The World Series of Poker (WSOP) made a historic change this Sunday (12). For the first time in 57 years of the Main Event, the organization implemented the shot clock during the final stretch of the world’s biggest poker tournament. The decision came after Lorein Klein took fifteen minutes on a hand during Day 6.
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Furthermore, the novelty came into effect right at the start of Day 7 of the competition. Since then, each player has 20 seconds to act. If more time is needed, they can use one of the six extension chips, which grant an additional 30 seconds per decision. This dynamic is well known in other tournaments worldwide, but it had never been used in the WSOP Main Event before.
Meanwhile, the change quickly divided opinions among players and commentators. Part of the community approved the measure for speeding up the pace of the games. Other professionals, however, criticized the organization’s decision. This initiative is a milestone in the long history of the series which had always been opposed to it.
On the other hand, the implementation happened a day after a long delay caused by Loren Klein. The American spent about 15 minutes thinking over a decision to try to move up in the prize rankings before being eliminated in 72nd place, receiving US$ 105,000.
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Professionals differ on the use of the action clock
David Williams, runner-up of the 2004 Main Event and WSOP commentator, criticized the novelty. For him, the tournament management should act only in specific situations. “This is a bad idea. The team should use their own judgment when someone takes too long, like Loren and several others did yesterday”, he said.
Besides him, professional Chris Brewer also disapproved of the change. Used to playing tournaments with an action clock, he classified the decision as unfair to recreational players. On the other hand, names like Galen Hall defended the adoption of the shot clock, while Andrew Lichtenberger also expressed an opposing position.
Finally, Day 7 started with 62 players in the tournament and ended with only 21 remaining still competing for the Main Event title. This Monday (13), they play Day 8 until the final table is formed, with 9 players. The big final will only be played in August, giving the finalists a two-week break.
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