In poker tournaments, there are some very strict rules regarding player’s actions. In many cases, management must be called in to determine whether or not a player has broken the rules. Recently, a controversial ruling took place during the ANZPT poker tournament in Perth, and it left one poker pro very angry. Jim Collopy was playing a hand during Level Four of the ANZPT Main Event.
The gameplay had stopped when Collopy questioned a ruling that had been made the by dealer. During the showdown on a 6h 10h 5d 2d 10d board, Collopy’s two opponents had checked to him. Since they had done so, it would be highly unlucky that he would muck his hand – but the dealer determined that he had. This is because when Collopy revealed his hand to the table, they landed face down.
According to the rules at Crown Perth, this means that the player has mucked. Collopy requested that ANZPT President Danny McDonaugh deal with the situation, but he said he had no power.
It was up to staff at the casino. Poker room manager Deb Wyatt reviewed footage of the hand, and determine that it was best to back up the dealer as Collopy’s cards did land face down on the felt. It is a unique rule that few other poker rooms enforce, so it was explained to players when they entered the casino for the tournament.
Mr McDonaugh released a statement on the situation shortly after. He recognized that some local rules are not in the best interest of players. So, he would like to have this particular rule changed before the ANZPT 2015. “Crown Perth Poker Manager Deb Wyatt is working on getting this rule changed with the state regulator, which I hope can be achieved for next year's event”, he said.
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