Poker Player Learns Lesson: Read The Fine Print

When you finally get the rules to No Limit Texas Hold'em down pat and are ready to take place in your first tournament, be aware that there are an entire new set of rules you need to learn; the tournament rules themselves. Not just when to sit at your table, or not to throw your cards at the dealer, or to avoid discussing a hand in play, although those are all important, but the rules about the prizes as well.



Recently a poker player at a live event won a second place at a tournament and overheard the first place winner expressing disappointment in his prize, which was a trip. They agreed to switch prizes and got permission from the dealer, but things did not go as smoothly as they hoped. It turned out that prize switching wasn’t allowed, and the players became wrapped up in legal issues trying to get it all sorted out. The lesson; when you get involved in a poker tournament, read the fine print up front, so you can concentrate on your game.