New rules anyone?

Author: Simon Dexter

More than one player saw fit to complain about apparent last-minute amendments made to the tournament rules during the recent WSOP* in Las Vegas; indeed, several observers felt they were executed solely to accommodate higher-profile players. Conscious of this, professional poker players Marcel Luske and Michelle Lau have established the rather grand-sounding Federation Internationale de Poker Association (FIDPA), together with the International Poker Rules (IP Rules).

Luske and Lau have one aim: to create an internationally-accepted set of rules and standards for poker card rooms and tournaments which provides consistency, clarity and fairness.

“As poker has exploded, the beauty of having one set of rules that everyone can learn and follow is a big step for the game,” said Luske. He has a point.

The new IP Rules consist of 80 technical rules and incorporate policies and procedures for tournament play. Sensibly, they also cross-reference and incorporate the latest version of the Tournament Directors Association’s existing rules.

In both instances, the rules can be modified by a tournament director, organiser or card room management provided any modifications are made known to players before a tournament commences.

According to Lau, “A standardised set of rules is desperately needed [because] as a professional poker player travelling around the world to play in tournaments, there is absolutely no way to know the different rules in every country or even from venue to venue. By allowing tournament directors to make and disclose any necessary modifications prior to a tournament, we can now know the rules, simply note the changes and be able to ensure the rulings are made are fairly.”

FIDPA will actively promote and implement the IP Rules by endorsing card rooms and poker tournaments worldwide that adopt their new rules. It’s an initiative that deserves to succeed to prevent any repeat of the occasionally unseemly goings-on in Vegas last month.

*World Series of Poker and WSOP are trademarks of Harrah’s License Company, LLC (”Harrah’s”). Harrah’s does not sponsor or endorse, and is not associated or affiliated with Littlewoods Gaming or it’s products, services, promotions or tournaments.

Tags: Las Vegas, poker, WSOP

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 31st, 2008 at 10:53 am and is filed under News & Promotions Blog.