I would love to receive some input to help me resolve a debate that I had with a fellow player during a texas hold'em poker tourney last week.

Situation: Blinds posted of 100 & 200....cards are delt...a gentleman (first to act) slides a 1000 chip across the betting line.

Argument: Because this player failed to announce raise, several players at the table considered this to be a call and suggested he should receive 800 change back.

-several others at the table (myself included) felt this bet represented a raise as the bettor had a stack of $100 denomination chips available but chose not to use them.

-The tourney director was called over and decided that the bet would stand as a raise
-This settled the situation at hand and play continued,
it did not however settle the argument.

This player whom I disagreed with stated a casino rule which he insisted was universal for all north american casino cardrooms-

The Rule: In all cash games with an established bet, a single chip bet (regardless the denomination) will always be considered a call unless the player verbally anounces "raise" when betting. If a player does not announce his intention, then change will automatically be given by the dealer.
The player stating this rule explained that it was a liability issue for the casino and that a player would have grounds to sue the establishment if that rule was not followed.

Could anyone help validate or dispute this "universal?" rule based on personal experience. I would be greatful
-Thank You in Advance-Chet

It's not universal at all. I've seen it go both ways.

Where i used to play live alot, limit too, you would have to announce "call" for an over sized chip to not be considered a raise.

But actually, it should be on the dealer to make the distinction and announce the action to the table. When the gentleman placed that chip, the dealer should have said "Raised to 1000", thereby giving the man a chance to correct the dealer and get the action right. But that itself could be considered a form of string betting, trying to illicit a response from other players.

The managers decision is correct IMO.

The onus is on the player to make his actions known. By not saying anything with his bet, the only "communication" he was offering was the chip itself, which said raise.

Pretty much yeah... thats why theres a bet line. You can't go back for more, and unless you declare, your chips speak.

I did the same thing in a tournament last week....this wasn't at foxwoods was it $80 bounty? LOL I bet out 1,000 to be a raise but the dealer said it was a call. It made no sense to me because I clearly could have made the call cause I had enough 100 chips to call.