Watching the 2008 WSOP H.O.R.S.E. final table on ESPN felt like I was Phil Ivey watching the NBA Finals. Here’s a recap of Michael DeMichele, Eric Lindgren and Scotty Nguyen:
- Why is Nguyen steaming over DeMichele’s Ace little when he called with Ace little?
- Not sure if Norman Chad or Lon McEachem just said ”He’s hotter than a Las Vegas hood ornament in August.”
- If Lindgren isn’t on Myspace… is he on Facebook? Did E-dog just call Nguyen “son?”
- HOLY SHEET! Did Nguyen just say he was colluding?
- This must be what a Jerry Springer tournament would look like.
Players are asked to refrain from making a production when winning a pot. It slows down the game and it’s embarrassing to watch. Yet, some argue this is good for TV. If it’s good for TV, then why do people like to watch Phil Ivey play poker? Because watching Ivey play poker is watching a skilled professional poker player. That’s why ESPN televises the HORSE event. That’s why people call him the Tiger Woods of Poker.
Talking smack should be allowed. It’s like the conversations we don’t hear in the NFL or NBA. Anyone can quickly learn the math but psychology skills come with experience and/or instinct. If psychology provides an edge, then restricting players to only robotic behavior hinders the game from any art. Plus, rude behavior is such a great tell.
Yes, it’s always hard to see someone show defects of character. Especially when I do this myself, although, my husband tells me I’m perfect. Except on days he and I disagree.