Poker News

That's bs! Let's boycott

Wow. That's about the worst thing I've ever heard. It's just a supersatellite.

The players are the Union not the ESPN executive team. Forget about the question "what if someone dies or is ill". How about what if someone will not be able to make the later date due to relatively normal circumstances...maybe something such as a "JOB". $500k doesn't guarantee someone quitting there job. Especially after taxes. The tournament already takes close to two weeks without the final table. I don't know how many people get a month off of vacation time...but I sure as hell don't.

Shouldn't this be up to the players not the Network. Or is the Network buying us all in this year?

I have different concerns than the ones mentioned:

1. They say this allows more time to see the "human" side of the final table players. What if the human side isn't that attractive as has been the case for some of the final table players in years past?

2. I think it detracts from the tournament itself. After that much work (and playing those hours is work), then to have to wait to see how your tourney plays out just doesn't seem right.

3. What about tournament flow? With this kind of break, any play prior to the final table will be negated. Players play differently at different times of the tournament and of the day. Part of the flow is to use this knowledge to your advantage. If I'm playing this final table, I'm getting 2 weeks rest and really psyching up which wouldn't be possible under normal tournament play.

I'd love to know Matt's thoughts on this one.

The psychological aspect of the game alone is now lost.

Plus, I know most good poker players (myself not included) have very good memory. But after 4 months, who's going to be able remember how each of the players are playing, not to mention the opportunity to completely revise your game.

Why not wait till spring training to hold the World Series (baseball) or maybe next summer for the Super Bowl.

I guess those who choose to play the Main Event are going to be accepting of this schedule. And that's what it comes down to.