Poker Managers Hall of Famer Matt Savage, writing for Pokernews, reports that in a recent lunch with WSOP Tournament Director Jack Effel, he learned of some of the rules changes that will be in effect at the 2008 WSOP:
One new rule that I like is Rule #36 which states: “Excessive celebration through extended theatrics, inappropriate behavior, or physical actions, gestures, or conduct may be subject to penalty. Hevad Khan and Humberto Brenes could be in real trouble in 2008.
Rule #43 (i) states: “Advertising a .com gaming site that conducts business with U.S. residents” refers to the once-blanket ban against “dot-com” appearances. That ban goes away, and it will again open up the logo wars to many online companies around the world. However, online poker sites that accept US business (such as Full Tilt and PokerStars) will not be allowed to use the “.com” suffix, and must use “.net” advertising instead.
Make sure you get a good look at Rule #88, the new “Cell Phone Rule”: “Penalties will be given for using the phone at the table, whether in a hand or not.” Also, note Rule #89: “iPods, iTouch, Treos, Blackberrys with headsets are not allowed.”
Elsewhere, he mentions that the “show one, show all” rule, which required a player to show both of his cards if he chose to show one of them after a hand, has also been eliminated. I never much cared about this one one way or the other, but it was very unpopular, and Daniel Negreanu in particular has been actively working to get it eliminated for some time.
Like Savage, I am glad to see the penalty for excessive celebration. Not only is this rude and unsportsmanlike, but it wastes the time of everyone at the table. I’d rather get dealt an extra hand or two than watch Brenes’ shark psychologically devour his opponent.
There should be more tomorrow, including information about “changes to the facility” that will hopefully be welcome news to anyone who had to play in the tent last year.