Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 496
Speaking as a TD:
I use a preset break order - the same as every other tournament run in the house. I can tell you before I open registration what the order will be. There is ZERO opportunity for favoritism.
Selecting seats: You may request a specific seat type to start the event - if you preregister. I will never grant a table request. Also, I'm paying attention to regulars and people that ask this - if you change your preference suddenly, you're never getting anything else from me - always or never. Once I say shuffle up and deal, I will not make any seating adjustments except in a situation where the ADA takes precedence (I have both seen and done this, but it's beyond rare). After that, all seating is wholly random.
Redraws: For a single day tournament, I'll redraw at the final table break of the event. Generally the final table. For a larger field event, I will likely redraw at approximately the time of the bubble. Again, both of these are determined by the gaming commission approved structures. I am not deciding to redraw mid-event without a substantial reason - and have never gotten to that point.
Moving players: I also have a preset formula for who I move, and where they go. My regulars all know the rules for this - I don't try to hide it. I have exactly once seen a player gain advantage by doing this (from the big blind into a relatively late position seat but still closest to the blind...followed by his new table breaking as he was UTG, and returning to his original seat in the hijack).