This document provides guidelines for how to rule at a table as a judge. The key steps are to 1) approach with a smile while noting the time and squatting to their level, 2) listen separately to each player starting with the caller until fully understanding the situation, potentially defusing conflicts or calling a backup judge for clarity, 3) investigate whether a foul occurred requiring a head judge or deliver the ruling, and 4) deliver the ruling without strategic advice and offer an appeal while giving extra time and documenting the decision in writing.

1. How to Rule

2. 1. Approach
• , note time, squat
2. Listen
• Separately, first caller, until everything clear
• Defuse conflicts
• If not clear, call backup (judge, rules)
3. Investigate
• Foul play? -> HJ otherwise, deliver
4. Deliver
• No strategy, deviation or partial fix
• Offer HJ appeal if 
• Extra time & fill slip
NOTE: Not exhaustive HOW TO guide

3. backup

4. Approaching the table
• Smile
• Note time
• Don’t speak with players from high ground
(get lower)

5. Listen
• Each player separately
• Starting with one who called you
• Until you understand the situation

6. Investigate
• Everything clear?
– If not, ask more questions or another judge
• Is there a foul play?
– Call HJ
• If not, deliver it

7. Delivering
• Don’t give strategic info
• Don’t deviate or fix partially
• Offer appeal to HJ if needed
• Give extra time & write on the slip