Right now, below are a few morsels from the TDA Summit in Las Vegas June 29-30. Watch for the revised rules shortly… Donna Blevins, Editor.

Below is a quick FAQ about the Summit:

• Question 1: Geographically, who was represented at the Summit?
• Question 2: What do you think is the most significant change in the rules during the Summit?
• Question 3: How can tournament directors improve their venues by implementing the TDA rules?
• Question 4: What is the most significant feedback you received from tournament directors about the 2011 TDA Summit?
• Question 5: Who is Mike Bishop, new member of the TDA Board of Directors?
• Question 6: Mike, what are your visions for the TDA?
• Question 7: is the best mindset for tournament directors to introduce rule changes to their venues?

======================================================================

Question 1: Geographically, who was represented at the Summit?

Answered by Linda Johnson:“This was the largest Summit to date. More than 140 tournament directors and poker executives representing about 100 cardrooms in 20 different states were present. International participation also was up including attendees from Puerto Rica, Brazil, England, Ireland, Germany, Canada, Italy, Germany, Philippines, Spain, and Japan.

“Here’s an interesting fact. No one under the age of 40 knew what the term ‘slip it’ means. If you’re wondering, it means to check.”

Question 2: What do you think is the most significant change in the rules during the Summit?

Answered by Matt Savage:“There were many changes made at the summit, official language, change to the showing hands rule, conditional statements, and the authority for TD’s to change chips if it is affecting game play.”

“I actually think the new rules would be good to include in the newsletter, however, it will take a few weeks to iron out the wordage.”

Question 3: How can tournament directors improve their venues by implementing the TDA rules?

Answered by Dave Lamb: “Cardrooms with printed TDA rules gain credibility simply by aligning themselves with other tournament directors across the globe. This year 140 attendees, made up of the TDs from the largest venues sat down with those from the smallest and agreed that certain consistent rulings should be the industry standard.

The rules serve to simplify, clarify, and improve the game. Everyone reaps the benefit of standardized rules as they emphasize consistency, impartiality, and fairness within the decision making process.”

Question 4: What is the most significant feedback you received from tournament directors about the 2011 TDA Summit?

Answered by Jan Fisher: “The attendees were delighted with their “goodie” bags we were able to give them and appreciated how the Summit was organized along with the printed materials. The PowerPoint presentation added a professional touch. Everyone cooperated and exchanged thoughts and ideas in a constructive and proactive manner.

“Everyone there would like to see us meet more often than we do. Perhaps every two years is too far apart, but as a group, we didn’t think it could occur more often. Those present were pleased with the opportunity to meet other TDs and reconnect with old friends.

“The tournament was well attended (82 players I think?) and included much good-natured ribbing and terminology usage – some highly against the rules but within the guidelines we’d set forth – and it was fun showing how you could “work the rules” when you knew how. It was one of the most enjoyable tournaments anyone had played in win or lose. Everyone looks forward to that as an event each Summit.

“We want to welcome Mike Bishop to the Board of Directors. We are VERY fortunate to have him!”

Question 5: Who is Mike Bishop, new member of the TDA Board of Directors?

Kansas native Mike Bishop: Kansas native Mike Bishop has been studying poker rules since he checked out “According to Hoyle” at age 6 from the local library. Nearly 50 years later he’s still at it. Since 2005, Mike has co-managed the Poker TDA Discussion Forums, answering 100’s of rules questions from TDA members around the world. He first obtained a Nevada gaming license in 1991, promoting junkets between Florida and Las Vegas.

Today Mike directs a series of city, state, and regional poker championships in 7 states in the Central U.S. His events often feature throwback games like No-Limit 5-Card Stud, Kansas City Lowball, and No-Limit Mixed Games that he enjoys introducing to a new generation of players. He’s also actively involved helping charities utilize the poker tournament as a fundraising platform.

Question 6: Mike, what are your visions for the TDA?

Answered by Mike Bishop: “To advance the mission of the association, which is to standardize tournament rules worldwide. I think we can also accomplish this “vertically” by bringing more small and mid-size events into compliance.

“A consistent set of rules is good for the game, good for players, and good for management: everyone knows what to expect. Vertical integration will help new players at the local level become comfortable with the rules and more confident when they step on the national and global stage.

“The 2011 TDA Summit showed there are two objectives to protecting the integrity of the game: functionality and fairness. The challenge is developing rules that are unmistakably clear but also have some flexibility to fit the wide range of circumstances that TDs face every day. I was extremely impressed by the ability of the TDA membership to balance these objectives at the Summit, and I look forward to continuing this work.”

Question 7: What is the best mindset for tournament directors to introduce rule changes to their venues?

Answered by Donna Blevins: “Since it is human nature to resist change, in order for your people to accept and embrace any change, they have to feel like they own it and are involved in the change. You’re selling an idea, so also think feature-benefit.

Rather than just post the updated TDA rules and say, “There are our new rules,” engage your people in the process.

“First, do a little homework: Understand the reason behind the changes yourself, always thinking about the rule features along with the benefit to the game.

“Second, make it real: Share with your team that these new rules are the result of two-days of brain storming by 140 tournament directors. These rules are a result of real life situations, from people just like you, intended to make everyone’s lives simpler.

“Lastly, focus on your people: Let them know how vital it is for them to understand and implement the rules. They are the front line, and they are the face of your tournament. They are your venue’s image.”

First, you have a unique opportunity to have Your Voice heard at the TDA Summit June 29-30 in Las Vegas. Poker is all about taking action. This is your time to take action.

