Rule row continues

Author: Simon Dexter

Following diva-like histrionics from several high-profile players at this year‘s WSOP*, calls for a standardised set of tournament rules continue to grow louder after the veracity of at least two was called into question.

Prior to the event’s glitzy May opening, rule number 87 dealing with the use of mobile (cell) phones was clear: all mobiles and other voice-enabled equipment had to be silent during tournament play. “A player who wants to use a cell phone,” the rule stated, “must be at least one table length away from their assigned table or be subject to penalty. The hand of any player talking on a cell phone, texting, e-mailing or otherwise communicating electronically while in a hand with action pending will be declared dead.”

Rule 31, which deals with profanities, was similarly clear: “Any player who directs any profane and/or abusive language at another player, dealer or tournament staff member or who makes any profane and/or abusive comments about another player, dealer or tournament staff member will be penalised…”

Yet following a complaint against one big poker ‘name’ for alleged mobile phone use, it transpired that according to one of tournament director Jack Effel’s assistants, rule 87 had been changed. The problem was that few knew of the change. As for the alleged profanity, it is Harrah’s not WSOP* officials who may adapt a zero-tolerance policy to such outbursts.

“The money a number of poker’s leading players make is a source of envy for many,” said one long-time WSOP watcher afterwards, “and at some point or another, they will find themselves targeted. They’re only human, they can get riled and fly off the handle. Point is, if the game is to have any credibility, they have to be disciplined like anyone else. Too often though, the rules are open to different interpretations which prevents this from happening.

“At its most rarefied level, poker is in danger of developing into a Premier League-style enterprise where concessions are given to the big names at the expense of ’smaller’ ones. It would be unhealthy were poker to develop along similar lines; to prevent this from happening, the sooner a single, definitive set of tournament rules is drawn up and subsequently adhered to, the better.”

We would like to hear your thoughts on this matter and will air the best of them on our next poker-cast.

*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: poker, Rules, WSOP

This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008 at 11:08 am and is filed under News & Promotions Blog. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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