Launch of the Amateur Poker Association & Tour (APAT)

[totalise]

Tightend,

I have yet to hear whether or not you will be having an "allin" button like they did at the WSOP. I think that would be an excellent inclusion, as amateurs are notoriously bad at handling chips, so it will save the hassle of chips getting knocked over and other things like that.

Also do you have a definitive list of the language that will/wont be permitted to warrant punishment? as you know, the wsop had problems like this with the F-bomb being punishable, but the C-bomb and other words not being punishable. I believe that a comprehensive list on the website, maybe an A to Z of banned words/phrases might be in order to ensure everybody is aware of it and has no excuses.

eternally pondering,


T

[TightEnd]

T

Words ALMOST fail me, although I do know we are planning chips with a hole in the middle so that amateurs can thread them onto a piece of string, pulling the chips off as and when they want to bet. This has two benefits, one chips will be kept neatly. Secondly this circumvents the very unpopular string betting rule that newbies often fall foul off.

TE


Off for a lie down

[Heid]

You are going to move the shortstack aren't you?

If not, it's disgraceful, and inhuman yeda yeda, yeda..

[londonpokergirl]

You are going to move the shortstack aren't you?

If not, it's disgraceful, and inhuman yeda yeda, yeda..

Heid

Big blind will be getting moved     My rules 

[ifm]

Any news on if the structure has been altered yet? Last thing I remember on the subject was that it was going to be looked at again/discussed (to see if the 'missing level' was going to be added), unless I've missed the reply and if so can someone point me to the post.

No you haven't missed a post, as we have not changed it as of now. I would reiterate though that there is a "missing" 800-1600 level but there is a 500-1000 level added in compared to a normal structure, so its swings and roundabouts


(Cue next discussion.... )

So what was the decision?
Putting aside the tour, what are you doing to change structures, uniform rules and say to the gaming board......and CAN you say anything to the GB?
I know i have asked this before but this entire thread is focussed almost exclusively on the event at the Broadway, i would like to know what APAT are doing when they represent me.

[tikay]

I wasn't suggesting the guy who won the first online comp was a professional and at no point stated only novices should play. What I did do is ask could some more family names enter as they can can to be in a similar position as the first online winner. The given classification of who does and does not qualify has no measurable defining point. This is understandable as I don't think it is possible to have a blanket defination and agree entry should largely at the discreation of the APAT. I have no problems with this and accept that they can run there association as they wish to clarify.

All I have done is to suggest some names and asked if they also qualify for the amatuer stream of the APAT as they are in a similar position as the first online winner. I understand Tony Bloom merely plays the occassional game and has a job outside of poker. I just think it might be kind of funny if Tony Bloom (former Aussie millionaire champion) was to win the title of amateur champion.

OK, let's deal with Tony Bloom, Dave Colclough, etc, whose eligibiity has been hypothesised.

No, they will not be allowed to play, they are not the sort of player we are seeking. Nor, more to the point, would they wish to. It's not designed for them, & they are bright enough to know that. They CAN join the Association though, & I expect some of them will. It's in their interest to help form a "Lobbying Body" to improve everyon'e lot in Tournament Poker, & we are forming that. If we go ahead with the Pro-Am series, then I believe they WOULD be interested.

There is much negative feedback, that's OK. But we will press on, & we will get the job done, improvements will happen, for all of us. If folks want to ask about details, that's cool too.

For me, I know I am doing the right thing, for the right reasons.

[tikay]

Any news on if the structure has been altered yet? Last thing I remember on the subject was that it was going to be looked at again/discussed (to see if the 'missing level' was going to be added), unless I've missed the reply and if so can someone point me to the post.

No you haven't missed a post, as we have not changed it as of now. I would reiterate though that there is a "missing" 800-1600 level but there is a 500-1000 level added in compared to a normal structure, so its swings and roundabouts


(Cue next discussion.... )

So what was the decision?
Putting aside the tour, what are you doing to change structures, uniform rules and say to the gaming board......and CAN you say anything to the GB?
I know i have asked this before but this entire thread is focussed almost exclusively on the event at the Broadway, i would like to know what APAT are doing when they represent me.

I don't racall what decision we made on the structure ifm, but I seem to recall we said "we will leave it "as is" for Event 1, & change it for subsequent events in the light of practicality & Member feedback. We could change it for Event # 1, even now, but I don't think we will. We want Day One & Two to finish at civilised hours, & that's vey important to the Recreational Players who will form our bedrock. I will check it out for you & let you know, though.
I will deal with your other question next.

Thanks.

[TightEnd]

the structure has not changed as of now as I said above. If it changes after discussions between the TD and the Chairman then of course members will be informed

APAT has, as already stated, had its list of tournament rules (available in full on www.apat.com) fully signed off as GC compliant by the GC. We intend that they are in operation for all our events wherever the venue. This is a first step to standardisation because as we know venues currently operate with differences in rules.

