Image vs. Reality

[lakedweller]

Scottie Nguyen's recent actions at the WSOP H.O.R.S.E. final table got me to wondering...how many of the poker pros are actually like they seem on TV? It seemed that Scottie's uglier side came out to play that night. This was in stark contrast to the image he normally portrays.

I have been able to play with a few pros in the last year and here are my observations:

Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi -- Good, solid player who is more than gracious with amateurs/fans. He is willing to sit and talk about poker, listen to endless bad beat stories, and leave you feeling like he actually cared.

Chris "Jesus" Ferguson -- Very personable guy. Stayed quiet unless someone else initiated the conversation. When that did happen, he was engaging and represented the poker pros well.

Carlos Mortensen -- Seemed to be a man of few words. Not really standoffish, but simply reserved. Handled himself with dignity, even when being knocked out by an amateur (me!).

Have you had the opportunity to play with any of the pros? If so, did the reality match their public image?

[ninoizbored]

Never played any pro live. A few on FTP, but they didnt talk much. But I just wanted to say you can't really blame Scottie. It was pretty obvious he was really drunk. And it seemed like people were trying to push him on tilt. All that put together is not a good mix, and could bring out the worse in people.

[PointerJake]

Originally Posted by ninoizbored Never played any pro live. A few on FTP, but they didnt talk much. But I just wanted to say you can't really blame Scottie. It was pretty obvious he was really drunk. And it seemed like people were trying to push him on tilt. All that put together is not a good mix, and could bring out the worse in people.

Are you kidding me? Who are we supposed to blame? Scotty is the one who got himself drunk and beligerent. I'm sorry but that night he was a disgrace to the game. I dont think I could have took his chit like the 21 yr old did ( forgot his name) , but I think he held his self together well after what scotty was throwing at him. I would have punched Scotty in the mouth, I dont care how much money he has or what kind of car he drives.

[liladypokerpro]

It's times like those where wearing headphones at the table is a MAJOR plus

[lakedweller]

When it comes to Scottie's behavior, I agree completely with Jake.

Does anyone else have inside information about any of the pros in comparison with their public image?

[PointerJake]

I really dont have any inside information, but I will say that I think that Phil Helmulths image makes everyone want to take chances to beat him. This I think helps him overall as he plays pretty solid and although he is mouthy is one of the best pro's playing today. In my opinion. I wish everyone played stupid at me and basically tried to give me money.

[phosphorescence]

apparently, according to a poker pro who is my manager at work, tony g is actually a nice guy away from the poker table

[Vito_Nuccio]

While I have not played against a top pro, I am sure they fit right into the rest of the world probabilities. For every polite one there are x number of jerks. For every big mouth there are the quiet ones. There are the lucky, unlucky, intelligent and brain challenged. You get it all. They are simply people with all the issues and problems associated with all. They may have more cash, but that does not make the person or image. Once at the table the goal is the same for all, get the chips, nice guy or not.

Later,

[BUILDMO]

Perception is reality-
Reality is that scotty, jesus, tran, hanson, and hellmuth and all the other pros we see constantly on tv are doing something right.
The idea is to create a perception that you have a good hand.

The reality is having the nerve to call, raise or fold at the right time.

I have folded hands that would make you wonder.
I have called knowing full well that no one can beat me.

Even though suckouts do happen, just play the best you can. Even if that mean folding or going all in.

Mixed play offers the most effective way of winning. Knowing when to bluff counts as well.

What is your perception when an ACE is flopped, and you have KK with 3 others in the game?

Someone has the ACE, right? Maybe this time, but what about the next?