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WSOP Installs Shot Clock During Main Event

Organizers say the change responds to multi‑minute stalling that they say distorted play at other tables.

Overview

  • The World Series of Poker put a shot clock into effect for Day 7 of the Main Event on Sunday, giving players 20 seconds preflop, 30 seconds postflop, and six 30‑second time‑bank chips per day.
  • WSOP officials relied on Section 80 of the rulebook, which allows Host Properties to add an event‑wide shot clock at any point in a tournament.
  • The change follows a high‑profile Day 6 episode in which Loren Klein tanked for more than 15 minutes while trying to preserve a pay jump, a delay officials and players said unfairly affected table equity.
  • Player reaction is split: some professionals called the mid‑tournament move unfair to recreational entrants who lack timed‑play experience, while others including Shaun Deeb said the clock protects the broader field and speeds play.
  • The tournament is proceeding under the new system with no further rule adjustments announced, and organizers, players and commentators are weighing alternatives such as dealer/floor discretion, chess‑style clocks, or phased clocks for deeper stages.