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POKER TOURNAMENT RULES QUESTIONS & DISCUSSIONS => Suggestions for new TDA rules and amendments to existing rules READ-ONLY ARCHIVES Pre-2015 Summit => Topic started by: Guillaume Gleize on May 12, 2015, 05:58:56 PM

Title: Substantial action: How should it be defined?
Post by: Guillaume Gleize on May 12, 2015, 05:58:56 PM
The substantial action definition had been cut shorter some years ago letting now a FOLD + CALL being a substantial action (for exemple) ... And it's too fast! Way too fast in my opinion!

I understand the definition had been shortened to fight some angling or any abuse BUT now I have a rude time applying this rule to most of case were the players are innocent of those angling.

I hate when a rule is made against 1% of sheaters but actually anoy and punish 99% of the rest straight players. I think even in many high standing tournament the "new general spirit" is to soften the rules to free those 99% players (even if sometime to time an angling UGLY one escape from our watching) but let's keep the #1 special rule together with our professional instinct to catch them sooner or later without anoying the clean players with those rude rules.

I would vote to go back to "2 actions including chips" (at least ... ;)

In my Arrogant Opinion.

Regards,
GG
Title: Re: Substantial action
Post by: Nick C on May 12, 2015, 07:30:50 PM
Hello GG,

 I remember being at the 2011 Summit when Matt Savage defined Substantial Action as any three actions or two actions both involving chips. Somewhere between the Summit and the release of version 2.0 it was changed. I actually went on a radio podcast with Chris Cozenza and Scott Long, (The publishers of Ante up Magazine) and discussed Substantial Action. The problem was, it was changed and I was giving the wrong information to anyone that was listening.

 I'm with you on this one, I'd rather see two actions (both involving chips) as opposed to the current ruling.
Title: Re: Substantial action
Post by: WSOPMcGee on May 12, 2015, 11:12:58 PM
Being discussed at length, at least IMO in this thread http://www.pokertda.com/forum/index.php?topic=1103.15 (See page 2)

We discussed this in heated debate in 2011 when the TRUE rule was adopted.

2011 version - Substantial Action is defined as either: A) any two actions involving two player each putting chips in the pot (bet, raise or call); or B) any combination of three actions (Check, Bet, Raise, Call or Fold).

I am completely bewildered at how it got to the 2013 version. I don't remember this topic being brought up at all. I think someone made a tragic typo and put it in print.

2013 version - A) any two actions in turn, at least one of which puts chips in the pot (i.e. any 2 actions except 2 checks or 2 folds); OR B) any combination of three actions in turn (check, bet, raise, call, or fold).

The 2013 version is COMPLETELY ASININE!!! No one in the history of poker ever defined substantial action as one bet and a fold. NO ONE!!! NOT EVER!!!

Don't feel like your being rude GG. Follow your instinct and know that you are right to follow the 2011 version. The 2011 version would have been best written as:
Substantial Action is:
A) any two actions in turn that involve putting chips in the pot (i.e. any bet and call or 2 calls or raise and a call in turn); OR B) any combination of three actions in turn (check, bet, raise, call, or fold).

Somewhere somehow someone or some group got very confused. I'd pull my hair out, except I have none.
Title: Re: Substantial action
Post by: MikeB on May 13, 2015, 12:08:38 AM
Just to clarify....

The 2011 Poker TDA Rule on Substantial Action was ultimately modeled largely on the then-current 2011 WSOP Rule 81 on Substantial Action (which was in effect at the WSOP prior to the TDA Summit), and which reads:

Rule 81..." Substantial action is considered: three folds, three checks, two or more calls, a fold and a call, or a bet and or a raise or a call and or a fold"

You can view the 2011 WSOP Rules here: http://www.wsop.com/2011/2011-WSOP-RULES.pdf

There was some initial misunderstanding of the Substantial Action proposal as it was discussed on the floor of the 2011 Summit, as it was vaguely defined in part as "two actions with chips". Some initially interpreted that to mean that BOTH actions had to involve chips. It was finally clarified partly in light of the then-standing 2011 WSOP Rule above, to mean two actions at least one of which involves chips.

