The 2015 Poker TDA Summit is made possible in part due to the generosity of the International Federation of Poker (IFP).
One major focus of the IFP is in gaining recognition of poker as a truly skillful "mindsport", much the same as chess. The organization has grown from 7 initial national federations to over 50 today.
The IFP has developed technology to support a new version of poker known as Match Poker (MP). Match Poker adds an entirely new dimension to the measurement of player skill. This is accomplished by pitting the player in Seat 1, Table 1 not only against the other 7 players at Table 1, but also against all other players in Seat 1 at all other tables. To test players' skill, the same hands are dealt to all tables, so Seat 1 at all tables receives the same downcards, Seat 2 at all tables receives the same downcards, etc. In this way, MP reduces the effect of a "bad or good run of cards" and focuses instead on what players do with the cards they are dealt. For example, if Seat 1 receives a relatively weak series of downcards while Seat 5 has a very strong series, accomplishing a minor positive end result on Seat 1 may in fact require the same or higher skill level than a larger positive end result at Seat 5.
Match Poker can be played in both individual and group format and may be conducted as an event within a conventional tournament or in an MP-only tournament. The group format option makes it possible for national teams to compete much the same as in other international sporting events.
The IFP will be unveiling it's latest technology at the 2015 TDA Summit, including a live demonstration of a Match Poker event.
For more information about the IFP, visit:
http://www.pokerfed.org For an overview of Match Poker visit:
http://pokerfed.org/match-poker/