Poker’s FIFA
By: Andres Vargas
For those who know little more than nothing about soccer, FIFA is the organism governing all soccer organizations around the globe, and now it seems like poker will finally have its own world wide ruling institution: the World Poker Association.
For years the World Poker Organization has made an attempt to standardize poker tournament rules around the globe. The time has finally come and the WPA has announced the release of their long expected set of rules on their annual meeting in Vegas, right before the start of the WSOP 2008.
So what’s the point? Even tough we are all versatile players who can quickly adapt to any type of game, it’s always a good idea to share a set of rules we are all familiar with; before we start breaking chairs on each others back’s after the first disagreement takes place.
WPA’s rulings have already had an effect on the world’s hottest gig as the WSOP’s organization will apply some of the new regulations, including a strong prohibition against splashing the pot, potsplashers are to be cut to pieces and fed to the pigs (you wish).
Some other rules like a ban on cursing and foul language are still held under discussion. In regards to this matter I like things just the way they are, if you can’t trash talk a player out of balance by using your top 500 yo’ mama insults poker will lose some of its essence.
Members of the WPA will play by the new book on their mega satellite on May 29th and from that point on the organization will encourage players and tournament directors who play provide them with feedback to achieve their goal of professionalizing international tournaments.
