The game of No Limit Texas Holdem is known for its big swings and drama, and that is what many poker TV shows capitilze upon, such as the World Poker Tour. NBC's show, Poker After Dark, seems to take the reverese approach. Six pros, $20k each, $120k up for grabs, turn the camera on, and just see what happens. No creative editing here, which makes for some interesting hands. During Hecklers' week with Sam Grizzle, Phil Hellmuth, Shawn Sheikhan, Jean-Robert Bellande, Mike Matusow, and Gavin Smith, there were a lot of understated plays.
In this hand Smith called the big blind holding:
... while Shawn called from the small blind holding:
... Phil checked his option with:
... and it was time to see what the flop would bring. The flop was:
... getting check, check from the blinds and a bet of $600 from Smith. Shawn called and Phil folded. The turn was:
... prompting two more checks, and the river was:
... with two more checks. Smith and his pair of tens took the hand, and barely a word was spoken; quite a change from the bright lights and over the top commentary of the WPT and their ilk.
The Poker After Dark show brings a few things to the table, including the chance to see these players interact as if they were at a home game, away from the crowds and the cameras. It also shows a much more accurate depiction of poker, with raise and take it or checking it down much more common than over the top, all in plays.
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