Each team consists of three players: two poker professionals, and one former or current professional football (soccer) player. Elimination matches take place between two countries, with the table winner progressing along with the rest of his team to the next round of the tournament.
Three hours are allowed for each match. If a result does not occur within that time limit, a one-hour period of extra time takes place. If there is still no result, a penalty shootout then takes place.
If the tournament director, "Mad" Marty Wilson notices any attempts at collusion, he administers a yellow card to that player, with the result of half of that players' chips being distributed evenly to the opposition team. If a second infraction is noticed, a red card is shown to the player, eliminating the player from the tournament immediately, with all of that players' chips being distributed evenly to the opposition team.
The idea that collusion could be used as a tactic to gain an advantage meant that the format of the competition was widely criticised.