The clarification also took into account significant discussion on this forum after the Summit in 2011 as to what was intended on the floor, including this thread from July 2011:
http://www.pokertda.com/forum/index.php?topic=437.0  You can see from that discussion that several participants at the 2011 Summit strongly argued in favor of the current language as being the actual meaning at the time.

Four years later, the TDA Substantial Action Rule 35, and the WSOP Substantial Action Rule 87-C continue to be of similar language. 2015 WSOP Rule 87-C reads: If substantial action occurs, a misdeal cannot be declared and the hand must proceed. Substantial Action is either: A) any two actions in turn, at least one of which puts chips in the pot (i.e. any 2 actions except 2 checks or 2 folds); OR B) any combination of three actions in turn (check, bet, raise, call, or fold). [/u]

Hope this helps as to the history of the current rule. Like all rules, it will be open for debate at Summit VII
Title: Re: Substantial action: How should it be defined?
Post by: Nick C on May 13, 2015, 06:10:52 AM
Gentlemen:

 In regards to Substantial Action...At the 2011 Summit the rule that was decided was NOT the current rule.

 http://www.pokertda.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Poker_TDA_Rules_2011_Version_1.0_Handout_docx_redline_changes.pdf

 If you go to the TDA Summit 2011 Day 2 you will hear Matt Savage clarify what we decided the day before. There are other treads from way back (2011) that covered this error. As Thomas stated, somewhere between Versions 1 & 2, it got changed. You can listen to Matt on Day 2 about 8:30 into the discussion. Here it is:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rC56txeJd5M

One other note: A fold and a call would only pertain to pre-flop...
Title: Re: Substantial action: How should it be defined?
Post by: WSOPMcGee on May 13, 2015, 04:58:28 PM
Gentlemen:

 In regards to Substantial Action...At the 2011 Summit the rule that was decided was NOT the current rule.

 http://www.pokertda.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Poker_TDA_Rules_2011_Version_1.0_Handout_docx_redline_changes.pdf

 If you go to the TDA Summit 2011 Day 2 you will hear Matt Savage clarify what we decided the day before. There are other treads from way back (2011) that covered this error. As Thomas stated, somewhere between Versions 1 & 2, it got changed. You can listen to Matt on Day 2 about 8:30 into the discussion. Here it is: 2011 TDA Summit Day 2 - Voting Day (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rC56txeJd5M)

One other note: A fold and a call would only pertain to pre-flop...

Thanks for the video Nick.

At 8:28 - Matt states: Substantial action is 3 checks or 2 actions with chips
At 8:50 - TDA audience member asks if a fold would be considered an action with chips or a check
At 8:58 - Matt responds: A Fold is not and action with chips, so an action with chips would be Bet, Call.

This is Day 2... the voting day. Video link is above in Nick's comments

Prior to that 2011 TDA Summit Day 1 - Issue Day (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_-Km9TnMLk)

The topic of Substantial Action is begins at 1:54:00 during the topic of Rule #27 Misdeals. It appears that the board is in favor of a universal 3 actions across the board and there's some debate as to whether two actions is enough to constitute substantial action and Dave Lamb asks the audience members to give reasons for advocating 2 actions vs 3 actions.

At 2:04:00 I address the board and advocate 2 actions involving chips or 3 actions (checks, folds etc), meaning 2 players putting chips in the pot in turn and seemingly persuade the board and audience with my language of the rule, as the next audience member reiterates what I said. During the address even Dave says "You are now rewriting the World Series rule for.... "
At 2:06:00 Dave asks how many are in favor of adopting the WSOP Policy.

Unfortunately the WSOP policy and what I'm advocating are slightly different.

At 2:09:45 - Matt fields an audience question.
At 2:09:58 - Jan says it has to be 2 actions with chips. 3 actions or 2 involving chips.

I can see where the confusing is coming from Mike B because of the WSOP language of "A bet and a fold" as being 2 actions involving chips.

To clarify for the advocacy of a language change it is better said: 2 actions in turn that commit chips to the pot or 3 total actions.

