Ty Stewart, the Vice President of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) recently announced that there would be changes in the set up of the WSOP. The new changes will alter the social atmosphere of the entire tourney.
Stewart had felt that the silence during the tourney was quite unnecessary. Rightly pointing out that “a poker room is not a church,” Stewart said that there is no need for silence in the poker room. He felt that something ought to be done to make the poker rooms fun and lively once again.
Accordingly, the WSOP has decided that two rules responsible for the somber atmosphere in the poker rooms at the WSOP should be repealed. The directors of the poker tournaments will now allow poker players to discuss their hands, something that was strictly forbidden for the last five years. Participants can also rejoice aloud if they find that they have an excellent hand.
Jack Effel, a tournament director at the WSOP, voiced his opinion that poker was tightened up so much that players were terrified of using verbal strategies to defeat their opponents. The truth is that poker is a wild and boisterous game, full of fun, and has always been so from the days it was being played in the Wild West.
The WSOP announced a number of changes at its annual tournament preview conference. Although the WSOP is celebrating its 43rd birthday this year, it looks fresher and newer than ever because it is being constantly modified.
A number of things have changed at the WSOP. For example, the tournament area has been expanded so that more players can be accommodated. If the poker room at Rio is added to this area, the WSOP will have enough space for 500 poker tables.
The WSOP has also launched brand new tournaments this year. Stewart said that the WSOP, in collaboration with the Players’ Advisory Council, explores new tournament options annually. He said, “We call it a Jenga puzzle putting together that schedule, but hopefully it gets better every year.”
Besides the $1 Million Big One for One Drop, the WSOP has announced several affordable events such as an Ante Only NL Hold’em tournament, which is scheduled for June 27. The buy-in for this blind-free event is $1,500. A $2,500 Four Handed NL Hold’em tournament will be held on June 14 and a Mix Max NL Hold’em event with a buy-in of $5k will be held on May 31.
Effel stated that the new variations are always in demand as poker players enjoy fresh challenges and more opportunities to win prizes.