Below is a quick FAQ about the Summit:

• Question 1: How much does it cost to come to the Las Summit Las Vegas June 29-30, and how do I register?
• Question 2: Where can I find more about the Summit?
• Question 3: Why is the 2011 TDA Summit June 29-30 in Las Vegas a must do for TD’s and Staff?
• Question 4: Is the Tournament Directors Association Summit just for tournament directors? Who should attend?
• Question 5: How can attending the Summit help me with difficult situations that come up in my poker room?
• Question 6: What can you expect to take back to your poker room after attending the FREE 2011 TDA Summit?
• Question 7: What is the mindset to bring to the Summit and how can I best prepare to get the most out of the experience?
• Question 8: How did the Tournament Directors Association get started?

======================================================================

Question 1: How much does it cost to come to the Las Summit Las Vegas June 29-30, and how do I register?

There is no registration fee to come to the Summit, and registration is easy. Simply RSVP and register by emailing TDAGroup@PokerTDA.com. In the subject line, put the following: Your Name – RSVP Summit registration.

In the body of the email put your name, your title or function, your email, your casino or poker tournament organization. You can send one email to register all the people you are bringing from your property. Just be sure to include their names, titles, and emails.

Question 2: Where can I find more about the Summit?

Your ‘one stop shop’ for Summit information:

http://www.pokertda.com/forum/index.php?board=11.0

It takes you to a list of 5 forum posts about Summit specifics including dates, time, discounted room rates, and more… including the TD’s special WSOP tournament. Yes, we are having a special tournament just for YOU!

Question 3: Why is the 2011 TDA Summit June 29-30 in Las Vegas a must do for TD’s and Staff?

Answered by Linda Johnson: “The 2011 TDA Summit provides a meeting place for tournament directors and staff where they can provide input on any proposed tournament regulations as well as the current rules. It’s a great place to meet other tournament directors and to hear from them about procedures they use to improve the effectiveness of their jobs. We need input from big and small cardrooms …this is the forum to get your voice heard.”

Question 4: Is the Tournament Directors Association Summit just for tournament directors? Who should attend?

Answered by Matt Savage: “The TDA summit is for tournament directors and card room managers as well. With the changing regulations and filings that need to be made, I think it is important to have both involved. Making sure everyone in the cardroom is on the same page makes you room look professionally run and your players happy.”

Question 5: How can attending the Summit help me with difficult situations that come up in my poker room?

Answered by Dave Lamb: “If you have a specific issue that has been difficult to resolve, experience and expertise is in abundance at the summit. All attendees will come away with new ideas that will enhance the operation of your poker room. We have open discussions about a wide variety of poker challenges and the TDA forum is the best possible way to get your questions answered by experts.”

Question 6: What can you expect to take back to your poker room after attending the FREE 2011 TDA Summit?

Answered by Jan Fisher: “You will take back to your cardroom an abundance of tournament excitement and enhanced decision-making. During the conference, both old and new rules will be discussed and adopted so you will be among the first poker rooms to have the latest TDA rules and suggested procedures.

Generally, TDs coming from the Summit feel more atop their games as they’ve been discussing decisions and ways to think outside the box. Much like the poker players we work for, who have study groups that get them excited about playing, you will feel the same novelty having just been in the trenches with many like-minded professionals.”

Linda Johnson added: “On day two, there will be an exchange of ideas regarding procedures. Some great ideas are introduced that may help the attendees in their jobs. For example, at previous Summits we had someone talk about using all-in buttons when a player is all-in. Many of the TDs have adopted this procedure.

“We also had a TD explain how he high cards for the button on just one table and that is where the button starts at all tables….this has become the norm for most cardrooms now instead of high carding at each table. The exchange of information is worth the price of attendance alone… especially since admission to the Summit is at no cost to the attendees. ”

Question 7: What is the mindset to bring to the Summit and how can I best prepare to get the most out of the experience?

Answered by Donna Blevins: “Think about the mindset a winning poker player needs in a 2-day tournament. It’s way more than just the cards. It’s about being physically and mentally ready and then looking for opportunity. It’s the same with the Summit. This is your chance to do two things… have your voice heard and network.

“First, write down your questions. Make a list so that when the opportunity arises, the words come easily. I guarantee that if you have a question, someone else shares that concern.

“Second, our mind works in direct relation to our body health. If you live in a different time zone, start now to adjust your bio-clock to Las Vegas and be kind to your body. Our brain is 85% water, and the slightest dehydration makes us feel tired. A bottle of water is as important as your cell phone.

“Lastly, make three new friends. Poker is no longer a local matter. It is global. Intend to expand your professional connections.

Question 8: How did the Tournament Directors Association get started?

Answered by Linda Johnson: “In 2001, Matt Savage was running tournaments at Lucky Chances Casino and playing local tournaments in the Bay Area where he found that rules from tournament to tournament and property to property varied greatly. He went to Las Vegas to meet with the tournament directors of the WSOP to attempt to standardize rules where he met with resistance. They told him that it could never happen.

“At that same time, I was hosting the World Poker Industry Conference (WPIC) with my business partner Jan Fisher. Matt met with us, and the Conference gave us the perfect venue to host our first meeting, especially since many tournament directors and cardroom managers would be attending.

“We instantly reached out to widely respected tournament director, David Lamb, for assistance, and the Tournament Directors Association was born. Twenty-four people attended our first Tournament Directors Association summit, and since then, the membership has grown to more than 1,300 members in 39 countries. TDA rules are used in most major tournaments around the world.”