Third Person Walking Rule ( poker )

 

In a public card room, once two people have gotten up from a game (and left their chips, so that they remain part of the game) for whatever reason, the next person to get up is given a button by the house dealer and informed that he must return before his next blind or he will be picked up. This rule helps to keep games full, keeps them from breaking up, and yet still allows the third player time enough to make a quick restroom trip or take a smoke break.