Marked Spades Found in Decks at WSOP

Many well known pro poker players have noticed a large number of marked spades in decks being used at the WSOP. They have taken some of their complaints to Twitter.

This is twitpic of a marked 4 of spades, tweeted by WSOP reporter BJNemeth

With so much money on the line at the World Series of Poker, it is difficult to believe the possibility that marked decks may slip into play. However, that is exactly what is happening.

During Event #8, a $1,000 buy-in NLHE event, Jon Turner initially noticed a marked card in the deck and pointed it out to WSOP staff.

The tournament director immediately called a break in the tournament to try and correct this error. The individuals checking on the situation saw that there was a printing error on a large number of low spades in many decks currently in use.

The cards they noticed were at that point removed and replaced.

The problem has apparently not yet been fixed, however.

Poker pro Steve O'Dwyer noticed that the two through five of spades in his current tournament, the $10,000 Pot Limit Hold'em, are also marked.

He explained the issue in a series of Tweets directed at World Series of Poker Tournament Director Jack Effel. Here is the series of messages, condensed into 1:

@steveodwyer - "@WSOPTD It is insane that the @WSOP has not replaced the decks. When I sit in the 1 or 9 seat at almost any table I can see the marked spades.

I first noticed it in the 5k NLHE and called the floor but they dismissed my concerns and I forgot about it until the 1k NLHE final table.

I'm now in the 9 seat in the PLHE and am clearly able to identify the 2 through 5 of spades when they are at the center of the table under the light, and I've been able to point them out when they are face down in front of me. If this isn't fixed by morning @WSOP is pathetic."

Jack Effel responded:

@WSOPTD - "Not all the cards are bad. Met with USPC today and we're working on the issue. We're also using different cards on the final tables. Next time you guys see one of the cards, say something and we'll replace it. If not, good luck in the event. USPC is on it."

The USPC is the United States Playing Card Company. We'll keep you posted if this issue becomes more of a problem, and likewise we'll have our fingers crossed that no more marked cards are still in play.