As has been said several times on this thread the Association will be a voice to represent its members where those members via their elected representatives seek us to effect change. In this, the more members we have the more influence we are likely to have.

These matters may relate to structures, start times, adding value etc and we will be speaking to venues, regulators, current and potential sponsors and the trade press/media on behalf of our members as a far more effective "feedback" channel than individual recreational players currently have. That is, they currently have few options for feedback.

Finally, over the course of 60 odd pages I beleive this thread has covered way way more than just the first Event.

[tikay]

Tightend,

I have yet to hear whether or not you will be having an "allin" button like they did at the WSOP. I think that would be an excellent inclusion, as amateurs are notoriously bad at handling chips, so it will save the hassle of chips getting knocked over and other things like that.

Also do you have a definitive list of the language that will/wont be permitted to warrant punishment? as you know, the wsop had problems like this with the F-bomb being punishable, but the C-bomb and other words not being punishable. I believe that a comprehensive list on the website, maybe an A to Z of banned words/phrases might be in order to ensure everybody is aware of it and has no excuses.

eternally pondering,


T

I don't wish to step on Tighty's patch, but let me field this one briefly.

No, we will not publish a list of banned words/phrases. because....

We expect common sense to prevail.

You need to tune in to the atmosphere we are helping to create at our Events. Everyone will be welcomed, there will be an introductory & "welcome" speech, & we will meet with ALL the players one to one. Therse are our Members, not just punters wandering in to a Comp & signing up. So the message will be sent across loud & clear. No ill-mannered shouting & hollering, personal abuse, da de da de da.

So I don't think a "banned list" is necessary, & anyway, who could think up every possible violation, we'd be sure to miss a few, & some bright spark would circumvent it somehow.

We just want our Members to have a stress free, enjoyable game of Poker. No hidden agenda, thats it. If anyone wants to try stepping out of line, they wil be penalised - we might even shoot them - but that's the least of our worries, as I think the good vibes will spread. Anyone who has played a blonde Bash comp knows the sort of atmo we are trying to help create.

[ifm]

the structure has not changed as of now as I said above. If it changes after discussions between the TD and the Chairman then of course members will be informed

APAT has, as already stated, had its list of tournament rules (available in full on www.apat.com) fully signed off as GC compliant by the GC. We intend that they are in operation for all our events wherever the venue. This is a first step to standardisation because as we know venues currently operate with differences in rules.

As has been said several times on this thread the Association will be a voice to represent its members where those members via their elected representatives seek us to effect change. In this, the more members we have the more influence we are likely to have.

These matters may relate to structures, start times, adding value etc and we will be speaking to venues, regulators, current and potential sponsors and the trade press/media on behalf of our members as a far more effective "feedback" channel than individual recreational players currently have. That is, they currently have few options for feedback.

Finally, over the course of 60 odd pages I beleive this thread has covered way way more than just the first Event.

You must have had in mind when setting this up exactly how you were going to attempt to effect change, by repeating that you want to do this or that without actually saying how reminds me of that Paxman interview.

[RED-DOG]

Pro-Am. Can we call it the 'Pram'?

[Ginger]

Speaking as a recreational player that is a typical APAT member IMO it is far more important to get the structure correct from the outset, than to have the even finish at "civilised hours" realistically adding the level or swapping the 500 - 1000 for the 800 - 1600 is not going to increase the time by a unreasonable amount. If you are trying to set a standard, that standard IMO should be in place from Event 1, not run with it and change it later.


(this isn't James posting on my account BTW lol)

[TightEnd]

Ifm, you keep asking me the same question, I keep giving you the same answer which I think adequately answers the question. I am at a loss on how to answer this better for you and am not meaning to be obstructive.  tikay has also addressed the isuse on this thread.

[tikay]

Tioghty has answered ifm's second question, so that's done.

I'd just add that The Broadway were a little surprised when we said we wanted our "own" Rules, & felt it would be difficult, as they would need to negotiate on our behalf with the GC & get sign-off. We insisted, The Broadway co-operated, went to the GC, & negotiated for what we wanted. It bounced back & forth for a while, & we got our wishes.

A good example, I think, of how the process will work. Early days yet, but I hope you can see the methodology. Once the Members are "consolidated", we will hear their collective voice & act accordingly.

I hope that, & Tighty's fuller response, answers your questions, ifm.

Have a good Bank Holiday.

OK, I'll pop & see how Madam Chilli is getting on now, if I can see her behind her giant stack of chips. Her overnight chip "bag" was enormous, as they are playing Running Antes & so have not coloured up the shrapnel. It's very exciting for her!

[ifm]

In that case i give up.
The thing is what you are looking to do will affect non members too!!
As for the blind issue, if people cannot get this simple thing changed now what hope is there for other things?
Gotta be honest i'm fed up with this entire subject, you think i'm being deliberately obtuse and the more times i ask the same few questions the more i begin to agree!