Online Poker Press

The 2009 WSOP will undergo mass changes to both the levels and the starting chip stacks given to players. All events will be affected in a bid to free up the game and allow players more scope for plays and strategy. A triple buy-in structure on all events will mean players get three times the buy-in of chips. Of interest to most will be how this will effect the Main Event.

In 2008, players who sat down in the Main Event would have been faced with 20,000 starting chips, double what they received the previous year. In 2009, the figure will rise to 30,000. Increased starting stacks will grace all of the events in the WSOP. In addition to the increased starting stacks, levels will be added to accommodate the increased amount of chips. In all $1,000+ events new levels will include 75-150 and 1,200-2400 and the main event can expect more on top of that.

Tournament director Jack Effel said that in the economic situation players needed "more play for their money" and this is what they should have in the new, updated format: “You’ll feel that in the beginning. It gives players more of an opportunity to make moves and use strategy. It’s going to benefit both the little guy who won his way in and it’s also going to benefit the pros, who have additional time to perfect their game.”

The lack of chips has been a recurring issue over the last few years at the WSOP and the change to the structure will be a welcome addition to many of the players. Organisers worried about a lower than normal turnouts in these turbulent times are also aware that more chips will entice more recreational players to enter the events.