Poker Perambulation

I just bitched about the writing at the WSOP from the aspect of quality.  I missed a point though about the word Donkment itself.  It ain’t true.  I have respect for every person who’s gone there to live a dream or just be part of the crowd and get hammered later. 

To start off, the conclusion is based strictly on empirical data.  Those are pontificating while snatching moments in time and trying to etch them in stone.   If there was a winning way to poker success, there'd be an infomercial.  If it is so obvious, why are solid players often not making it to the second blind level?  If you can have consistency, why did Doyle Brunson go broke so many times?

Everybody has the right to dream like Walter Mitty or Chris Moneymaker.  All the genius authors of Donkment fame, ignore the fact that the entire town is an example of -EV.  The Donkey they see is in town on a three or five day vacation.  He has his fun and hopes of glory and is gone.   He likely left with the loss anticipated or with a bit of luck a little, unexpected reward. 

Some who call him a donkey turn around and report their sports book prowess or lime tossing exploits as though they were somehow above the disgusting hoi palloi.  I think the operative term for that is: Physician, heal thyself. 

Tournament poker is a pure gamble.  If someone wants to do that on level one with 38 offsuit, he's not lowering his EV by much.   I have lost to such plays far too many times. Run over to twitter and see the angst of tournament greats.   The only way they are staying great is sponsorship.  If there is luck in poker, tournament winning players are the personification of that.  Put together the list of top pros that leave the WSOP with a profit.  That is a damn short list.  And if you throw in back to back years, it darn close to a blank page.

There is one non-Donkey at the WSOP.  He is Jeffery Pollack and guaranteed 18%.  The rest are there because the WSOP – like the Indy 500 – is The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.  Everyone's EV is just as valid as a trip to Mardi Gras.  It is a bout with paid for fun.  Don't knock that.  And, quit tapping the glass.  Always remember that glass often reflects.

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