Mr. Grooms-I played 6max tournament and player requested me to count down my stack of chips that have not entered pot. I declined and floor ruled that my stack of 38 chips (same denominations) was to be stacked in stacks of 20 chips so player could know exactly how many chips I had. As far as I know all that seen is a clear vision of chips and dealer nor floor should count my stack unless chips were committed to the pot. I believe this was an aweful ruling and I would like your feelings on this ruling please.

If you don't want to talk, fine, but making it easier for players to count your chips is standard. Why would you have a problem with this ruling?

This is awesome, Johnny.
A bit too late for me to make travel plan changes. Nevertheless, this is a sick structure (esp at the 1K buyin level).

Completely ok with the ruling. Other players are allowed a clear view and reasonable estimation of the chips. He did not give an exact count.

Johnny, thanks for the slight changes in those events. I know many of us Southern regulars were disappointed in the 40m levels in the 1k and 1500 even though most of us aren't very outspoken. I just assumed the lack of 250/500 and 500/1k levels had to be a misprint since all tournaments I've played here (as low as the $350) had them, so I'm def glad to know this was added. Just know these changes are greatly appreciated by your regulars even if they don't have it in them to tell you directly.

Johnny,

How long is late-reg open for the 09/03 Sat $335 at noon?
Do you have any limit/cap(# of tables) for this one? If so what is the cap? Whats the likelihood it will sell out

Thanks

I have a problem with this ruling because the TD made it up and it is not a rule. Only thing needed is a clear vision of all chips. If a player is not sophisticated enough to figure out how many chips I have, that is his problem. I'm not obligated to count my chips for anyone unless I have committed them to the pot. I am not going to alter my routine because a guy cannot figure out how many chips im playing.

I actually think this is a fairly debated subject. Rules generally say that the chips need to be in plain view, but I don't think that makes it contrary to the rules to require that the chips be stacked in a way that makes it relatively easy to determine how big your stack is. Consider for example the situation where someone has a huge stack with lots of different denominations; though the biggest denominations may be out front, other sizes could be hidden or scattered. At that point, should the dealer get involved to help his opponent determine what he's up against? TDs and dealers need to keep things moving and asking a player to rearrange his stacks to make them easier to count is something I think they should be able to do. I've specifically been asked for example in the WSOP to keep my like-denomination chips in the same stack -- I had no problem with this request.

you're wrong, if your chips are not in a countable stack (38 is not countable) then the player has the right to a count. just relax.

The dealer at no point should touch my chips,give estimations or comment on my chips that are not committed to the pot. The only need to ensure highest denominations are in front and all chips are clearly visable. If I wanna stack my 1k chips 38 high and have 100chips 10 high that's my right, at no point should a TD tell me to count down a stack of 20 chips cuz a player cannot figure out how many chips I have. To make it even worse, I only had one stack of 1k chips and two 100 chips so there was no where for me to hide chips, all I had was one stack.

I am still waiting for a comment from Mr. Grooms......???

its u buddy

Go to pokerTDA.com and you can read the most updated rules that were agreed upon at the most recent TDA summitt. You will notice that many things are not covered in that rule set. Rule 1 also mentions "spirit of the game and fairness" as part of the decision making process. Understanding those 2 concepts, as well as WHY each of those rules are in place, are the hallmarks of a good TD. Eric Comer, the tournament director here at the Beau, was the person who made that call. He nailed it. He is one of the best in this business, and I trust his judgement.

TDA rules are used to supplement the rulebook for each specific poker room. Any situation not specifically covered by the TDA rules will be decided using the rules for that specific poker room.

Eric's decision was fair. It was reasonable, and it caused no injury to either player in the hand.

As far as the TD "making up a rule"....... No. Making up a rule and making a ruling are different. Anybody can read a rule book. Having a TD that can think on his feet and actually make a decision without having to read a piece of paper is much better that a having a guy who will quote the rules and never think about the implications of the decision. Eric has been a part of the TDA summit, just like I have. We have openly discussed this exact floor call ad nauseum with just about anyone you can think of in this business.

I enjoyed my experience at the Beau Rivage, everything ran very smoothly and I can't wait till the next series of tournaments. Good job to all staff! Even if I don't agree with ruling, I understand why he made it. I just do not like to alter my routine during a hand and having to count down my stack made me do something different from my routine. The player could have gained information on strength/weakness of my holdings based on how i reacted. Thanks again for everything!

If it's a re-entry event, reg. closes at the end of the re-entry period (1:30PM). If its a freezeout mega, it will close at 1PM. We have no cap, and can seat as many as 400 players. This will not sell out..... Most likely get 130-200 players.

Well I hope this doesnt screw up the weekend:

http://www.weather.com/weather/hurri...ico_2011-08-30


Any of the locals : What are you hearing in the local media?

Not true. In most tournaments I've played in, WSOP included, the player's chips will be counted down if needed for the other player to know how much you are playing.

You are mistaken. It may be true that at some tournaments you are only required to have your chips visible and largest in seperate stack. But in most tournaments around the country they will count your stack. In the WSOP Main Event I have seen they TD count the chips down for an exact chip count of how much a player has in his stack (and no he wasn't all-in)

Gentlemanly response on your part. I like that.

I also try to follow the same routine on every bet and I do not like to respond to questions during a hand for the same reason as you. I also would prefer no one touches my chips. I also used to like to vary my chip stack, however I can't really do that if I'm not going to count down my stack during a hand.

Usually someone will ask how much I am playing I just move my hands so he can see and that's the end of it. If they are far across the table or have bad eyesight it is easy for the dealer to tell how much I am playing and I do not have to respond the dealer can tell them. If i/you want to maintain a pattern of acting the same way then I pretty much have to stack them so players can tell how much I have or expect someone to come over and count it for me

did i miss something? what's so hard about stacking yoru chips in 20?

How many for the 1000 on Wed and for the 1500 today, Johnny?

85 for the 1k and 98 for the 1500. We have had cancellations due to the weather, but everything is looking good for the main event. We have rooms available for those who want to play.

We have 30 qualified for the main event already, and expect to satellite in about at least 30-40 more today. With cash buy-ins, we will prolly have 150-175 for the main event

thumbs up.... a player has a right to know how many chips another player has. Seems a s Eric once again made the right call.

Sounds good. At the ATL airport should be there soon..

175 players for the 3K main event today. Weather issues may have knocked the number down just a bit, as travel was dicey over the last 3 or 4 days. Follow @beaupoker on twitter for hourly updates, chips counts, etc. Currently there are 66 players left. John Dolan and Ali Eslami are among the ship leaders at just over 100K. Blind are 3K 6K wuth 75 ante. Avg stack is just under 40K.

First place pays 168K, 18 spots paid, with 18th receiving just over 5K.