Simple and easy to understand.
Title: Re: Substantial action: How should it be defined?
Post by: Brian Vickers on May 24, 2015, 11:52:38 AM
I always thought a call and a fold was not significant enough.  I have gone along but don't agree with the current iteration of the rule. 
My preferred version of the rule would be:

"Substantial action has occured when one of the following two circumstances have taken place: A)Two players have voluntarily put chips into the pot (i.e. calling, betting or raising) or three total players have acted (i.e. call, fold, fold or check,check, check)"

Or alternately:
"Substantial actions is defined as: A) Two actions which both involve voluntarily putting chips into the pot or B) Three total actions of any kind"
Title: Re: Substantial action: How should it be defined?
Post by: Nick C on May 24, 2015, 03:09:50 PM
Brian: That's what I thought it was after the 2011 Summit.
Title: Re: Substantial action: How should it be defined?
Post by: Guillaume Gleize on June 02, 2015, 04:02:53 AM
TY guys. OK I feel less alone.

Because there is actually some confused interpretation from the TDA members themselves, I will now define Sub Action as "3 actions or 2 involving chips" (so no check and no fold). Doing this I KNOW MY RULE WON'T FOLLOW THE EXACT 2015 TDA ENGLISH TEXT and I'm not happy of that but I will do it until some meeting day (next one?) a CLEAR MAJORITY of the member vote for ANY CHOICE witch I will follow whatever it is! I just hope they won't agree for a check or a fold in those 2 actions ... Way too fast for me who would even dream for 3 ACTIONS WHATEVER!  :D

GG
Title: Re: Substantial action: How should it be defined?
Post by: Nick C on June 02, 2015, 06:52:19 AM
I agree with you but your example of "check" "fold" is not a good one. The question is: any three actions (for sure) or two actions (both) involving chips...or, two actions (one) involving chips and the other any action, fold, call or raise.
Title: Re: Substantial action: How should it be defined?
Post by: Brian Vickers on June 02, 2015, 12:26:56 PM
Brian: That's what I thought it was after the 2011 Summit.


I believe it was, but the wording was changed after the 2013 summit, if I recall correctly.
Title: Re: Substantial action: How should it be defined?
Post by: Guillaume Gleize on June 02, 2015, 12:47:26 PM
ARG so it's hard to write it clearly Nick: I was saying that 2 actions with only one involving chips is WAY TOO FAST and I won't use it anymore until it's clearly voted this way by a majority of members!

So until then I will only use 3 actions or 2 actions BOTH including chips (Bet-Call or Bet-Raise or Call-Call or Call-Raise) so NO check NOR fold if only 2 actions (so a Bet-Fold is NOT a substantial action IMO until any clear vote).

GG
Title: Re: Substantial action: How should it be defined?
Post by: MikeB on June 02, 2015, 02:13:47 PM
To review the origins of the TDA Substantial Action rule:

1: At the 2011 Summit, after much discussion, the general consensus was that the TDA would adopt the WSOP substantial action language, which the WSOP had in place prior to the 2011 Summit. If you listen to the 2011 audiotapes I believe it's Dave Lamb who proposes "well, do we just want to adopt the WSOP language". A consensus was quickly formed, and the specific details followed from there.  You can scroll up to Reply #3 to see the WSOP language at the time.

2: There was some initial confusion as to whether "2 actions with chips" meant A) both players had to put chips in, or B) whether there had to be 2 players acting, at least one of which put chips in.

3: The rule was written initially as "2-A", but after much e-mailing, review of the WSOP language, and early comments on this forum, the rule was changed to conform with the WSOP, which was the general goal voted on at the Summit in the first place.

As with all TDA Rules, SA will be reviewed at the 2015 Summit.

Title: Re: Substantial action: How should it be defined?
Post by: Guillaume Gleize on June 04, 2015, 06:01:25 AM
TY Mike.

Unfortunatly I can't joint the 2015 summit but I will follow the result if clear vote on the SUBSTANCIAL ACTION is done.

I will also closely watch if changes or precisions are made on the SHOWDOWN area witch is IMO producing the most complicated ruling situations.

