BobikaVhett TD - Coos Bay 111 posts Mar 07, 2010 9:48 PM	I posting this subject in my weekly one, but it seems that this is turning ugly around the league, so I thought I would share what I said earlier: "Excessive Chatter is a vague term yet it can be found in almost every major poker rulebook; WPT, WSOP, Robert's Rules, Casino Card Rooms, WPTAC, and of course our own. The vagueness leaves it mostly up to the discretion of the TD, yet if you look into conversations by groups like the TDA (Tournament Directors Assoc.), and Harrah's regarding the WSOP you can find some clearer explanations. So what kind of things are excessive chatter? First and mainly (and this is what the rule is intended to prevent)is chatter about the hand, or poker strategy in general, while a live/active hand is in progress. The idea is a player can use that informaiton to make up their mind or change their mind about the hand they are in. I will often, when dealing, remind people that the hand is live and to slow/hold that chatter until decisions have been made. It plays very much into the one-player to a hand rule, but most of the time the offenders are NOT TRYING to help/hurt someone in the hand, but the excessive chatter can affect their final move. Excessive chatter also plays into abusive chatter and treatment of others on the table or staff. The concept of repeatedly discussing "bad" play can quickly turn into abusive behavior if not curbed. Ultimately this is a "bar league" and is meant to be as much a social gathering as it is a poker tournament. So yes, the enforcement of the rule is going to be a bit lax. However, do not take it for granted...it is once again the golden rule, just think about the conversations you are having and how they may affect the hand. Leave questions about poker strategy or previous actions for the moments in between hands. During the hand if you folded, have the wait staff get you a drink, study your opponent, or ask to see that really cool card topper the other person who folded is using. There you go, not a huge one, but a slightly more clear definition of excessive chatter" ALSO: Regarding someone's post about the dealer should not be the only/loudest voice at the table about rules...the answer is YES THEY SHOULD. When dealing that is YOUR table, and part of being the dealer is making sure the table is managed in a fair and equitable manner. IF there is a disagreement about a rule, then the TD is responsible for correcting it. If the dealer is being overbearing/too timid, then it is the TD's responsiblity again to make sure things are running fair and smoothly. ---------- Michael Parker Playin' poker to support my gambling habit Co-owner CoosJobs.net
Doc T River 27 posts Mar 09, 2010 9:49 AM	What I was trying to get at is the idea that if a player sees something wrong, they should speak up. They should not think, "I'm not the dealer so I am not going to say anything."
BobikaVhett TD - Coos Bay 113 posts Mar 09, 2010 11:30 PM	I agree.... The dealers just need to remember it is on them first at the table but is ultimately the responsibility of the TD ---------- Michael Parker A man talking about being quiet -- a man that just can't shut up :) Co-owner CoosJobs.net