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Tantrums

By launchpoker, Apr 14, 2008
Tantrums


  We don't know if Phil Hellmuth is an ass in real life. His wife probably loves him and from what we know he may leave thousand dollar tips after having a burger at Bennigan's or T.G.I. Fridays. The reason he is generally regarded as the sport's biggest prat is the fact that he will throw the sort of tantrum that even a three-year-old would consider out of bounds.



  He can survive having that sort of table image. The power of 11 World Series of Poker bracelets gives him the sort of clout that most people just don't have. A large percentage of us may find ourselves exiled from our home games if we behave in a manner similar to Mr. Hellmuth.



  This is not to say we should be doormats for other opponents, but when you are offended, be sure you are on the right side of the issue when you deicide to raise your voice and accuse your fellow players of poor sportsmanship.



  A good example of making a complete ass of yourself while still being on the wrong side of the issue was the tantrum Phil Hellmuth threw at inaugural episode of Poker After Dark.



  Phil asked for quiet. Despite his own request he continued to question Annie Duke about what hand she might be holding. Annie didn't say a word, and neither did anyone else at the table make any sort of noise that would have distracted Phil. The idea that he can call for quiet so his is the only voice that can be heard is a flawed thought, but what's more interesting is that after his request nobody was doing anything that should have sent him on tilt.



  None of this mattered when Phil, claiming his call for silence was not being honored, stormed off the set. He came back only after the folks who run Poker After Dark agreed to add a rule about how players should behave when someone calls for quiet. Ironically Phil later recounted the event on his blog, and agreed he was wrong.



  Even though there is money involved, poker is still a friendly game. If you are going to raise a stink, make sure you are right or you will just look silly.