Earlier this year, the topic of poker tournament re-entries became a hot subject of debate among the poker community. The World Series of Poker Player of the Year race was tight, and many felt that the re-entry options within the WSOP events were to blame. Many felt that only those with the cash to continue playing had a shot at winning the title. Poker pro Daniel Negreanu, who finished in third place in the Player of the Year standings, tweeted that he was considering not playing re-entry in 2020. However, he has not decided to change his mind.
No Re-Entry
On Twitter, Negreanu stated that by following a no-entry policy, he would not make as many final tables during events he participate in. However, the decision would allow him to not take part in something that he feels should not exist or at minimum, be the norm.
Many players feel that re-entry allows for those with deeper pockets to have a better shot at winning titles. To players with a large bankroll, paying a $600 or even $10,000 buy-in twice is no big deal. For those with limited budgets trying to earn a win, they cannot afford the re-buys.
Changing His Mind
During the World Poker Tour Five Diamond World Poker Classic, Negreanu changed his mind about his plans for next year. In an interview, the poker player stated that after talking to a lot of people, he realized that his perspective to burn re-entries is taking a stand for something that is not going to work.
The poker pro stated that if he stops participating in re-entry, it is not going to stop the tournament operators from offering re-entry events. They make too much money. According to Negreanu, he can still play by the rules in the best way that suits him, but also campaign for sites to offer more freezeouts instead of re-entries.
During the Five Diamond where he was interviewed, Negreanu finished in 62nd place, winning $29,220. He bought in twice during the event. He does not regularly compete in the World Poker Tour circuit anymore but according to the pro, the Five Diamond is still special to him. The pro has one 1st, 3rd and 12th during the event.
It is interesting to note Negreanu’s stance on re-entry options. Of course, it’s a nice option to allow players to buy-in back in when knocked out. If you were competing and perhaps lost to a bad beat, it would be nice to be able to get back in the game. But are there instances where the re-entries create an unfair advantage?
Perhaps in contests like the WSOP Player of the Year, some type of consideration should be given based on re-entries. Point status could be changed to reflect re-entries in order to level the playing field. However, I don’t see that happening any time in the future, at least not yet.
