888PL TC's to return to play in regular competition

[Adrian]

Just bumped it 1 percent closer to 65!

C'mon guys, don't fret. How good could these TC players be?

Personally, I can only see their particiaption as a good thing. There are so many positives to be had from it that I feel it is something that really needs to be adopted. It will add to the experience I think. And in the end, it will make us all better players. And is that not the purpose for playing?

If you wanted to be making a killing playing poker, you'd be living in Vegas ffs. Are any of us really in it for prizes or prizemoney?!

[GrantTas]

I don't frequent these forums very often (and i probably should more) but i'd like to just throw a spin on this discussion from a TD's point of view. I am a TD in Hobart and have been for over 2 years now. At some points of my career i have been allowed to play and others i have not - all of course in my own time and on nights where i am rostered off.

Over the course of these 2 years i have met and become friends with a lot of fantastic people, and as you can assume our common enjoyment of poker is what has brought us together. There have been times where i have been asked by these players to join them at a venue on a night off to catch up, and enjoy playing together - i used to be able to do this but at the moment i cant which is a shame.

As a TD we often run 4+ events per week, and contrary to popular belief, we all don't eat sleep and breathe poker. If i was allowed to play, i really would only even want to do so once every 3-4 weeks, as i like my off time and want to do other things in my free time

I feel that having extra 888PL representatives in the room even if they are off duty, could only improve the overall professionalism of the league.

As for the possibility of cheating / dodgy business by the TD's, consider this - if a player gets caught cheating, they will get banned for a determined amount of time, if a TD gets caught - they lose their job - cant pay their bills, cant support their family etc. And to do so on a night off, well would be quite stupid of them.

Just my 2c, I really enjoy playing against the players - and as for the skill gap between us - consider how much poker you 'Play' compared to your local TD - i think you will be surprised as to how much more you do.

Grant (TD Hobart)

[mrkors76]

If they want to play let 'em.

[James Penny]

Im also a TD in Hobart. I miss being able to have a game with 888PL. Currently I have to go play APL if I want my pub poker fix, but it just doesnt have the same atmosphere or amount of fun.

Put bounties on our heads to make it more interesting.

[gundog]

I voted yes but with a handicap, then I thought but they already have a handicap so WTF LOL.

Seriously I enjoyed my encounters playing TC's in the past, so I'll submit 10 extra votes in the positive.

[15GIZMO]

I totally agree with Bionic Mike. TC's should not be allowed to play in the normal games where points are being allocated. The players are there to earn points for their leaderboard and the TC's should not be allowed to interfere with this. They have their own leaderboards.

I am sure we all enjoy playing against them but in special tournaments would be a great idea.

I think there should be specific on line tournaments that players and TC's can play together - not for points - maybe for a small cash prize like the AK tourney at 3.30 p.m.

I understand that the TC's want to play cos I would if I were one of them. But you should understand that the players and the TC's each have their own separate agenda.

[Scotty]

. The players are there to earn points for their leaderboard and the TC's should not be allowed to interfere with this. They have their own leaderboards.

They do?

[Garth Kay]

. The players are there to earn points for their leaderboard and the TC's should not be allowed to interfere with this. They have their own leaderboards.

They do?

Negative

[Scotty]

Oops - I meant to add the 'ol after my post.

[David]

I find there are a PLETHORA of idiot players who make my life hell at a lot of venues who I'd much rather replace with 888PL staff and contractors given the chance.

I used to love playing games at Pooraka with Garth, Nathan, Matty Norwood et al. The standard was far better. Staff overall don't want to piss people off especially if they are regulars, or know them well through other venues. I have played at Checkmates once of twice when staff and contractors have been bounties, or just played. Not once have I thought "I wish they weren't here!".

The bounty games at Winstons were GREAT. No staff member wants to lose - and if they make the FT, no one gets the bounty. That's quite an intangible reward for mine.

I think people have blinkers on if they think this reduces the integrity of the competition.

Breath test people, if they can't drive - they can't play - now THAT would increase the integrity

(Tongue firmly in cheek, there)