The Bicycle Casino in Los Angeles has changed one of its rules for tournament poker.
At most casinos players at the table need to be in their seats by the time the second card is dealt to the button. But "the Bike" changed that rule.
Now, tournament players must be in their seats when the first card reaches their seat.
There is a good reason why they made this change -- to stop cheaters.
As it was explained to me, players would stand by the table to catch a glimpse of the first card being dealt to players. They could see the first card by standing a few feet back from the table. Then using this knowledge of at least one hole card -- and sometimes two hole cards -- they would have knowledge for pre-flop betting.
To stop this cheating the Bike started a rule that you must be in your seat for the first card. And no more standing at your seat.
I think it's a pretty good rule and I wonder if other casinos have this rule or if it might spread to other casinos?