Well, it’s almost September (and my B-day), and the summer is almost gone.  After a long and disappointing WSOP, I am back in Vegas after a few weeks away relaxing in NYC and Florida. Haven’t played much poker in the last few weeks, mainly because FIDPA is keeping me extremely busy. With the launch of “The International Poker Rules,” my e-mail box has been full with request from Casinos to be officially endorsed, and players who want a copy of the IP rules.

Good News, The officail website for the IP Rules will be launching in September. www.theinternationalpokerrules.com or www.theiprules.com

I’m excited to finally have the rules posted online for the players. We will be announcing more world class venues and tournaments/events that will be officially endorsed by FIDPA. The International Poker Rules are such an important step for the poker industry. Many do not realize that in order for internet poker and live poker to be considered “legal,” we need to start with rules. The main problem with online poker, of course is that the governments have no idea how to regulate it and the problem with live poker is that, in some cases, players feel like it is not a fair game due to bad and unfair rulings, and well as being informed of a rule when it is too late. 

For example, this year at the WSOP, there were so many discrepencies concerning disclosure of rules and changing of rules, as well as making up new rules as they were needed. A major problem is the cell phone /communication device rule. The WSOP rule : http://www.worldseriesofpoker.com/pdfs/wsop.tournament-rules.08.pdf

87. Cell Phone Rule: All cell phones and other voice-enabled and “ringing” electronic devices must be silenced during tournament play. A player who wants to use a cell phone must be at least one table length away from their assigned table or be subject to penalty. The hand of any player talking on a cell phone, texting, e-mailing or otherwise communicating electronically while in a hand with action pending will be declared dead. Any player using a cellular phone while in a hand with no action pending (player has gone all-in) will receive a missed hand penalty to be assessed on the next hand. Any player using a cell phone while at their seat even if not in a hand will receive a missed hand penalty. No cell phones or other electronic communication device can be placed on a poker table.

 If you have been to the WSOP 2008, you will know that the most the dealers, floor people and TDs, did not enforce this rule. Which is a problem, because…sometimes they did. How fair is that? 

THE INTERNATIONAL POKER RULE states:

RULE 11   COMMUNICATION DEVICES11-1.    The use of “communication devices’ will be strictly enforced.  Dealers WILL be responsible and MUST report the use of a communication device by a player AT the table. The dealer MUST immediately notify a Floor Person or the Tournament Director.11-2.    “Communication devices” are not permitted ON or AT the table at any time. 11-3.    A player may NOT use “communication devices” AT THE TABLE, whether involved in a hand or not. 11-4.    Music playing devices with any type of communication functions (Cellular phones, internet, text messaging) are NOT allowed.  11-5.    A player wishing to use any type of “communication device” during the tournament must step away from the table or in the designated area as prescribed by Management.  11-6.    Any player using a telephone, text-messaging or any other “communication device” at the table will receive a penalty.  All penalties will begin at the completion of the hand.  a)   Use of a Communication Device with Action Pending, if at anytime, a player with a live hand has NOT completed their action, whereas they can still bet, call, (re)raise or fold/muck  their hand, and attempts to use or uses a “communication device,” will have their hand declared a “dead hand.”  The player will also receive a penalty that will begin once the hand has been completed. b)  Use of a Communication Device when “all in,” if a player is “all in,” whereas they can NOT bet, call, (re)raise or fold/muck their hand and attempts to use or uses a “communication device” while waiting on an opponent(s) pending action, the player will receive a penalty; their hand will NOT be declared a “dead hand.” If the player survives their “all in” bet, the penalty will begin once the hand is completed. The first offense may warrant a “verbal warning,” repeated infractions are subject to escalating penalties. (TDA RULE #15) COMMUNICATION DEVICES- a player may not use a cellular phone, text-messaging device or other communication device at the table.Now, dont jump to conclusions, The way the IP Rules were written was to allow card rooms /TDs to modify the rules, but to disclose their modifications prior to the start of the tournament. The biggest problem, is no the rule, but the enforcement of the rule. I believe that if all players know that cell phones are not allowed at the table, 1. they would be less likely to use it at the table and to follow the managements policy, and 2. if all dealers, floor people and staff know the rule, they would consider it part of their job duties to enforce it.  Half the battle of having rules is the educating and enforcement of the rules.

In anycase, FIDPA will be launching the IP Rule site in Septemeber and will be endorsing some of the greatest card rooms, tournaments and events, as we continue on our mission to recognize the people and places that contribute to stregthening and uniting the poker industry…like Bellagio, Jack McClelland and Doug Dalton.

