News: Reddit speaks: poker isn't a sport

In today's Daily Rewind we find out why poker isn't a sport and check out the backlash to the WPT's quantum reload concept.

Poker isn't a sport

Most of us didn't need to read Reddit to know that poker isn't really a sport, but if you needed some proof that people don't consider our game in such a way then check out this recent poll.

In an effort to classify a variety of "fringe" activities as "sport" or "not sport", one Reddit user put together a questionnaire for members of the popular message board.

After collating the 460 replies into a handy graph, poker ranked last out of the 53 activities listed with only 11% of those surveyed calling it a sport.

Trailing games such as bowling, bocce ball (a game similar to boules) and fishing, poker ranked lowest using the following criteria: how institutionalised is the game, how physically demanding is it and does it have a concrete set of rules.

Kessler won't take a quantum leap

Allen Kessler's forum rants are usually given little attention by members of the community; however, his latest post seems to have garnered an unusually positive response.

After learning that the WPT Legends of Poker Main Event will use a "quantum reload" structure, Kessler decided to take a stand.

Quantum reload events basically allow players to buy-in on Day 2 by paying a larger entry fee and, in return, receive an average stack.

In the case of the WPT event, players can either buy-in on Day 1 for $3,700 and play as normal or pay $10,000 to enter on Day 2 and receive a 60bb stack.

For Kessler, this concept is one that is harmful to the game as it creates an economy where the rich have an advantage.

Despite an explanation from tournament officials, the majority of forum posters seem to agree and appear willing to join Kessler's boycott of the event.

Negreanu's latest rant

Daniel Negreanu is calling for a relaxation of the rules when it comes to amateur players.

Currently taking part in the festivities at EPT Barcelona, Negreanu became incensed after two recreational players were penalised during the Estrellas Main Event for taking a picture.

Writing in his blog, Negreanu explained that a local player asked if he would pose for a picture.

Happy to oblige, Negreanu posed with the amateur whilst the player in the small blind took the shot.

At that point things were fine, but after the dealer mucked both players' hands, Negreanu decided to speak out.

In his opinion, enforcing rules such as the "first card off the deck" in such a strict fashion is detrimental to the game and will force casual players away from live events.

What do you think; should there be more discretion when it comes to tournament rules?

Question of the Day

"Do you agree with Allen Kessler: are quantum reload events bad for the game?"

High Stakes Corner

A $400,000 downswing for Gus Hansen on Tuesday resulted in a $617,868 upswing for Viktor Blom.

Despite being relatively quiet on the virtual scene over the last few weeks, Blom stormed to the top of the high stakes leaderboard yesterday after a positive 2,933-hand session.

In contrast, Hansen found himself atop of the daily loss chart ahead of Chun Lei Zhou and Alex Luneau who each suffered losses exceeding $200,000.