Organizers of the World Series of Poker had a press conference last week, and spelled out some of the particulars of their format change. If you haven't heard, the WSOP is going to play the main event down to nine players, give them all ninth-place money, then invite them back in November, when they will tape it all for TV, with a one-day turnaround.

Their main quote: "Instead of who won, you'll be asking 'who will win.?'" Also, that the event will now have 117 days of buildup.

It also noted that:

The WSOP has address the unsportsmanlike conduct rule and has tightened the rules on abusive language, though no specifics were provided.

Cellphones must be silenced, but a player can use them as long as they're at least one table length away.

One person asked if the time span before the final playdown would give opportunity for collusion, with players making deals. The WSOP said no, that people respect the game too much.

There also will be more breaks, and the evening will end sooner, meaning no more playing until 2 a.m.

As far as reporting the results in November, there's no sequestration. You see it, you report it.
‘It will only enhance the coverage,’ ESPN says.

Another guy asked if they were worried foreign players wouldn't come back if they made the final table. Dude, what are you thinking? If I'm in that final nine, I'd swim across the ocean for a chance to play. C'mon.

> Discuss this entry