The Bellagio Hotel and Casino and its card room is definitely one of the best casinos in the world. The dealers and floor people are always very nice and knowledgable, their tournaments are so well run, on a proffessional and friendly level, it is just so enjoyable to play there. Their rulings are always fair and are they are a fine example for the world to follow.

The WSOP, I have to admit was a lot better than last year, but they still have a long way to go. I understand that the fields are massive, but come on, they should know that and be prepared. I also understand that it is a project in the works, The WSOP has done a great job marketing that they are the greatest tournament in the world, but now they need to step up to those words. The operational side of it is still a mess and they dont show any care towards the players. I have a few suggestions for them, and Marcel and I have met with them many times to try to assist them with their event. With their plan of going global, they really need to start thinking on a global level. The problem with most who organize tournaments, is that they, 1. don’t play poker and 2. have never travelled to experience other events. The EPTs, the Master Classics (Holland Casino) and the WPTs are run very well, as a suggestion, the WSOP staff should attend these events to see what is happening outside the WSOP.

I have decided to pass on this year’s WSOPE in London. I was there last year, and honestly it was a waste of time and money.  Instead, I will be attending the Trent Tucker Charity event in September http://trenttucker.org/schedule.html and then participating in the charity event, Ante up for Autism in LA, on October 3rd, www.anteupforautism.org

If anyone is interested in helping out these great charities, the link is above, or feel free to contact me for more information.  Also, keep an eye out for our new website…..

LAS VEGAS, July 15, 2008 – Professional poker players Marcel Luske, “The Flying Dutchman,” and Michelle Lau will introduce The Federation Internationale de Poker Association (FIDPA) and “The International Poker Rules” (IP Rules), for tournament play, to promote poker as a sport and unite the poker industry on a global level. 

In collaboration with leading industry professionals, Luske and Lau created the IP Rules to provide uniformity in card rooms and tournaments worldwide.  With cooperation from the Poker Tournament Directors Association (TDA), Bob Ciaffone, author of Robert’s Rules of Poker, Jack McClelland and Doug Dalton of Bellagio, and many other leading authorities and resources from around the world, the IP Rules allow the players and the industry to learn, play and operate by a single set of complete tournament rules to provide worldwide consistency.

FIDPA will promote and implement the IP Rules by endorsing card rooms and poker tournaments worldwide.  The FIDPA endorsement recognizes the leaders in the poker industry and acknowledges their commitment to excellence, professionalism and fairness.  The FIDPA endorsement also represents their effort to unite and strengthen the poker industry through the use of the IP Rules. Lau stated, “With the support of Doug Dalton and Jack McClelland at Bellagio, one of the world’s finest card rooms, FIDPA and the IP Rules are off to a great start.  We still have a lot of ground to cover but the fact of the matter is that there really is no reason why a card room or tournament should not use the IP Rules as a base. A standardized set of rules are desperately needed, as a professional poker player traveling around the world to play in tournaments, there is absolutely no way to know the different rules in every country or even from venue to venue.  By allowing tournament directors to make and disclose any necessary modifications prior to a tournament, we can now know the rules, simply note the changes and  be able to ensure the rulings are made are fairly.” Bellagio is the first FIDPA endorsed card room in the world.  FIDPA’s mission to unify and strengthen the industry begins with the education and implementation of a standardized set of rules.  Known as the world’s No. 1 poker room, Bellagio has set the benchmark for the entire poker industry.  Bellagio has adopted the IP Rules in conjunction with Bellagio Cup IV and the World Poker Tour’s main event which began Friday, July 11. Jack McClelland, Director of Poker Tournaments at Bellagio, said, “We have a large number of international poker players who compete in our tournaments on a regular basis.  We want to make sure they are comfortable with the rules and hope to maintain consistency in rulings worldwide.  Bellagio is happy to support both domestic and international tournament efforts which in turn will strengthen our position as the leader in the industry.  We look forward to a successful partnership with FIDPA.” ABOUT FIDPA In 2002, as the founding father of the International Poker Federation (IPF), Marcel Luske successfully created and developed a governing body for the European poker world, raising standards and bringing awareness to the sport of poker.  With the international growth of poker, Marcel Luske decided to restructure this European organization to expand his vision worldwide and the former IPF has reemerged as FIDPA. In 2008, Marcel Luske, Founder and President and Michelle Lau, Co-Founder and CEO, began their mission to broaden and increase participation by ensuring the game is played with fairness and operated with professionalism in player friendly environments. As an international organization, FIDPA connects the poker industry, organizations, federations, and its players by providing support, information, and communication, to elevate, educate, and connect the poker world on a global level.  www.fidpa.com will be launched in late 2008.  The IP Rules consists of 80 technical rules, policies and procedures for tournament play, that reference and incorporate the latest version of the TDA’s 40 rules.  The IP Rules provide a standardized set of tournament rules that are fully modifiable by a tournament director, tournament organizer or card room management.  The IP Rules allow card rooms and tournaments to modify the rules in accordance to House Rules, State, Federal and Country Gaming Commission laws and regulations and/or the Tournament Director’s procedures and policies.  All modifications made to the IP Rules will be provided to the players and will take precedence in that venue for the tournament. The IP Rules serve as the official resource for players, dealers, floor people, tournament directors and the entire poker industry.  The IP Rules were written in a player-friendly language and provide basic information for new, novice and professional players to learn and understand the fundamental rules needed for tournament play.  The IP Rules also provides the industry with the essential information to train and operate with the necessary consistency. 

