Dark Side Of Televised Poker

I was reading an article about some of the downsides of televised poker and these were the main points:

-Showboating like trash talking, jumping around when winning a big pot or mugging for the camera.

-"Hollywooding," which is overacting or waiting awhile to call someone's all in yet holding the nuts just to see the other player squirm.

-Crumpling up the cards when losing a big pot.

Professional gambler Alan Boston thinks these kind of players are " media whores" and their kind of behavior is "...offensive, it's inconsiderate and it shouldn't be allowed...There's no place for that in poker." He also went on to say "That's the way these kids are...And the fact is, most of them can't play poker worth a (hoot)."

On the other side of the coin, Mason Malmuth, author of "gambling Theory and Other Topics," says " maybe it makes it more interesting for people watching on TV."

What do you think?

Well the Hollywooding and the Showboating are 2 things that me and my Friends would do in a home game. As for crumpling up the cards. In my live games that would get your ass kicked by the host.

Most commentators usually get on at the players for doing the "Hollywooding" (what a great word ) and so when at home you know exactley what and why they are doing it.

"Oh, he's just looking for air time etc."
"There's no way he's going to call, he just wants a bit of camera time" and so on.

As for jumping around - too energetic for me but the odd celebratory shout has been known to be heard - only when there is a lot riding on it though.

IanT

Last night on ESPN at Monte Carlo they had to apologize for "Devil Fish" saying words on live TV. They ought to know that being live will burn you at times. We're human!

Impromptu outbursts of emotion are human nature but blatantly disrespecting your opponent should not be tolerated, these players re-enforce my stance in favor of forced sterilization! At the very least they should be given a penalty in an organized tourney. In a home game they should become entertainment for the "gimp"
Disclaimer: Gimp in this context being a Pulp Fiction reference not in any way meant to offend anyone who walks funny