Changes to the 2008 WSOP Main Event

As the clock ticks down to the starting time of the 2008 World Series of Poker Main Event, controversy continues to grow over the changes that have been made to this years tournament.

As I posted in the WSOP Friend Feed room, this year sees a break of almost four months between players reaching the final table and actually playing it. The major reason for this change is to suit the ESPN Prime Time TV Schedule and take the tournament to a whole new level, gaining exposure and (presumably) many $$$ to the organizers. Such a large break does cause some problems though and that’s what’s getting people upset.

Four months break is a long time, here are a few of the arguments (for and against) doing the rounds:

• Any professionals at the table will likely use that time to study the habits and playing style of the people they are up against and make changes to their games accordingly.
• Players who have a read on one of the other players may lose that advantage over the four months break.
• Amateur players can use that time to secure valuable sponsorship before playing out the final table on prime time tv.
• What if one (or more) player(s) can’t make the new date… they could be hospitalised – or worse…

What do you think? Any other reasons for or against you think are vitally important? Do you think there is any chance of collusion (two players forming a partnership and dumping all chips to the one in the best position?) or what about intimidation… four months is a long time to play mind games with your opponents.

Personally I think it’s a bit odd for their to be such a long break in the one tournament, but overall I think the positives may outweigh the negatives… I guess we’ll see soon enough, hopefully it will all go smoothly and the prime time, live tv schedule will turn it into a truly great event.