Among the principles that PokerStars (poker) has always considered essential to protect, player security at the poker tables — shielding players from any type of unexpected situations — has always been a top priority for the spade room.
In this case, we're not talking about Online Poker, a field where PokerStars has always been a leader, but Live Poker — another large poker universe where PokerStars has excelled since the early years of the new millennium, when poker exploded exponentially even across Europe.
PokerStars Live: new rules for live poker tournaments
There are some updates regarding the regulations governing PokerStars-branded live events, aimed at offering a playing experience free from any unexpected incidents, especially in a time where constant vigilance through as many eyes as possible is necessary.
These measures arise from the valuable feedback of players, who are the true protagonists of poker events.
Some of these regulatory updates will already be in place starting from the next stop in Monte Carlo, beginning April 30.
— Toby Stone, EPT Tournament Director
Fixed number of hands at final tables
One of the most significant regulatory changes concerns a real revolution in how final stages of live tournaments are handled, specifically about the number of hands played at final tables.
From now on, the reference will no longer be the time spent at each blind level but the number of hands, which will remain the same for every level.
The idea is to avoid sudden shifts in pace that can favor strategies based on speeding up or slowing down, which will no longer be tolerated.
"These changes focus on player integrity, experience, and security. With these updates, players can be sure they are playing in a fairer, more consistent environment, without being disadvantaged by undetected illegal actions or by tactics that, while technically compliant with the rules, may not reflect the spirit of the game."
New rules for live poker: slide dealing
Another major innovation is the introduction of "slide dealing," starting at the Monte Carlo EPT, though initially on a smaller scale, and to be fully implemented at the Barcelona stop in August.
Slide dealing is a card dealing technique that greatly reduces the chance for any player to capture card information using technological devices.
Although no such incidents have surfaced yet, the reality is that smartphones and other devices are becoming increasingly intelligent — and not only thanks to artificial intelligence.
Dealer Courtesy PokerStars & Tomas Stacha
Device restrictions
All devices that could assist with gameplay — like solvers — are completely banned during live events. Although solvers are commonly used after online poker sessions to analyze hands, they are strictly forbidden at live tournament tables.
This ban applies to everyone — not just players, but also spectators, friends, and bystanders.
Starting from the Monte Carlo EPT, the list of banned devices at the tables will expand from phones to smartwatches, rings, glasses, and other wearables capable of transmitting or receiving data.
New PokerStars Live rules: immediate seating
As stated in PokerStars' official announcement on April 23, every time players are moved to a new table, they must immediately sit down upon arrival.
This measure prevents players from lingering to avoid paying blinds or to observe gameplay before joining. Tournament staff will have the authority to enforce immediate seating if necessary.
Hyper-Turbo mode: further updates
Regarding Hyper-Turbo tournaments, player execution speed is under closer scrutiny.
The 24-second shot clocks in Hyper-Turbo tournaments will now start at Level 11. Players will receive two 10-second time bank cards at the beginning of that level.
Two more time bank cards will be given at the next break, with a maximum of four time bank cards assigned during most tournaments. This rule came directly from player feedback.
Toby Stone's remarks
"These changes are about protecting player integrity, experience, and safety," said Toby Stone, EPT Tournament Director.
"We have listened to players' concerns about modern poker tournaments and made changes that directly address them. With these updates, players can play in a fairer, more consistent environment without suffering from undetectable illegal actions or questionable tactics that undermine the spirit of the game."
Fonte: Assopoker - Link
