World Series of Poker 2008 – New Rules Clarify Old Ones | WSOP 2008 Institutes Some New Rules
Harrah's, in its ongoing efforts to improve processes at the World Series of Poker, has released the 2008 rulebook. In the new rulebook, it's clear that efforts have been made to well, clarify, some of the hazier rules from past years.
Regarding 'excessive celebrations', players are discouraged from engaging in “theatrics, physical actions, gestures or conduct.” Players who take part in these activities will be penalized. People are also discouraged from involving a “member of the tournament staff during the celebration or using any property of Harrah's. Harrah's property includes but is not limited to chairs, tournament tables and stanchions.” (Rule 36)
Once a player is disqualified, his or her chips will be “removed from play and no refund will be provided to the disqualified player.” Players, who forfeit for “health or other personal reasons after the start of the tournament, will have his or her chips blinded off accordingly.” (Rule 52)
Last year many players complained about the rule requiring them to show both whole cards or toss 'em into the muck. This has been modified for '08. “Players will now be allowed to show only one card, but only after the hand is over.”
As for cell phone usage, the rules now state that “all cell phones and other voice-enabled and 'ringing' electronic devices must be silenced during tournament play. A player who wants to use a cell phone must be at least one table length away from their assigned table or be subject to penalty.” Players are not allowed to put their cell phones or any other 'electronic communication device' on the table. Those who violate this rule “will receive a missed hand penalty on the next hand.” (Rule 87)
Rule 88 clarifies the usage of iPods and so forth. It states that “players are allowed to use approved electronic devices iPods, MP3 and other music players or noise reduction headsets during tournament play until they have reached the money in any tournament, so long as the approved electronic devices can not access the Internet, send or receive SMS text and are not equipped with any type of communication device.”
Referring to promotional materials, "no single company name is to be represented more than once on any individual article of clothing. For players seated at a table taped for television or broadband-video coverage, logos may not be added after the beginning of that day's session of play." (Rule 42)
To bone up on all the rules for 2008, click here .
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