Uk-Poker.co.uk

As with most other online social networking tools, Twitter has become something of an internet phenomenon. High profile celebrities, sports stars and even politicians frequently visit Twitter in order to update an apparently interested audience on whatever they might be doing at a given time. Although certain ‘tweets’ (the name given to posts made on Twitter) are decidedly mundane – who really wants to know that Mr Smith has chosen a cheese sandwich for his lunch? – others can become newsworthy within a matter of minutes; for instance, last year the BBC saw it necessary to enlighten the world as to Stephen Fry’s decision to retire from Twitter itself.

Nevertheless, Twitter does not merely exist to spew meaningless tweets into the social vacuum; indeed, there has long been a concern amongst online poker tournament organisers that social networking tools of its kind could be used to a player’s advantage, which is why WSOP players had previously been banned from using Twitter during the tournament. However, in a recent tweaking of its rules, the WSOP has softened its stance on Twitter and the use of mobile phones during a tournament.

Introduced last week, the WSOP’s rule number 55 states: “All cell phones and other voice-enabled and ‘ringing’ electronic devices must be turned off during tournament play. Players not involved in a hand (cards in muck) shall be permitted to text/email at the table, but shall not be permitted to text/email any other player at the table”. Although the WSOP reserves the discretionary right to impose penalties on any player it feels has breached the new rule, it may be difficult to effectively prevent players communicating with each other in this way – especially where third parties are involved. Many UK poker tournaments have banned the use of such devices in order to ensure a fairer game, so it will be interesting to see how the WSOP fares after this rule change.