The world of live poker has been rocked by controversy in recent weeks, as top tournament director Toby Stone has spoken out on the issue of computer assistance in the game. Stone, who serves as the Tournament Director for the European Poker Tour (EPT), has been vocal in his opposition to the use of solvers and other computer programs by players in live poker tournaments.
The use of computer programs to aid in decision-making at the poker table has long been a hot topic in the poker community. While some players argue that using solvers and other tools is simply a part of the game’s evolution, others, including Stone, believe that such practices erode the integrity of live poker.
In a recent interview with poker news outlet Pokerfuse, Stone expressed his strong views on the issue. “I believe that poker is a game of skill and strategy, and that players should rely on their own abilities and instincts at the table,” he said. “The use of computer programs to make decisions takes away from the human element of the game, and undermines the spirit of competition that is at the heart of poker.”
Stone also addressed the controversy surrounding the use of solvers by players at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) this year. Several high-profile players, including some who made deep runs in WSOP events, have been accused of using solvers to gain an unfair advantage over their opponents.
“I think it’s unfortunate that some players feel the need to resort to such tactics in order to compete at the highest levels of the game,” Stone said. “Poker is ultimately a test of skill and mental fortitude, and I believe that true champions are determined by their ability to outthink and outplay their opponents, not by their ability to run complex simulations on a computer.”
While Stone’s comments have sparked debate within the poker community, many players and fans have expressed support for his stance. Some have called for stricter regulations on the use of computer assistance in live poker tournaments, while others have praised Stone for taking a stand on the issue.
As the debate over computer assistance in live poker continues to rage, Stone has made it clear that he will not waver in his commitment to upholding the integrity of the game. “I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure that live poker remains a fair and level playing field for all players,” he said. “Poker is a game of skill, and it’s up to us to preserve that skill and protect the integrity of the game for future generations.”