Structural Integrity

[user66118]

If you look at the structure sheet for this event, you'll be quick to notice how amazing the levels are for this event, world class. Some of the largest tournaments in the world don't have structures this steady. In fact, if there's any problem at all, it's that the structure is too good.

The first symptom of that problem became visible as Day 2 dragged on yesterday. We were unable to get anywhere close to reaching the final table, setting us up for another marathon day today. At their discretion, the tournament staff had chosen to remove the 5,000/10,000 level in order to ensure a timely finish in the early morning hours.

However, as the start of this level approached, a wave of criticism swept through the three tables as a few of the players demonstrated their disapproval with the decision. Mark Demirjian was the most vocally frustrated, and he gave several members of the staff an earful, growing red with anger. "This is a serious tournament," he said. "And now we're into the serious part. This is when we need the blinds."

The staff tried to pacify him: "It's only one level."

"One level makes a big difference!" came the indignant reply. After a little pow-wow in the corner, the tournament staff decided that the best course of action was to reverse their decision and play the schedule as listed before the event.

So with that, we're off into 5,000/10,000.