Daniel Negreanu on WSOP change of events
I read an article in CardPlayer not too long ago where Daniel Negreanu had a column about how he thought the World Series of Poker should be reorganized. His argument was that people like to see big name players on TV and that big name players should have a better chance to win, so he thinks there should be some kind of new system where the pros have an advantage, as in perhaps restricting entry or some such other thing.
I think Daniel is one of the more interesting and fun to watch players of the well known circuit, but this kind of comment just baffles me. So, you have more experience and more ‘talent’ for this ‘game of talent,’ and yet you still want the cards to be stacked in your favor? This to me completely defeats the whole idea of what poker is being sold as. The game would not have half the recognition and popularity it does now if it weren’t for lucky donks like Jamie Gold and Chris Moneymaker having the chance to get lucky and take it down. Yes, I too start to find it boring on the televised episodes where there are no great players, and thus we end up with all-in fests, but to trample that spirit is just a ridiculous notion. We have shows like Poker Superstars and Poker After Dark for you guys to flaunt your skill in a luck-based game. Don’t be upset because it’s not a field of 300 anymore. If you’re really on fire, you’ll find a way to take it down.
Besides, I think the hype on the game will be begin to simmer down pretty soon anyway. You can only watch dudes with pot bellies pump their fists in excitement for so long.
Related Stories
POSTED IN: philosophy, poker on tv, world series of poker
3 opinions for Daniel Negreanu on WSOP change of events
Rich Carlson
Oct 6, 2007 at 12:27 pm
I agree with Daniel, to a point. When I’m watching the WSOP on ESPN, I enjoy watching how the professionals play a hand, how they manage their chip stack, how they read their opponents.
I get tired of these young, agressive players that push their chips in with absolute nothing, hoping to get lucky on the flop.
There is a certain amount of luck, obviously, in playing poker, but there is also a great deal of skill. I would much rather watch the seasoned pros exercise their skill than watch unproven amateurs exercise their luck.
Blake
Oct 6, 2007 at 2:09 pm
oh it’s certainly more fun to watch experience players, but is this tournament being run just for the sake of being made into interesting TV? no, the tournament is meant to reward the player that survives. giving special credence to pros would not only kill the spirit, it would ruin the whole point of the event.
i think if they’re going to change anything, it should be the way the event is televised. go around and find a good table to be the featured table by selection, not by stacking it. and stop showing all the ‘all in’ hands, which you know is their decision.
Betfair Poker Player
Oct 8, 2007 at 4:51 am
Daniel Negreanu seems to be advocating a system similar to the Champions league in football where the elite teams qualify each season and the money stays with those who have it.
As much as I would like it to be, TV poker is not their to help us to improve our game by watching great players play poker, it is there to sell advertising and unfortunately it is the all-ins that people find the most exciting.
I believe the thought that an inexperienced player can win major tournaments is one of the driving factors in making the game more popular.
Take that away and the game could be in trouble.
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: