Here is a situation that really irks me. It upsets me for two reasons. One, is because casinos who “claim” they are members of the Tournament Directors Association don’t follow the rules they set. Secondly, the reason is there for a purpose yet tournament players don’t want the rule.

The rule pertains to satellites. It specifically says that seats in a satellite must be randomly assigned. All casinos that I have seen that are members of the TDA do not enforce it.

When I ran satellites for the largest tournaments in the world, I would enforce the rule yet 98% of the players yelled at me for enforcing it and 2% applauded me for the balls to stand up to the other players.

So here is my thought. The rule is in place to protect players from partners and other cheats. Either 98% of the players are ignorant to the fact that cheating goes on (or they know it goes on and don’t care about being cheated) or they are the ones doing the cheating.

Now I find it hard to believe they like being cheated, and I also have to believe that 98% of the players can’t be cheaters, so logically speaking.. that only leaves ignorance.

Hopefully this post will open the eyes to all who play satellites. The TDA felt that it was important to preserve the integrity of the game and to make it harder for players to cheat that they passed such a rule. Take a stand and don’t let others cheat or take advantage of you. Please insist to all casino dealers and to casino management that they enforce this important rule.

I was told by a top ranking casino manager that they didn’t care if players cheat each other, they will only get involved if the player cheats the casino.  Funny thing is.. I researched this casino on some legal websites and found many lawsuits filed against them by players who claimed they were cheated by other players. I guess if they lose those lawsuits they will be more concerned about players cheating each other.

If you don’t think cheating goes on in poker games and tourneys you better wake up or lose all your money.

• Unethical Casinos