Rules Changes and More Announced During 2012 WSOP Conference Call
With the WSOP only a few weeks away, a conference call was held on Tuesday to discuss the new plans and developments for the series. Shortly before the conference call, ESPN announced the channels plans for this years WSOP coverage. The change in the televised coverage was one of the issues discussed during the conference call.
The Highlights of the WSOP Conference Call
• Overall the WSOP is expected to be a much livelier event. Tournament organizers said that they have removed the controversial Hevad Kahn rule. This was instituted to prevent over exuberant celebration. However, the organizers feel that there needs to be a more lenient approach. Players will now be allowed to celebrate as long as it does not go completely out of bounds (throwing chairs, creating chaos in the area).
• Players will be required to announce their action. Talking is also going to be encouraged during hands as long as you are last to act. This looks to be part of the overall plan to increase the liveliness of the WSOP.
• The addition of WSOP Australia is seen as expanding the brand. The organizers do not think it will dilute or harm the image of the WSOP.
• The $1 Million One Drop charity event is likely going to be filled. There is expected to be 48 players for the event. There will be several satellites for the event, including a $25k Satellite.
• No Food Comp. This year there will be no food comp. Instead of receiving a food voucher, players will receive credit on their Caesars Total Reward cards. This is likely to hurt those players who buy into the $1,500 events, but will be an increase in value to those buying into the $10K events.
• Several New Events. There are going to be new events including an Ante Only, as well as a 4 handed No Limit event.
• Almost 100 tables will be added. This is an attempt to prevent players from leaving and heading over to the Bellagio, Aria, or Venetian looking for side game action.
• Men are still going to be allowed to enter the ladies only event.
• The Main Event final table will be moved to October 28. This is so it will not interfere with the Presidential election.
• All of the final tables will be live streamed online. David Tuchman has been chosen to do commentary.
• The Final table of the Main Event will be the only event shown live on ESPN. Last years ratings were lower, so the choice was to only air the most popular event.
• The 50K 8-Game final table will not air on ESPN. Because of this, the final table will remain 8-Game and will not switch to No Limit.
• There are no plans to honor Amarillo Slim, though something is likely to be done.
• Overall, organizers expect attendance to be up. There is already an increase in registration from last year.
