Poker inventions are making the game faster and more entertaining

Every human activity is determined by development, and constant pursuit of perfection. Expanding knowledge and better technology is the main tool for that purpose. The game of poker, although not changing as fast as science, electronics, internet and other similar fields, has some room for improvements, too. All to make playing more enjoyable to do and to watch.

In fact, this seems like the main reason that makes people involved with poker to take the game to another level. The great promise of fame and riches attract wider audiences, allowing the business to grow stronger. The major significant poker boom moment is inseparably tied to one of the biggest invention in the industry that made all the future TV and internet coverage of prestigious live events possible - little camera below the table. This idea, although not enthusiastically received by players and executives at the beginning, almost singlehandedly brought the game to the attention of millions of viewers. The man who first thought of it, was Henry Orenstein - Jew of Polish descent. Born in 1923 businessman made his fortune on toys, being responsible, among other things, for the amazing success of the series of toys called Transformers. Then he made a mark on poker industry, being a dedicated player himself. In mid-90s he patented the so-called hole card camera and was able to arouse some interest among TV stations’ representatives, who soon realized its potential. It wasn’t long until the invention became a hit, and made watching everyone’s favorite players much more entertaining.

Since this true milestone allowed audience to actually see what the contestants in a tournament are playing with, the efforts focused on further increasing the attractiveness and overall gameplay fluency. As the events expanded and more people wanted to participate, the speed became really important. Hosts wanted to pack all the excitement in digestible package for the viewers, players started to grow tired of endless waiting for their turn. It was obvious that everything had to be thought to hasten things - rules, equipment, trained staff - and that is exactly where the industry is going. The next edition of World Series of Poker will have some limited testing of the device called shot clocks and the feature of big blind antes. First is a simple timer that will measure players move, eliminating the problem of prolonged decision-making process, which often annoys everyone at the table. The second idea aims at taking care of ante confusion, forcing the big blind player to pay antes for everybody, which would rotate as the game goes.

With everything that changed about the gameplay and hosting big tournaments, it may seem a little odd this one thing remained pretty much unaltered: the playing cards. On one hand, there is probably no need for revolution in this department, but new ideas shouldn’t hurt. The information that appeared on industry portal PokerNews suggests something is being done with it. The new series of cards called Faded Spade is hitting the market. The producer wanted to refresh the design of standard deck and make it more suitable to modern times. Made with 100% thick quality plastic they are supposed to be more flexible, and have prolonged durability and longevity.

All the current and future changes will be about having more fun. Technology will surely make it possible. What we may witness next could perhaps be something involving further closing in on the gap between live and online games.