Luske said, “As poker has exploded, the beauty of having one set of rules that everyone can learn and follow is such a big step for the game and as a sport.  New players and professional players finally have a resource from which to learn and play.  Poker is a game that requires skill and knowledge and should be played with fairness and integrity.”

FIDPA will promote and implement the IP Rules by endorsing card rooms and poker tournaments worldwide.  The FIDPA endorsement recognizes the leaders in the poker industry and acknowledges their commitment to excellence, professionalism and fairness.  The FIDPA endorsement also represents their effort to unite and strengthen the poker industry through the use of the IP Rules. Lau stated, “With the support of Doug Dalton and Jack McClelland at Bellagio, one of the world’s finest card rooms, FIDPA and the IP Rules are off to a great start.  We still have a lot of ground to cover but the fact of the matter is that there really is no reason why a card room or tournament should not use the IP Rules as a base. A standardized set of rules are desperately needed, as a professional poker player traveling around the world to play in tournaments, there is absolutely no way to know the different rules in every country or even from venue to venue.  By allowing tournament directors to make and disclose any necessary modifications prior to a tournament, we can now know the rules, simply note the changes and  be able to ensure the rulings are made are fairly.” Bellagio is the first FIDPA endorsed card room in the world.  FIDPA’s mission to unify and strengthen the industry begins with the education and implementation of a standardized set of rules.  Known as the world’s No. 1 poker room, Bellagio has set the benchmark for the entire poker industry.  Bellagio has adopted the IP Rules in conjunction with Bellagio Cup IV and the World Poker Tour’s main event which began Friday, July 11. Jack McClelland, Director of Poker Tournaments at Bellagio, said, “We have a large number of international poker players who compete in our tournaments on a regular basis.  We want to make sure they are comfortable with the rules and hope to maintain consistency in rulings worldwide.  Bellagio is happy to support both domestic and international tournament efforts which in turn will strengthen our position as the leader in the industry.  We look forward to a successful partnership with FIDPA.” ABOUT FIDPA In 2002, as the founding father of the International Poker Federation (IPF), Marcel Luske successfully created and developed a governing body for the European poker world, raising standards and bringing awareness to the sport of poker.  With the international growth of poker, Marcel Luske decided to restructure this European organization to expand his vision worldwide and the former IPF has reemerged as FIDPA. In 2008, Marcel Luske, Founder and President and Michelle Lau, Co-Founder and CEO, began their mission to broaden and increase participation by ensuring the game is played with fairness and operated with professionalism in player friendly environments. As an international organization, FIDPA connects the poker industry, organizations, federations, and its players by providing support, information, and communication, to elevate, educate, and connect the poker world on a global level.  www.fidpa.com will be launched in late 2008.�

I can’t believe 1 year has gone by already and the 2008 WSOP is a few days away. I think it will be a very interesting WSOP, with the delay of the final table and the numerous 10,000 events.  I will be playing as many events as possible, and looking forward to it. 

This is the longest amount o ime that I have been in Vegas. I was in Amsterdam, Cardiff and Monte Carlo n April. I have been back in Vegas since mid-April, just hanging out and trying to get settled. I finally unpacked my suitcase with no intentions of travelling until July. The weather has been great, I am enjoying the cool weather while I can.

My last trip was really great. I loved Monte Carlo, even though I didn’t get a chance to really explore. Everything was just like you see in the pictures, except the cost of living. A cup of Coffee was ridiculously expensive, and with my addiction to caffine, I could really go broke there. It was beautiful, weather was a bit chilly still, but the scenery and atmoshpere was great.  Thanks to Poker Stars, I played in the Main Event, I made it to day 3 and busted about 20 from the money. European players are so much more aggressive than the US players, I never really had a huge chip stack, but did play well enough to survive to the 3rd day. Ironically, on day 3, Marcel and I were seated at the same table. For some reason, whenever I am at the same table with Marcel, I always happen to be in the big blind when he is on the button, which can be very frustrating, as he is always raising. Anyway, it was a good time and a great tournament.

