Isaac Hekston Shares Insights on Post-Pandemic Live Poker

Isaac Hekston, ambassador for PartyPoker, has shared his thoughts on the future of live poker post-pandemic. Hekston expressed his longing for live poker and the atmosphere surrounding it, but also acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead.

King's Casino in Rozvadov, Czech Republic, was the first casino in Europe to reopen after the pandemic, with cash poker only allowed and strict safety measures in place. The World Series of Poker in Las Vegas has been postponed to the fall, and most casinos are expected to open without poker.

Hekston suggested several safety measures for live poker tournaments, including a 12-hour break between game days to allow players to rest, eat, and sleep. He also proposed that players should not eat at the poker tables, citing hygiene concerns. Additionally, Hekston recommended thorough disinfection of chips, cards, and tables, and suggested adding antiseptic to shuffling machines. He advised that players should not sit down to play if they are sick, prioritizing health over the game. Hekston proposed that the rule prohibiting players from covering their faces should be removed, but mandatory mask-wearing should not be enforced. He also suggested that tables should be spaced out to provide more room for players, and that large round tables should be used to increase the distance between players. Furthermore, Hekston proposed that dealers should serve tables for longer periods to reduce the number of people they interact with.