Regards,
GG
Title: Re: Substantial action: How should it be defined?
Post by: Nick C on June 04, 2015, 08:36:11 AM
Mike:
 The confusion comes from the 2011 Summit. We were both there and if you go to  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rC56txeJd5M  about 8:30 minutes into day 2 you will clearly hear Matt give the wrong definition. I do not recall any discussion on the forum to correct it or clarify it. I know because I went on the Ante up Magazine Pokercast and gave the example that we were given at that summit. Next thing I know, it was changed in Version 2. Let's see if we can get it right this time. I really don't care, one way or the other, but I would like the dealer to count as one of the persons if they prompt further action.

Title: Re: Substantial action: How should it be defined?
Post by: MikeB on June 04, 2015, 10:45:38 AM
Mike: The confusion comes from the 2011 Summit. We were both there and if you go to  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rC56txeJd5M  about 8:30 minutes into day 2 you will clearly hear Matt give the wrong definition. I do not recall any discussion on the forum to correct it or clarify it. I know because I went on the Ante up Magazine Pokercast and gave the example that we were given at that summit. Next thing I know, it was changed in Version 2. Let's see if we can get it right this time. I really don't care, one way or the other, but I would like the dealer to count as one of the persons if they prompt further action.

This was answered in Reply #3 above. If you narrowly focus on just one statement by one person you'll never get full perspective on this issue.

One of the more important forum threads discussing the initial language is also cited in Reply #3 above.

It has been "right" if you take in the entirety of what was decided at the 2011 event, including all the discussion by all persons, which clearly was intended to adopt the then-standing WSOP rule. That is the bottom line. The Version 2 language is exactly in keeping with that rule.

Of course all rules will be up for review at Summit VII.
Title: Re: Substantial action: How should it be defined?
Post by: Nick C on June 04, 2015, 02:12:26 PM
 The Version 1.0 was what we left the 2011 Summit with, and it was exactly what Matt stated. It wasn't corrected to what it is now until Version 2.0 came out weeks afterwards.
Title: Re: Substantial action: How should it be defined?
Post by: MikeB on June 04, 2015, 02:56:47 PM
I guess this has to be repeated one more time .... Matt's statement was but one of MANY statements made on the SA issue. For whatever reason you don't seem to want to consider the entirety of the discussion at the Summit, or the discussion thread on this forum, which you participated in by the way....

Again, I would refer you to Reply 3 above...

It's just not constructive to contend that the intention from the Summit was anything other than to adopt the WSOP policy when you consider the entirety of the discussion.
Title: Re: Substantial action: How should it be defined?
Post by: Guillaume Gleize on June 04, 2015, 03:45:40 PM
Vote for me: "A call and a fold" is way too fast!

"3 or 2 BOTH including chips"

 ;D
Title: Re: Substantial action: How should it be defined?
Post by: Nick C on June 04, 2015, 06:20:08 PM
Mike,

 I don't know why you want to debate this issue with me, I told you I really don't care what or how you want to define substantial action. All I want you to do is admit that the original rule that came from the 2011 Summit was changed when Version 2.0 was adopted. You did nothing wrong, and it was before you were named to the BOD. Matt was wrong and I've got a right to gripe because I'm the one that went on a national pokercast and preached the rule that "somehow" got changed.

 You make it sound like I don't understand what you've written. Let's try to fix it this time. I won't be at this years summit either...but if this forum has anything to do with the final drafted rules, you can count me and Guillaume down for Any 3 actions; or Any two actions both involving chips!
Title: Re: Substantial action: How should it be defined?
Post by: MikeB on June 04, 2015, 08:03:47 PM
Mike,

Matt was wrong and I've got a right to gripe because I'm the one that went on a national pokercast and preached the rule that "somehow" got changed.

