LAS VEGAS, NV — The World Series of Poker has unveiled a new tournament format requiring the two most recently registered players at any full table to play standing up. Officials said the change was necessary to meet increased demand for seats.
“We looked at the numbers, and technically, there’s room,” WSOP tournament director Hal Ferris said, gesturing toward the narrow gap between the dealer’s chair and the rail. “Nothing in the rulebook says a player has to be seated, just present at the table. We have simply redefined what ‘at the table’ means.”
Under the new rule, once a table reaches its standard nine seats, additional players will be assigned to the table, referred to as “Seats 10 and 11”, and they will be standing directly behind the dealer, leaning in to see the board.
“It’s definitely different,” a local player said. “I had to ask the dealer to duck to see the river.”
Players assigned to standing positions are permitted to act on their hands, but must request that cards be slid to the edge of the felt, and players are not guaranteed a cupholder.
“From a mathematical standpoint, we’re increasing capacity by 22 percent without adding a single table,” Ferris said. “That’s efficiency.”
