PokerWorks

The Tournament Directors Association (TDA) is the most acclaimed organization in poker as it pertains to the rules of the game. As the game of poker began to grow exponentially in the 1990’s and early 2000’s, it became apparent that a standard set of tournament rules were necessary and long overdue to help regulate the industry. The TDA was then formed in 2001 by Matt Savage, David Lamb, Jan Fisher, and Linda Johnson to do just that.

The organization has collectively taken rules from poker rooms across the United States and drafted a singular set of standardized guidelines that casinos and card rooms can adopt. Those who have chosen to do so already include Bellagio, Foxwoods, Commerce, Lucky Chances, and Binion’s, along with several groups that use the TDA rules when they host live tournaments like PokerStars and PartyPoker. The list of rules has grown to 40 and addresses every subject, from calling the clock to card showdowns, and from breaking tables to issuing penalties, and all of them can be viewed at the TDA website.

In order to coordinate with casinos and card rooms, as well as tournament directors, poker room managers, and all those interested in participating in the TDA or influencing the rule-making process, the Board of Directors has announced the 2009 TDA Summit, which will be held at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino on Tuesday, June 16, and Wednesday, June 17. The two-day summit will be conveniently held during the 2009 World Series of Poker , when many expected attendees will be in Las Vegas for the series.

Matt Savage said, “We encourage Poker Room Managers and Tournament Directors from around the world to attend and bring their thoughts and ideas. We appreciate all TDA members and are eager to meet with them to update TDA rules.”

Organizers are asking interested parties to register by May 15, 2009, to ensure a seat at the seminar, and that process can be done by contacting Savage himself at matt@savagetournaments.com. In addition, those wishing to reserve rooms at the Rio for the seminar have the same deadline of May 15 to receive the special room rate, the one that can be accessed by using reservation codes “ORTDA9” or “The TDA Meeting.”

Those interested in adopting the TDA rules for their particular poker arenas may also do so by visiting the organization’s website. There will be a certification process to ensure that potential members are aware and willing to abide by the rules, and a TDA certification process will be administered before issuing membership to the TDA.