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Poker Article - "If You Don't Like Money, Call!"

Discussion in 'Poker Forum' started by TEACH (AlSpath), Feb 13, 2015.

  1. TEACH (AlSpath)

    TEACH (AlSpath) Active Member Founding Member

    Joined:
    Dec 29, 2014
    Likes:
    205
    Occupation:
    Poker Instructor
    Location:
    Maryland USA
    "If You Don't Like Money, Call!" - by Al Spath

    (penned and published a few years back, but relevant today it would still seem)

    You might know some of these characters that I'm about to talk about, don't ya? They're
    the ones who spend more money on car "rims," rather than their kid's future education;
    they're the ones most likely wearing their baseball caps backwards in a fine steak house;
    they boast having a "crew" or a "posse;" they use table chatter (If don't like money, call)
    in a vein attempt to intimidate opponents; and if they were in another sport, let's say
    basketball; they would take the most shots, have the least amount of assists and still
    boldly declare themselves as "all world."

    With the increase in viewership and participation (online and live) of poker; television
    has created a media made "persona," that new, brash young players seem to gravitate
    towards and are beginning to emulate in card rooms everywhere? I overheard one such
    individual discussing this very subject in Tunica one year, and he said: "If it's good
    enough for so and so to get so much air time and national "recognition" on ESPN, then
    count me in!" Recognition, like it was a good thing, where smugness and unprofessional
    behavior (whether at the table or anywhere else), as seen when they rise up from a table,
    arms extended in the air, pounding their chest as they bellow, "just watch me, I'm your
    newest superstar!"


    I thought I had seen it all, or most of it, until recently. Players so full of "it," that their
    own "crew" would eventually get sick of the attention drawn to them (and not from
    playing poker), that they too would soon realize the "role" of being Bobby BadAss, is
    rubbing a great number of players and viewing audiences, the wrong way. It's priceless to
    see a well-respected player, the likes of TJ Cloutier, give a stare and a glare at one of
    these type individuals who may be seated at his table. I don't know how TJ or others, who
    respect the game and honor professional conduct, refrain themselves from making a
    personal remark, or physical contact.

    A few years back I read about an individual selling himself (and portions of his potential
    winnings), to the highest bidder on EBAY. Talk about gall! All I could remember was the
    numerous posts about this particular individual and his "track" record with past "money
    matters,"
    or should I say: "other peoples money matters?" They haven't forgotten that
    debts have gone unpaid, they haven't forgotten that retribution is still an open issue with
    them, and they haven't forgive the lack of ownership, acceptance of responsibility or
    humility that this person has shown, including a heartfelt apology (yeah right, don't hold
    your breath).

    I personally enjoy watching the likes of Phil Ivey and Daniel Negreanu play, and
    although they have an air of confidence about them, a sometimes-reckless regard to
    position or cards they hold, their success is undeniable, and it's just possible they are
    simply playing "a higher level of poker" than the rest of us. As they continued to
    skyrocket to the top as players, champions and professionals, you can tell that they have
    respect for other players and the game itself. They are the new "blood" to poker that
    should be embraced, that young players should want to learn "how the heck do they do
    it,"
    and try to figure out a way to slow them down, so we can all catch up. Cocky, self-
    assured, confident are all qualities necessary for success, but if you cannot respect the
    game and other players, expect a bit of bad press, you earned it.

    (Postscript) Following the publication of this article, "one" of the crew I was referring to sent me a death threat via an email! Yes, really!
     
    Leon Macfayden likes this.
  2. greg j

    greg j New Member Lineage to Founders

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2015
    Likes:
    0
    Occupation:
    Independent (aka Boss)
    Location:
    East Coast
    Amazing. I know of a few at the local casino I play at. I to need to learn how to get around the cockiness and take it to them.
     

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