rules

Forward motion

Also: single forward motion

The principle that a single continuous movement of chips toward the pot is a binding action. One push forward is one bet; going back to the stack for more is a string bet and will be ruled down to the first motion.

Example. He slid four chips forward, saw the fold coming, and reached back for more - the floor ruled the bet at four.

Forward motion is the rule that makes a live betting action unambiguous without anyone having to read a player's mind. Chips committed in one uninterrupted movement count; a second trip to the stack does not, unless the amount was declared in words first.

The practical lesson is that words beat chips in a live room. A player who says "raise to four hundred" may then make as many movements as it takes to build the amount, because the declaration fixed the action before the chips moved. A player who says nothing and reaches twice has made a bet of whatever went in first.

The rule exists to stop a specific angle: pushing out a small amount, watching the opponent's reaction, and adding more if they flinch.

Related terms

Full glossary

String bet

Putting chips in the pot in more than one motion without first announcing the total amount. Under standard rul…

Action

Any bet, raise, call, check or fold a player makes; also used for a game with lots of betting ("a great action…

Angle shooting

Using technically legal but unethical tricks to gain an edge — pretending to fold, hiding big chips, ambiguous…

Blinds

The two forced bets (small blind and big blind) posted by the players to the left of the button before any car…

Burn card

A card discarded face down by the dealer before each community card is dealt. It is a security measure, not a …

Calling the clock

Asking the dealer or floor to put a time limit on an opponent who is taking too long. Once granted, the player…

Dead button

A button placed in front of an empty seat, so that the blinds advance correctly even though no one is on the b…

Dealer's choice

A format in which whoever holds the button picks the game for the next hand or the next orbit. It is the oldes…

Frequently asked questions

What is forward motion in poker?

The rule that chips committed in one continuous movement toward the pot constitute the bet. Returning to your stack for more is a string bet, and the action will usually stand at the amount in the first motion.

How do I raise without breaking the rule?

Declare the amount in words first. A verbal declaration fixes the action, after which you can take as many movements as you need to assemble the chips.