Okay, so looks like we need the entirety of the transcript, otherwise we'll just keep hearing "Matt was wrong on Day 2" so here it is

DAY 1

155: Floor: “We’re going to have to standardize SA… whether it’s two or 3 players”
156: Floor: “I advocate 3 players for 2 reasons: allows one extra error to be caught, and the WSOP has already adopted that and it brings us in line with them”.
156:51: Dave Lamb: “The WSOP probably isn’t going to change position that there’s a difference between action w/ chips vs. no chips… the question is whether we should go with 2 actions or 3 actions. So far we’re hearing that 3 players gives us more time to correct the problem… anyone want to argue 2”?
157:00: Floor “Does the dealer count as action… some house rules include the dealer”.
157:39: Matt Savage: “I think the dealer should be considered”
158: Floor: “What I don’t like about 3 acitons after the bet, is that often there aren’t that many players involved….”
158:32: “With 3 players you’re giving the players more time to take a shot then go back on their action. I think it should be 2. 2 Players protects against additional shot taking”.
159: 37: Jan Fisher: “Is dealer rapping the table an action”?
2:00:30: Tim Mix (Venetian): “A lot of houses are deeply divided as to 2 or 3 actions for SA”
201:04: Mike Bishop: “The WSOP Rule 81 is: SA is 3 folds, 3 checks, but 2 or more calls, a fold and call. Even the world series has a mix of both 2 and 3 actions depending on the type of action. Keep in mind we’ll also be voting on SA standard for OOT action, so whatever your vote here is for misdeal SA, you’ll want to think if it can also apply to SA for OOT.”
202:11: Matt: “Anyone can’t live with 3 actions”
202:16: Floor: “I have AK and I go all in and called… I can’t find the argument for a 3rd player. That’s substantial enough”.
204:29: Floor: “Maybe we should limit it to 2 actions so that would include heads-up situations”
204:50: Floor: “The common rule here is ‘2 actions involving chips or 3 actions total’. A floorperson is capable of going to the table and figuring out if there’s 2 actions involving chips or 3 total (it’s 3 checks, 3 folds, bet and call, bet and fold) that’s what we’re talking about”
205:28: Dave: “You’re arguing this isn’t rocket science”
205:30: Floor: “That’s exactly what I’m arguing… It’s 2 actions with chips or 3 total actions”
205:54: Dave: “Actually, that is the WSOP rule”
206:20 Floor: “Exactly what Thomas said, if the floorperson can’t decipher 2 actions with chips… then that person shouldn’t be a floorperson”.
206: 32: Dave: “How many of you would be in favor of adopting the WSOP Policy…. I would be in favor of that” ? Vote is taken, Dave responds: “That’s a pretty good group”
206:46: Dave: “But you’d like to see it re-worded so it’s clearer for everyone involved”? “Okay, we are now re-writing the WSOP Rule for SA”.
207:06: Matt “Who cannot live with this” ?
207:57: Linda Johnson: “Reads the WSOP Rule 81 on SA…. [See WSOP Rule 81 below]
209:00: Linda: “Reads the WSOP Rule again, including the preceding language on misdeal conditions”. [See WSOP Rule 81 below]

The above in red from 206:32 on is where the decision was taken to pursue the then existing WSOP rule, which was this:

Rule 81..." Substantial action is considered: three folds, three checks, two or more calls, a fold and a call, or a bet and or a raise or a call and or a fold"

You can view the 2011 WSOP Rules here: http://www.wsop.com/2011/2011-WSOP-RULES.pdf

The above is the voting decision made as to what direction the Association would take on SA on Day 1. Yes mistakes were made in Version 1.0 of the rules, this is obvious because Version 2.0 would not have otherwise been needed.

After the rule was originally issued in language inconsistent with the WSOP there was a flurry of e-mails received by the TDA pointing out the error. There was also one or more threads on this forum where the issue was discussed, including this important one: http://www.pokertda.com/forum/index.php?topic=437.0

I would add the worst aspect of the 2011 WSOP Rule was the last section: "....or a bet and or a raise or a call and or a fold..." ..., But very importantly the WSOP Rule 81 verbatim says "a fold and a call" is SA.

After all the e-mails, forum postings, review of the WSOP language, etc. Version 2.0 was released which brought the TDA in alignment with WSOP, which was the objective in the first place, and re-worded the rule in the process to make it clearer.

Title: Re: Substantial action: How should it be defined?
Post by: Nick C on June 04, 2015, 08:31:58 PM
Mike,
I just read the link you referred to and it is clear that everyone understood substantial action as two players both putting chips in the pot.

