PokerWorks

The World Poker Association (WPA) recently announced the completion of its recommended set of tournament rules for use in poker tournaments on a worldwide basis. Said rules will be unveiled at the 2008 WPA mega satellite on May 29 with an eye toward a longer-term collaboration with the WSOP.

Tournament rules have been in the works by members of the WPA for quite some time, and the organization is excited to present the complete list to participants in the WPA annual meeting on May 28, which is part of the 2008 WPA inaugural conference. The rules will then be distributed to players at the WPA mega satellite at noon on Thursday, May 29.

WPA Chairperson Wendeen Eolis explained, “The WPA requires all of its members to adhere to a stringent Code of Ethics that is designed to promulgate professionalism and the highest standards of sportsmanship. The new WPA tournament rules work hand and hand with this mission.”

Some of the WPA tournament rules will be incorporated into the WPA mega satellite this year. For instance, the World Series of Poker has agreed to operate the tournament with nine-handed tables and enforce a strict rule against splashing the pot. The WPA has asked that other rules be enforced as well, such as a request to WSOP Tournament Director Jack Effel to fully enforce the ban against obscene and foul language. Should the adaptations of certain rules go well during the 2008 WSOP, more talks between the two organizations will be scheduled in the future.

WPA Tournament Rules Committee Chair Thomas Kremser noted, “The WPA tournament rules reflect a good balance between the needs of tournament personnel and the needs of players to insure fairness and consistency.” More than 100 hours of committee and board meetings and discussions went into the finalization of the new rules.

Once the rules are released to the public, the WPA will encourage feedback to the mega satellite players, as well as casinos and card rooms around the world. The WPA hopes to use its comprehensive rules as the eventual global standard of tournament excellence.

With approximately 1400 members and a growing base, the organization seeks to unite everyone involved in the world of tournament poker and ensure the highest standards of ethics and professionalism are in place. More information about membership and upcoming events can be found at WPAPoker.org .