Tom Schneider on the jackassization of poker

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If you think that poker is increasingly being represented by the worst the game has to offer, you’re not alone. Tom Schneider has an excellent blog post over at Pokerati that wonders why the bad behavior of people like Brenes and Kahn is not only tolerated, but rewarded by the rooms and the cameras.

We pick up Tom below, mid-rant:

Poker is reaching the lowest common denominator, and it’s a joke. I am really tired of people having to exhibit ridiculous behavior in order to get noticed in poker. There was actually a guy at a featured table at the main event who made balloon animals for the other players at the table. Are people really this desperate to get on TV? The answer is clear. Therefore, I have compiled a list of things that I’m willing to do at a featured table next year.

* Bring a large block of ice and chisel an ice sculpture of Norman Chad.
* Recite poetry
* Dress in renaissance clothing and use a turkey leg as a card protector while spouting such phrases as “Oh my damsel, you must taketh the spoils of the pot for you are a most worthy adversary”
* Strap a fake bomb to myself and continue to chant in some middle-eastern bogus language so security is forced to find someone who speaks my language
* Wear no shirt and have on masking tape underwear
* Last but not least, play my best, be nice and have fun.

Is that not enough anymore?