EDITOR’S NOTE: Next month we want to start featuring case studies from you with our take on the situation. Send your most perplexing tournament situations to TDAGroup@PokerTDA.com. In the subject line, please put “attn TDA newsletter – poker situation, your name.” Be sure to tell us your title, venue, and how we can contact you.

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?

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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.”