Tournament Rules

The following Rules govern all Gods of Poker (GOP) events. These Rules apply in addition to the official Poker Tournament Directors Association (TDA) Rules. Where any conflict exists, the Venue Rules of the host casino or poker room will override. Players acknowledge that GOP events utilize the KHold’em system for tournament operations.

Cronus Structure

The Cronus Structure is designed by removing meaningless early levels and focusing play where it matters most.

Instead of extending registration through shallow, low-impact blind levels, the Cronus Structure closes registration early while stacks are still deep, creating a fairer and more competitive playing field for everyone.

By cutting out unnecessary levels before registration ends, players enter the tournament with real playability, not forced shove-or-fold situations. This approach respects players’ time, rewards skill, and preserves the integrity of the competition.

Once registration closes, blind progression continues in line with the structure standards used in the world’s top-tier events, ensuring a smooth, professional flow for the remainder of the tournament.

Taunting and Verbal Provocation Policy

To maintain a professional and respectful environment at all Gods of Poker events, all forms of taunting, targeted provocation, or disrespectful conduct toward other players are strictly prohibited.

Definition: Taunting is defined as any behavior—verbal or non-verbal—intended to mock, belittle, provoke, or emotionally disturb an opponent. This includes:

• Direct insults or personal attacks.
• Sarcastic clapping, mocking applause, or exaggerated celebrations aimed at an opponent.
• Derogatory remarks following a showdown or elimination.
• Intimidating gestures, such as standing over a player or making threatening signs.
• Repeated or targeted speech play designed to tilt or humiliate another player.

Acceptable Behavior:

• Gods of Poker encourages healthy competition and lively table dynamics, provided all players are treated with respect. The following are permitted:
  • Friendly banter and respectful table talk.
  • Emotional reactions not directed at another player (e.g., celebrating with friends on the rail).
  • Comments that do not cross into personal ridicule or intimidation.

Enforcement:

Tournament officials reserve the right to take disciplinary action based on the nature and severity of the behavior. This may include:

• A verbal warning for first-time or borderline offenses.
• A one-round penalty (missed orbit) for continued violations.
• Disqualification or removal from the event for egregious or repeated taunting.

Actions will be judged contextually, and the Tournament Director has full discretion in determining whether behavior violates this policy.

Seating & Table Rules

• Button Placement: At the start of play and during redraws, the button is determined by high card.
• Registration Seating:
  • Players seated at a brand-new table before the first hand must be dealt in immediately.
  • During registration new players may choose to wait for the button to pass if they would receive 2 or fewer hands before the big blind.
  • Once registration closes, all waiting players are dealt in immediately.
• Balancing:
  • During registration: tables may vary by more than one player.
  • After registration closes: when 10 tables or fewer remain, all tables must be balanced within one player.
• Breaking Order:
  • Determined primarily by section needs for upcoming events.
  • Default: Rows break randomly, either highest-to-lowest or lowest-to-highest, as announced by the Tournament Director.
  • Process continues all the way to the Final Table.
  • Redraws: Conducted only at the Final Table.

Final Table Hands vs. Time

All events paying a full table or more, at the final table, blind levels are measured by hands played, not elapsed time:

• 60 min = 30 hands
• 45 min = 23 hands
• 40 min = 20 hands
• 30 min = 15 hands
• 25 min = 13 hands
• 20 min = 10 hands
• 15 min = 8 hands
• 10 min = 5 hands
• 5 min = 3 hands

Time Banks & Action Clock

Time Banks:

Action Clock:

• The shot clock is used from the start of all events.
• Standard Events:
  • 20 seconds pre-flop (initial actions)
  • 30 seconds post-flop
• Turbo Events:
  • 20 seconds for all actions
• Breaks will be part of the next level.
• Main Event Final Table: Each player will receive five (5) more time banks.

Smoking

• Smoking is not allowed in the tournament area.
• Violations result in a one-round penalty.

Forward Motion

• Chips moved across a player’s hole cards in a forward motion may be required to stay in the pot.

Hand-for-Hand Play

• Players are requested to remain at their table during hand-for-hand.
• In all-in situations, hands must remain concealed until directed by the Tournament Director.

Best Stack Forward Format

• Players who qualify more than once to Day 2 will play only their largest stack.
• Smaller stacks are removed from play.
• If a stack is removed during the ITM stages, it will be awarded a minimum cash.
• Players may forfeit their stack before registration closes in order to re-enter.

Satellite Seats

• Seats won in GOP satellites are non-transferable.
• Excess seats beyond the maximum allowed will be converted to cash.

Deal-Making & Facilitation

• Deals are permitted unless otherwise announced.
• GOP will not participate but may provide ICM calculations.
• Only one deal per event is allowed.
• Using an ICM calculation: a minimum of 10% of the net remaining prize pool must remain in play for the champion.
• Optional Holdout: Players may agree not to withhold funds to play for. In this case, the event ends immediately and the chipleader at the time of the deal is declared the champion and awarded the trophy.
  • No player may be awarded more than the posted 1st place prize at the time of the deal.
  • All deals must be documented in writing and signed by all players involved.
  • Pressuring other players to deal is prohibited and penalized.
  • The tournament clock pauses only if all players agree.

Mixed Game Rules

• Game Rotation & Dealer’s Choice:
  • In multi-game formats, the game changes when the dealer button passes from the last seat to Seat 1.
  • Dealer’s Choice: A second Game Button is used. The player holding it nominates the next game when the dealer button passes from the last seat to Seat 1. The Game Button then advances clockwise.
• Draw Game Procedures:
  • If the stub is insufficient to complete a draw:
    1. Shuffle the stub + burn cards if sufficient.
    2. If still insufficient, shuffle in the muck from previous completed draw rounds.
    3. Discards from the current draw street are set aside until the draw is complete.
  • Exposed draw cards are shuffled back into the deck after action is complete and before the next draw begins.

Reference to TDA Rules

In addition to these Rules, all GOP events will follow the official Poker Tournament Directors Association (TDA) Rules.