You wrote:

After all the e-mails, forum postings, review of the WSOP language, etc. Version 2.0 was released which brought the TDA in alignment with WSOP, which was the objective in the first place, and re-worded the rule in the process to make it clearer.


 It did make it clearer...and it also changed it completely. I didn't need to see the WSOP rules.  All I wanted was a copy of TDA Version 1.0 and then the change when Version 2.0 was released. They were not the same, that's all I was looking for. As far as a flood of emails requesting a change. I suggest they direct their suggestions to the members on this Forum instead of personal emails.

 Just tell me that I am correct when I say it was changed, that's all I'm looking for.
Title: Re: Substantial action: How should it be defined?
Post by: MikeB on June 04, 2015, 10:33:11 PM
Mike,
I just read the link you refereed to and it is clear that everyone understood substantial action as two players both putting chips in the pot.

I didn't need to see the WSOP rules.  

Just tell me that I am correct when I say it was changed, that's all I'm looking for.

Nick: The purpose of this forum is not to "tell you you're correct". The purpose is to present the TDA Rules as accurately as possible. It's incorrect to say "it's clear everyone understood SA is 2 players both putting chips in the pot". What is clear is you're not looking at the entire transcript:

200:30: Tim Mix (Venetian): "Alot of houses are deeply divided as to 2 or 3 actions for SA"

201:04: Mike Bishop quotes the WSOP Rule 81 verbatim... "a fold and a call". That is not both players putting chips in the pot

204:50 Floor: "... it's 3 checks, 3 folds, bet and call, bet and fold" Again, not both players putting chips in the pot

205:54 Dave Lamb: "Actually that's the WSOP Rule"   [of course he's referring to the 204:50 Floor statement, and is referencing WSOP Rule 81, which includes SA as a call and a fold]

206:32 Dave Lamb: "How many would be in favor of adopting the WSOP Policy" [again, referring to WSOP Rule 81]  THIS WAS THE VOTE

207:57 Linda Johnson: Re-reads WSOP Rule 81

209:00 Linda: Re-reads WSOP Rule 81 again.

It just could not be more clear that the intent was to model the TDA Rule on WSOP Rule 81 which includes SA as a fold and call (i.e. 2 actions at least one of which puts chips in the pot).

You say you don't need to see the WSOP Rule but the WSOP Rule is the basis for the TDA Rule. You can't understand one without the other.

Title: Re: Substantial action: How should it be defined?
Post by: Guillaume Gleize on June 05, 2015, 03:31:05 AM
My poor english is getting too light to follow everything now.

Nick: Do you understand that I don't like the "3 or 2 at least one including chips" and that my actual rule is "3 or 2 BOTH including chips"? 

So: I can't wait for a CLEAR vote this year and will follow it. But I will follow it very SADLY if they vote for "3 or 2 at least one including chips" ...  :'(

Come on: Make it easier & slighly longer as: "3 or 2 BOTH including chips"

By the way: Mike what is your personnal choice?

Regards,
GG
Title: Re: Substantial action: How should it be defined?
Post by: Nick C on June 05, 2015, 07:01:37 AM
Guillaume,
 Sorry you are correct, I went back and changed my mistake so we don't further confuse others. I agree with you: Any 3 actions; or 2 both involving chips.

Mike, Here are the TDA Rules from 2011: Version 1.0 July 30, 2011 #33 Substantial Action is defined as either: A) any two actions involving two players each putting chips in the pot (bet, raise,or call):or B) any combination of three actions (check, bet, raise, call, or fold).

TDA Rules from 2011 Version 2.0 Sep t 22, 2011 #32 Substantial Action is defined as either A) any two actions in turn, at least one of which must involve putting chips in the pot (i.e. any 2 actions except 2 checks or 2 folds): OR B) any combination of three actions in turn (check, bet, call, or fold).

 On August 4, 2011 (dates between the change) I went on the Ante Up Magazine National Pokercast and proceeded to inform all listeners what the definition of Substantial Action was. The problem was, it was changed six weeks after the radio broadcast.