I havent been playing much in Vegas since I have been back, I did play the daily tournment at the Wynn last week and came in 3rd. I played very well and am looking forward to the larger fields and bigger buy ins at the WSOP. After the tounament, I sat and played the 1/3 game. It was a fun game. Mostly older locals, I think, very serious and not in a joking mood. The actor that played Superman on TV, as well as my friend Homeless, as they were watching the basketball game and making the game somewhat fun to play in. Anyway, i don’t think I could play the 1/3 game on a regular basis and I always end up playing too many hands at that level.

Well, everything is moving along and soon enough the WSOP will be over. Hopefully I can do something in the next few weeks. �

Yes, it is true… I will be once again making a trip to Europe. I start off in Amsterdam, continue to the UK and end up in Monte Carlo.  I will be back in time for the WPT 5 Diamonds at The Bellagio.  I will actually be missing the 1st Ladies event at the Bellagio.

The past few weeks, of course has been filled with great progress. FIDPA is moving along at an incredible pace and we couldn’t be more happy.

I’ve been helping out the French production, a reality tv poker show, which is being filimed in Las Vegas. Fabrice Soulier (www.madeinpoker.fr) is one of the host and it will be a great success in the French market. My role is to be the tournament director / rule authority, as the author of The International Poker Rules, on behalf of FIDPA, I am on set to ensure fairness and resolve any discrepencies.

I also made time to watch the NBC Heads Up Tournament at Ceasars Palace, this last weekend. Couldn’t really see much from the seats, but it was good to see some friends that I have not seen in a while. I was dissappointed that Mike- The Grinder, Johnny Chan, JC Tran and Gus Hansen didn’t win it…but that’s poker.  Everyone but 1 person (the winner) is always disappointed. There were some tough matches, and with the format of just 1 match, it can be tough, a 2 out of 3 match would have been a bit more exciting and fair…oh well, again, it’s poker.

So, until next time…….

Well, it’s Feb. already and time is just flying by and many exciting things are happening.

My life has is filled with FIDPA and The International Poker Rules. FIDPA is The Federation Internationale Poker Association and along with Marcel Luske, we have been tirelessly working on this global corporation to promote Poker as a sport and to connect the poker world on a global level.

As proffessional poker players, travelling the globe to win poker tournaments, we began to see the need for an organization such as FIDPA. Marcel Luske actually started the IPF, International Poker Federation, back in 2005 or so. Marcel is known for his integrity and quest for fairness. The IPF began organizing tournaments and raising the standards and awareness of Poker in Europe. In Early 2007, after knowing Marcel for a few years, we decided to re-organize and continue with the IPF’s mission, but on a global level, and today we have FIDPA…a dream, a passion, lots of work and finally a reality.

Our biggest goal was to provide the poker world with a stardardize set of tournament rules. We began to think about how we could to this to accomodate the many different laws, rules and regualtions of card rooms and tournament directors. In the US, the TDA (Tournament Director’s Association) already had a set of 40 rules for tournament directors, to cover some of the more specific rules and discrepencies that occur, from an organizer’s point of view. Marcel and I did attend the summit they had last year in Las Vegas. After attending that meeting and seeing the different issues and concerns that encompass poker rules, our minds starting spinning. We decided to create a set of rules, guidelines, that include, reference and incorporate the existing TDA rules. After a little research, we also realized that Bob Ciaffone, author of Robert’s Rules of Poker was a very good basis for general poker rules. We contacted Bob Ciaffone and the members of the TDA (Matt Savage, Linda Johnson, Jan Fischer and Dave Lamb) and began to ask for their support and cooperation. All parties agree that the poker world would greatly benefit from a standarize set of rules, especially for tournaments, but who could and would put the time and effort into this huge task. Well, the answer was and is, Marcel and myself.

After months and months of time and reams and reams of paper, thousands of e-mails…. I am so pleased to say that we have finalized “The International Poker Rules.”  We have not launch the rules to players or the entire poker community yet, but will be doing that very, very soon.  We have been working with some of the leading TDs, card rooms and tournament organizers on ways to unify the industry through our efforts. Many, many exciting and great things are coming about from this.

Most my waking hours are spent in front of the computer, I haven’t played much poker because of this. The path that has been created with FIDPA and The IP Rules have become just as exciting and even more satifying than having pushed all my chips in, pre-flop with pocket queens.

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