NL Hold 'Em tournament, 100-200 blinds. First action says "250" than throws (1) $1,000 chip and (2) $25 chips into the pot. The dealer calls me over before anyone else has acted. The player, like most of our customers, are from out-of-town, and rather inexperienced. It seems clear he wanted to raise so I didn't think holding him to a call was appropriate. I tried to think of all the rules that could apply in this situation: (1) First action is binding, (2) Verbal is binding, (3) The Multiple Chip Rule (removing one chip still leaves more than half the bet), (4) Chips crossing the line in turn must stay in the pot, (5) The player used non-standard terminology, (6) When confused about a bet, go with the lesser amount. I weighed all these before I made my ruling. I told the player that saying "250" was a non-bet and asked him what he was trying to do. He said he was trying to bet a total of $450, a $250 raise. I allowed a bet of $450. I appreciate your feedback.
Frank