World Series of Poker launches new rulebook.

World Series of Poker proprietor, Harrah’s Entertainment has released the 2008 World Series of Poker rulebook, an explanatory booklet which includes a series updates, tournament rules and information. The main reason of this rulebook is the necessity to clear the specific interpretation of controversial rules and to improve some of the current set of laws applicable for all the WSOP participants. Among the new rules, the WSOP organization was sure to make clear that all the players must maintain the courtesy on the table, stating that unnecessary celebrations, exaggerated theatrics, inappropriate physical actions, gesticulations, or behavior will be subject to penalty. Rule # 36 says that “Any player that engages a member of the tournament staff during the celebration or utilizes any property of Harrah’s will be penalized in accordance with Rules No. 31 and/or 51. Harrah’s property includes but is not limited to chairs, tournament tables, and stanchions.”

Another rule also clarified by the WSOP organization was a divisive rule that stated that “At the end of a hand, if a player exposes one hole card, he or she must also show the other hole card if asked to do so by any player” From now, players are allowed to show one hole card if they want to, but only once the hand is over. Cell phones are not allowed, not even for sending text messages, players who want to use phones will have to quit playing or receive a miss hand fine if they are not participating in the hand. Pocket PC’s and electronic agendas such as Blackberrys, iPhones, iTouch, and Treos will not be allowed at the table.

Harrah’s said that logos from sponsors can’t be larger than 12 square inches, making clear that “No single company name is to be represented more than once on any individual article of clothing. For players seated at a table taped for television or broadband-video coverage, logos may not be added after the beginning of that day’s session of play.”

Here’s a recollection of some of the new rules and clarifications made by the World Series of Poker Organization. (*Information taken from 2008 WSOP* rulebook)

Rule No. 44:  “Floor People: Floor People are to consider the best interest of the game and fairness as the top priority in the decision-making process. Unusual circumstances can on occasion dictate that decisions in the interest of fairness take priority over the technical rules. The floor person’s decision is final.” ─

Rule No. 45: “Chip race rule: Race-off is defined as removal of a denomination of chip no longer in use. When it is time to color-up chips, they will be raced off with a maximum of one chip going to any player. The chip race will always start at the first player left of the dealer. A player cannot be raced out of a tournament. In the event that a player has only one chip remaining, the regular race procedure will take place. If that player loses the race, [s]he will be given one chip of the smallest denomination still in play. Players found to have lower denomination chips remaining in their stack after the race-off will forfeit those chips unless they are equivalent in value to a chip still in play. Players are encouraged to witness the chip race.”

Rule No. 48: “Calling-for-clock procedures: Once a reasonable amount of time, which is no less than three minutes, has passed and a clock is called, a player will be given one (1) minute to act. If action has not been taken by the time the minute has expired, there will be a ten (10) second countdown. If a player has not acted on his hand by the time the countdown is over, the hand will be dead. Any player intentionally stalling the progress of the game will incur a penalty in accordance with Rule No. 51.”

Rule No. 50: “A player exposing his or her cards with action pending may incur a penalty, but will not have a dead hand. The penalty will begin at the end of the hand. All players at the table are entitled to see the exposed card(s), if requested. A penalty may also be imposed if a player throws a card off the table, violates the one-player-to-a-hand rule or engages in similar behavior. Penalties will be invoked in cases of soft-play, abuse or disruptive behavior. All penalties will be imposed at Harrah’s sole and absolute discretion, in accordance with Rule No. 51.”

Rule No. 50: "In its sole and absolute discretion, Harrah’s may impose penalties that include verbal warnings and missed-hand penalties. A missed-hand penalty will be assessed as follows: The offender will miss one hand for each player at the table, including the offender, when the penalty is given, multiplied by the number of rounds specified in the penalty. Tournament staff can assess one-, two-, three- or four-round penalties or disqualification. Players who receive a missed-hand penalty must remain outside the designated tournament areas for the length of their penalty. The player must notify the tournament staff prior to returning to their seat. Repeat infractions are subject to escalating penalties up to disqualification."

Rule No. 52: “A player who is disqualified shall have his or her chips removed from play and no refund will be provided to that disqualified player. Any player who forfeits play for health or other personal reasons after the start of a tournament will have his or her chips blinded off accordingly.”  

Rule No. 53: “A player must be at his or her seat by the time all players have been dealt complete initial hands to have a live hand. Players must be at their seats to call time. “At your seat” is defined as being within reach or touch of your chair.”

Rule No. 54: “All cards will be turned face up once a player is all in and all action is complete. If a player accidentally folds/mucks their hand before cards are turned up, the Tournament Staff reserves the right to retrieve the folded/mucked cards if the cards are clearly identifiable.”