I finally got a chance to catch up on the Poker Superstars Invitational and I was reminded of a recent article by Linda Johnson in CardPlayer Magazine regarding behavior in the poker room. Not one player at the PSI ever seemed anything but thoroughly professional at all times. Bad beat? They just nod their head or make a playful self-deprecating comment. Busted out? Well that’s just how the game works. There’s no jumping up and down, screaming fits, or other amateur outbursts. When you contrast that with the WSOP event it’s painfully obvious that some folks have the emotional maturity of a small child. No Josh Arieh taunting of other players. No Phil Hellmuth bratty remarks. No Mike Matasow emotional collapse. IMHO, I think the poker community would serve itself a much needed reputation boost by showcasing the play of players like the PSI lineup over ESPN coverage of the childish antics of players who have mastered the knowledge but haven’t quite grasped how to master the game.
