With the recent airings of the WSOP final event on TV, I was amazed by the stellar play, while repulsed by some of the player behavior and lack of penalties. As a founding member of the Tournament Directors Association (TDA), I have been inundated with email from viewers and tournament directors who asked, "Why was abusive behavior allowed?" or "Why was the penalty of a well-known player overturned? Unfortunately I don't have an answer to those questions.
I've been in the poker industry for more than 30 years and hope to be remembered most for my firm stance on consistent rulings and player behavior. Some of the behavior I witnessed on national television set the game back years in its public acceptance. I adopted a zero tolerance for abuse towards fellow players and staff long ago and can't believe that other tournament directors allow this to go unpunished.
I am also asked about the due process involved in receiving a penalty. Is a warning necessary first? While the TDA rules clearly state that a warning "may" be given, sometimes going straight into the penalty box is the best option when the rules of conduct are clearly exceeded.
Why are the rules seemingly different for different people and is that fair or right? In my opinion it is both fair and correct. While a novice player may not realize where the line is and sometimes deserves the benefit of the doubt-and receive a warning for a minor rule infraction instead of a penalty-those who play for their livelihood on a daily basis certainly shouldn't get that same benefit.
Why the double standard? It's because they know the rules. If they know they will get a warning for calling an opponent an idiot why wouldn't they take that first bite for free, knowing that they will only get a warning? The law has to be laid down and tournament directors have to have the huevos to make the right call, even when tough to do and might against some a popular player.
If a player knows that the tournament director can't be pushed around, he will stop pushing and follow the rules. Havad Khan is a perfect example of a player who acted poorly, got the message, and behaved beautifully this past season. Why can't the rest "get it"?
While my soapbox is often occupied, I know I don't stand on it alone in this pursuit for peace at the table. Interpretation of the rules and implementation of penalties is a tough dance to execute, but when done properly, it is a thing of beauty. I commend all of the TDs who have made tough, albeit unpopular, decisions and hope that it becomes the norm.
The WSOP main event is THE event in poker. While it sounds as though I am lambasting them, let me acknowledge that the gargantuan task they undertook and executed nearly flawlessly was an amazing feat. Managing thousands of entrants a day in multiple events is so huge I can't even begin to figure out how they made the matrix that became the event.
It is unfortunate that a few players had to spoil the party and treat the poker world with so much disrespect. Let's treat it with the dignity and the honor it deserves. I welcome your comments on this one. Moving right along, I'm headed to Pendleton, Oregon where my father, Peter Fisher, is about to be inducted into the Senior's Poker Hall of Fame!
Editor's Note: Jan Fisher has 30 years experience as a poker player, tournament director, strategist/columnist, cofounder of the Tournament Directors Association, Partner in Card Player Cruises, WPT Boot Camp instructor and statistician, and live studio announcer for the Professional Poker Tour. E-mail Jan at Jan@cardplayercruises.com.
