[Wongboy]

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Are most home game players not aware that there are poker rule books? Do most home games just operate by the seat of their pants and resolve problems only as they arise rather than trying to anticipate possible problems or actually learning the rules or having a rule book handy?

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Yes and yes.

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As I read the different posts about situations and what to do there is almost always a response where someone asks if you have a house rule concerning the issue. Sombody usually also suggests the poster establish a house rule. I have yet to see a situation (I'm sure they probably exist) that is not already covered by current rules. So, the only reason a house rule is needed is because it is different than the current, established rule. If there is no specific house rule then the established rule should apply.

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Many rules vary between specific B&M casinos. There is not one set of "established rules" that covers every situation. For example, the rule on exposing cards tends to vary quite a bit between casinos.

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How many other pursuits / activities do people participate in where they don't know the rules or make up their own?

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Many. Some that come to mind are sex, dating, standing in line. Also, you mention golf as having a defined set of rules. I have yet to see anyone assess themselves a 2 stroke penalty for offering "advice" when they give me an unwelcome swing tip. In fact, they usually act like I am a jerk for bringing it up.