New Rules at the World Series of Poker

When you hear the name Phil Hellmuth you probably think two thoughts, greatest poker champion of all time, and ‘Poker Brat’. Hellmuth has had a long legacy of bad mouthing his opponents and criticizing their play.

That behavior, along with behavior of a few other players, is the reason that the World Series of Poker has tightened up on their sportsmanship rules.

Last year after losing a large pot at the WSOP, Hellmuth called an opponent an idiot and “the worst player in history”, all during the televised Main Event. He was only given a warning about unsportsmanlike conduct. Now, under the tighter rules, players who do the same may be forced to sit out of the tournament.

The 40th annual WSOP kicks off Wednesday at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The main event begins July 3.

"We saw some things last year we weren't very proud of, but we're talking about a limited number of incidents and a handful of players over a tournament that will run 50 days," WSOP Commissioner Jeffrey Pollack said. "So this is about a very select and limited number of players.

"That said, our intention is to make sure the behavior of a few doesn't impact the experience of the many. We want the tournament conducted in a civil, courteous manner."

It's about respecting the game, he said. The penalties will be enforced for taunting other players and intentionally playing hands out of turn, which can provide an advantage for others at the table.

Another new rule: Players can't use Twitter at the table.

News Added: 22 May, 2009

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