Unanticipated WSOP Regulations That Could Catch You Off Guard
Card Wars: A Hidden Battlefield at the World Series of Poker
Winning at the WSOP isn't just about your poker skills; it's about abiding by a myriad of odd rules that could cost you the game. Here are a few unconventional yet impactful rules you should know.
1. Defend your cards, even from the dealer
In 2009, during the Main Event's Day 5, a peculiar incident unfolded. James Tran faced off against French player Estelle Denis. In seat 9, which is almost touching the dealer, Estelle pushed all-in for 142K against Tran's 32K. The dealer, unfortunately, thought she folded and discarded her cards.
"Is this a joke?" she protested. "I had two tens!"
According to rule 108, players must protect their own hands at all times. Additionally, any mistakes made by the dealer do not exempt players from responsibility. This rule, known as Rule 108, emphasizes the need for players to maintain control of their cards.
Result: The 32K went to Tran, and Estelle's 110K of chips were returned to her. Seat 1 and 9 players, who are closest to the dealer, should be extra vigilant and consider using a card protector—a chip, keychain, or any other small object placed on their cards to guarantee their cards remain in play. However, the protector should not exceed a 2-inch diameter and 0.5-inch height, as per rule 112. No ashtrays or drinks except for a sealed bottle of water are allowed on the table.
2. Sit tight after a push
Don't get up from your seat after pushing all-in, thinking you can go to the bathroom. According to rule 84, leaving your seat after the start of a hand might result in your hand being declared dead.
3. Eau de Toilette: A hidden weapon
Your cool t-shirt from last year's WSOP may come back to haunt you. Poor hygiene, strong perfume, or excessive artificial scents can all be considered breaches of etiquette. These offenses are subject to penalties, ranging from warnings, fines, to disqualification, as outlined in rules 70 and 71.
4. Men allowed, but not encouraged, in Ladies Event
The WSOP Ladies Event, originating in 1977, was initially meant for wives attending the event in Las Vegas. The first buy-in was $100, with 93 participants, and Jackie McDaniels won, claiming a prize of $5,580—the smallest prize in WSOP history.
Over time, the buy-in increased, and women could receive a discount of up to $1,000 to bypass legal restrictions against male participation (which is, in fact, illegal). However, men occasionally appear in the tournament. In extreme cases, they even go as far as dressing up as women, like Sean DiB, who wore a straw hat, pink top, and makeup from Liv Boeree in 2010.
No man has ever won the WSOP Ladies Event. However, exceptions have been made in other series, such as Greg Seessel who won the Ladies Only Event at WSOP Circuit Lake Tahoe in 2009, and David Hughes who won the $250 WPT Ladies Event in 2023, causing an uproar on social media. Guys, if you're here, feel free to participate, but everyone will be happier if you bust.
5. The Unspoken Rules
Having a great hand but deciding to fold pre-flop? Wanting to criticize or advise your opponent after a round? Think again. Rule 116 prohibits discussing strategy, sharing hands (even folded ones), reading hands until showdown, or commenting on play. The "one player - one hand" rule (113) also applies. Players must focus on their own actions and keep quiet during their opponents' turns. exceptions are made only during heads-up play when two players are left and strategy discussion becomes less disruptive.
- Despite the incident in 2009 when the dealer mistakenly discarded a player's cards, it's essential for players to always protect their own hands, as stated in rule 108, to prevent such situations.
- If you push all-in during a game, refrain from getting up from your seat, even for a bathroom break, to avoid having your hand declared dead, based on rule 84.
- While your favorite t-shirt may hold memories, avoid wearing clothes with strong perfume or excessive artificial scents, as it could be considered a breach of etiquette, penalties for which are outlined in rules 70 and 71.
- Although men are allowed to participate in the WSOP Ladies Event, no man has ever won it. Notable exceptions have been made in other series, such as Greg Seessel in the Ladies Only Event at WSOP Circuit Lake Tahoe in 2009 and David Hughes in the $250 WPT Ladies Event in 2023.
- In addition to the explicit rules, there are unspoken rules in poker. Discussing strategy, sharing hands, reading hands until showdown, or commenting on play is discouraged, as per rule 116. Similarly, during gameplay, players must focus on their own actions and keep quiet during their opponents' turns, following the "one player - one hand" rule (113). However, exceptions are made during heads-up play when discussion becomes less disruptive.
