I’d love to see a shot clock (like 30 seconds/decision) become a standard part of major tournaments. Then not only is play not bogged down but guys like Kassouf can only talk for a short time. Atleast partially addressing that issue as well.

https://www.pokernews.com/news/2016/12/william-kassouf-patrick-serda-chop-ept-prague-high-roller-26642.htm

What’s with all the verbosity? It’s as if you’re trying to prove you’re an intellectual?

> the attractiveness of poker on television has always been enhanced by the characters who
> often seem straight out of central casting.

1. Central Casting would not have sent someone like Kassouf, or any of the other “enhancements” at the table. CC is about casting background, always stereotypical types.

2. My “enhancement” is done by larger, clearer screens; better reception, nicer sound (or no announcers)

> Not all of them are likable, but they play the villains in the theater of the game well and when
> the behavior is clearly more strategic (in the case of Kassouf) versus emotionally explosive
> and verbally aggressive (see Hellmuth, Phil)

Oh please. “Intrigue?” You think Hellmuth is berating players for no reason? (you’re wrong fyi)

> “it lends intrigue about how valuable this banter is if done well”

I have no idea what that means.

> I think you are correct that in many ways Kassouf’s verbal tactics
> were not as disrespectful as those who called him on it

What a crock, the guy was an ass. I suppose killing terrorists is worse that terrorists killing us? Same logic.

> there were moments where his talking while another player was contemplating action strayed into that zone,

You just contradicted yourself.

> perhaps not in content, but in what is generally reasonable decorum at a table

Because there’s a difference?

> reasonable decorum

Did you mean EXPECTED decorum, or reasonable behavior?

I actually loved this year’s WSOP more than most I have watched too. For me, the attractiveness of poker on television has always been enhanced by the characters who often seem straight out of central casting. Not all of them are likable, but they play the villains in the theater of the game well and when the behavior is clearly more strategic (in the case of Kassouf) versus emotionally explosive and verbally aggressive (see Hellmuth, Phil) it lends intrigue about how valuable this banter is if done well.

I think you are correct that in many ways Kassouf’s verbal tactics were not as disrespectful as those who called him on it; however, there were moments where his talking while another player was contemplating action strayed into that zone, perhaps not in content, but in what is generally reasonable decorum at a table. But, as he said at one point, if a player simply asked him to stop talking at her/him to allow time to think, he would have respected that request.

As I tend to play more tournaments these days at venues that don’t allow much talking during hands, it’s not something I get much practice at, but I do like some of the byplay when it does happen, if kept respectful.

To also be fair to Kassouf, I thought the murkiness of just what the rules were did not help matters. And, of course, we were only expose to the snippets of what ESPN wanted to show us in the story line they were building.

Perspectives on the appropriateness of Kassouf’s tactics, and their entertainment value, really do divide people (see comment below for a different take). There is no doubt this kind of banter irritates some players, as we saw at the WSOP, although it was a bit confounded by his slow play which bothered some players more than his talking. Talkers come in various forms; I probably have more trouble with the incessant talkers who are not even talking about the game, but want to socialize non-stop for hours on end at the table.

Seems like ESPN felt Kassouf was entertaining enough to focus on for several episodes, so whether this alienates more viewers than it draws is a debatable point. But your point is well taken, that some players in their local card rooms would be driven to distraction if players started mimicking Kassouf’s style.

I think you also have to remind yourself, this is the WSOP with 8 million on the line and your 10k entry, you have to use your skills to your advantage. Kassouf is a lawyer, talking is his game. I am an introvert at the table, more of a thinker, I actually admire the players that talk more. I think that is a skill in its own. Talking too much like the article says can lead to your own tells or anxiety and more thinking. But if you can get a grip of the talking game and use it within the rules, like he did, all power to you.

I loved this WSOP more than the last one. Kassouf, Ruane, Keating and Nguyen were all entertaining to watch.

Even within cash games, there will undoubtedly be those who want to “act like the guy who was on t.v.” Such behavior would ultimately be damaging to the game. If you don’t believe that, ask yourself these questions: 1. Are there players who will JOIN a game because a Kassoufite is present? Answer, resoundingly “NO!”. 2. Are there players who will not join a game if a Kassoufite is present? Answer, resoundingly, “YES!”

There is much potential fort damage, and no benefit, to the poker world to have a Kassouf run amok at the table, as he did in the WSOP.