Guillaume and others, I'm sure, were confused. We need to return it to any 2 actions (both with chips), and we need to consider the dealer, and I want to know why "in turn" was added? If multiple players bet out of turn, does this mean we can't consider Substantial Action? That's how it reads.
Title: Re: Substantial action: How should it be defined?
Post by: MikeB on June 05, 2015, 11:03:12 AM

By the way: Mike what is your personal choice?

Regards, GG

G: Several thoughts,

1: The most important for me is that the TDA and WSOP (and other venues of course) remain aligned on this rule. Substantial Action is an important threshold that really needs to be consistent. If you go back to 2011 and listen to ALL the debate, you'll see it was very extensive. All the pros and cons of 2 vs. 3 were laid out. The 2011 WSOP language was the obvious compromise IMO.

2: That said, just personally, for me the least "substantial" action is a check. I consider a fold to be quite substantial by contrast: for example, I would consider 3 folds to be dramatically more "substantial" than 3 checks. So if I was to propose a tweak to the rule, it would exclude a fast "check-bet" as substantial action.
Title: Re: Substantial action: How should it be defined?
Post by: WSOPMcGee on June 05, 2015, 05:12:48 PM

But by far the most important consideration is #1 above, keeping unity in the Association.


I just want to address this point really quickly even though it has little to do with this particular thread and Subject Headline.

Maybe this is the goal, however, you currently have all new board members who do not use TDA rules within their own tournaments. Not only is that not unifying, it's divisive. And I'm not saying that having different viewpoints among the board is a bad thing. It encourages discussion. But I am saying that if your goal as an association is to keep unity then maybe the folks atop the association ought to use the rules that they represent, because right now they don't.

Back to the issue.....

Being one of the persons described as "Floor", I know what I said by stating "2 actions involving chips" (vs what I meant) and was then quickly followed by a floor person who said "it's 2 people putting money in the pot or 3 actions". Listening to this part of the video extensively now, I can see where the confusion is coming from and it occurs because what I'm talking about is described as the WSOP rule and then a motion is put forth to adopt the WSOP rule.

Of course, no one is going to object to that.

I wasn't talking about the WSOP rule even though I described it nearly word for word. But at the time I was talking about a floor person being incapable of deciphering whether it's a Bet and a Call vs a Bet and a Fold. That's what I was talking about or at least trying to convey and I thought I did convey it when both Matt and the other floor restated in some form that it would be 2 actions both with people putting chips in the pot.

This exact situation came up early at this years WSOP. Player UTG called, next player folded, the action was stopped by another player who had one card and then another player realized he had grabbed a 3rd card by mistake and both players were in the blind. Under the current WSOP and TDA rule, I had to rule their hands dead due to improper number of cards and substantial action. However, I could have used rule No.1, best interest of the game. There also used to be a rule called the Proper Card rule. However I've only seen it used sparingly by older veteran floor persons and it's not usually passed on any longer to younger floor people and is considered rare and obsolete.

The Proper Card Rule:

Both blinds must have their proper cards. If not, then misdeal.

Simple rule.

Maybe this rule needs to comeback given the above situation.

Maybe establish a hierarchy of rules.

Or simply define substantial action as "Two actions, in turn, both WITH chips or Three total actions."

#2 - A separate but similar situation also occurred a few days later. UTG called, next player fold, next player has only 1 card and action is stopped. Again under WSOP and TDA rules, the player with one card now has a dead hand, both due to improper number of cards and substantial action. Again, the solution is above.

However, for some reason if this player with only one card was somehow on the button, most, if not all floor persons would deal the button the top card and continue. Whereas, above the players hand is dead.

Why?

There's is no clear evidence that button was not skipped on the first deal and simply was not dealt his last card, nor is there evidence that the card was there from the last hand already and was skipped due to already having a card and failure of the dealer to deliver his second card. The button hand should be dead too. But I'd say 99% of all floor people would give him the top card off the deck.

Why not give the skipped player the top card as well if you are fairly certain that he was simply skipped as the Button?

It's a random card, make the player whole. <----- Anyways..... another tangent and small rant.

I hope I get a chance on to meet, greet and debate this on the floor at the Summit this year.