World Series of Poker Prohibits Use of AI or Human Advice During Live Play

Following a rather emotional last year Main Event, during which Jonathan Tamayo won $10,000,000 by beating a dispirited Jordan Griff, an up-and-coming player who lost to not just Tamayo, but his star-studded team of former champions and arguably a computer algorithm, the World Series of Poker has decided to make sure that when it comes to playing poker – players only have themselves to rely on.

The Post-Tamayo Win Means No AI, No Coaching During Live Play

Last year’s Main Event was clouded by the fact that Tamayo stopped and consulted his coaches, former poker champion Joe McKeehen, who won the 2015 Main Event, and Dominik Nitsche, who also brought a laptop which Tamayo briefly examined before playing his final hand and winning.

A flurry of speculation erupted online with poker players and ordinary viewers wondering how that was legit, and lambasting Tamayo for what was perceived as an unfair advantage over a self-made poker player who was that close to winning all on his own.

The World Series of Poker has not been tone deaf to these events and has outlawed the use of any technology during live play, as well as consulting with coaches. This does not change the fact that Tamayo was seen as taking unfair advantage.

Although the World Series of Poker had previously banned the use of simulators to analyze hands and plays, no rule previously stated that they couldn’t consult with their coaches’ tech.

Hardly Cheating, But Hardly Honorable Either

However, the organization has now placed stricter and clearer rules that will achieve just that, leading to the following phrasing in the new rules:

“Participants and spectators are not allowed to use charts, apps, artificial intelligence, or any other form of electronic assistance in the tournament room that could give a Participant an advantage over another Participant.”

Spectators are also blocked from providing any type of real-time assistance or coaching, whether that is direct or indirect. Although the new rules are thoughtful, the bad aftertaste in the wake of Tamayo’s win still lingers.