Poker News

WSOP modifications "a curve ball" to competitors

2008-05-12 17:04:32

The re-scheduling of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) main event, which will see the final table taking place several months after the rest of the field has been eliminated, could lead to a number of players being at a disadvantage, it has been claimed.

Joe Saumarez-Smith, a consultant to the gambling industry, told Bloomberg readers there were possibilities that some competitors may collude with one another to gain an advantage, while others may seek special coaching to raise their game.

He also suggested that players would be likely to study the television footage to get a better read on their opponents' games, while those with stamina problems will not have to contend with one of their main weaknesses.

"Organisers of the WSOP, the game's top competition, have thrown players a curve ball that threatens the integrity of the multimillion-dollar tournament," commented Mr Saumarez-Smith.

The points he raised have been dismissed by top poker professional Daniel Negreanu, who wrote in his Full Contact Poker blog that anything which could possibly boost interest in the sport is a good thing.