Gentlemen:
This is a good post for me to vent, just a bit. Anyone that follows the TDA Forum is probably sick of hearing my rants. If I may take a minute to better explain exactly why I feel the way I do. Years ago, when I first began running poker games, I realized that I would need some solid rules to go by. Running a home game does have some advantages, such as the selection of crazy games that we will never see in a casino environment...but the lack of security and keeping a sometimes rowdy bunch of players under control takes some solid rules. I learned those rules...I applied those rules...and they carried over to my years as a dealer, instructor and floorman for nearly 20 years while I lived in Las Vegas.
Now, let's get to my point. There have been many changes in poker through the years, primarily, the shift in popularity from draw and stud, to hold'em, Omaha and some other mixed games. The explosion of Hold'em in 2003 when Chris Moneymaker won the WSOP Main Event along with the simultaneous airing of televised poker on the Travel Channel. Suddenly, all of those major casino's that abandoned the game, began re-opening their Poker Rooms. The rest is history! Sure, it might have slowed down a bit, but I think it's here to stay.
My biggest question will always be: Why was a rule changed? Some needed to change because of cell phones and different technology applied to the game. Bravo Systems and auto shufflers, etc. etc. When an old rule, that withstood the test of time, is changed...I need to know why? I need to know what reasoning is behind the change? What terrible happening occurred that called for the change? I also would like to know who suggested it? Being a poker dealer instructor for over 35 years, I need to understand every single rule that's on the books. I joined the TDA for this purpose. If a rule is changed, I want to know why. If I don't understand what the rule is trying to say, I'm frustrated. So I hope everyone understands where I'm coming from when I debate so many of these situations. My suggestion for all players at the showdown, in for all bets, to show their hands would eliminate TDA #13, 14, 15, and 16. Plus a whole bunch of headaches for everyone. I take pride in being a good teacher and find it impossible when I can't explain a rule because I don't understand it!