Savage Rules! How long is too long for a poker tournament?

Long days, brutal turnarounds

Long days and poker tournaments are relatively commonplace.

But how long is too long?

The bottom line is that it's a delicate balance between short days, multiple days, and a good structure. I've seen multiple tournaments play until the sun comes up. I’ve seen less than eight-hour turnarounds.

Both of those scenarios are unacceptable to me and unfair to players. It's especially unfair to older players - and even unacceptable to an old guy like me.

Phil Hellmuth isn't the only old man who doesn't want to play super-long days.

SPECIAL OFFERS

• 
• 
• 
• 

My thoughts on the issue

Honestly, a 12-hour day would be perfect for a one-day tournament. Players would start at noon and finish the day at midnight and would be able to celebrate a little with their newly earned wealth.

But I’ve seen many of these one-day tournaments now finish at 4am or even later. The bar is already closed in many locales, and the worst feeling is getting caught in morning traffic, pondering why you didn’t make a deal when you had the chip lead with five left, having finished fifth.

When two-day events finish too late and then have to be seated 10 hours later, ready to play, that isn’t great either. I like to give the players at least 90 minutes to get home or to a hotel room, eight hours of sleep, and then 90 minutes to get back the next day.

Why is that happening? In many cases, the event is very successful, with a huge turnout. The more players you have, the longer it takes to crown a winner or get down to a reasonable day number.

The same goes for the WSOP Main Event. When you have 10,000 entries, you can't do it in less than two weeks, especially if you want to have a great structure, two-hour levels, and no days off.

With 10,000 entries, you can't do it in less than two weeks if you want to keep a great structure.

 

Shorter days for the win

I'm in favor of shorter days. I think not having a dinner break and ending at a reasonable time is the way to go. That way, people can go out, enjoy a nice dinner, and return refreshed the next day. That works best for me.

But again, many places where I work do not prefer that. They would rather the players stay on the property, eat there, and then return to finish the day or bust out so they can re-enter the next day.

But the problem is that often when you have those dinner breaks, you're coming back after 60-90 minutes. That is frequently insufficient time to go out and have a relaxing dinner. What happens is you end up rushing and eating a questionable slice of pizza. Ugh!

I think it's better to play a shorter day, not have a dinner break, and come back the next day refreshed. I also suggest longer turnarounds, at least 11 hours.

I have a challenge for you

What do you think out there? What's the maximum number of hours you should play in one day? What should the minimum amount of time between multiple starting day tournaments be? Please let me know in the comments below.

(Side Bet: Is anyone looking for some action? I'd wager Phil registers late and makes one of his signature entrances. I mean, Phil is Phil.)

Reach out to me

I’m asking players and fans to submit interesting situations and videos to my X account. It’s entirely possible your issue will make the next Savage Rules!

Matt Savage is the WPT Executive Tour Director, founder of the Tournament Directors Association, and a respected member of the poker community. Matt is a five-time GPI award winner and a nine-time Poker Hall of Fame nominee.

For more info, visit PokerTDA.com and WPT.com.