Thread: European Poker Tour

Selected extracts from an article in The Economist on Gambling.

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They are neither athletic nor photographic, but Dave "Devilfish" Ulliot, "Barmy" Barny Boatman and Chris Moneymaker are world famous sports champions of a sort. All three are among the professional poker players who have gathered in London in recent weeks to play in two of the game's most prestigious tournaments outside America.

On September 17th Annette Obrestad then an 18 year old Norwegian, won a $2m prize playing the World Series of Poker. And on September the 25th players again took up their cards to take part in the London leg of the European Poker Tour.

Competition amongst the players is fierce and colourful. The snakeskin clad Mr Ulliot, for instance, reportedly trains by making love for five hours at a stretch-"I like to get a woman and wring her out like a flannel" he told a newspaper - to prepare for playing late into the night.

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(unrelated fluff about online gambling)

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Although restrictions have been easing for years, the proportion of problem gamblers in Britain has hardly changed and at about 0.6% of adults, it is much lower than in puritanical America. And even the aficionados have their limits. In his blog, Mr "Devilfish" Ulliot says: "I was going to play...[a poker contest in Spain], but to be honest with you I really couldn't be bothered this time. Sometimes you just need a break." With such a demanding training regime, who can blame him ?

Chris Moneymaker

What a fantastic name for a professional poker player:

A: 'So then, what do they call you?'
B: 'Moneymaker'
A: 'Cool name... so what's it really?'
B: 'Moneymaker'
A: ...

Interesting lot those poker players.

but puritanical? Who wrote that hogwash?

Barry Greenstein has been my favorite for years. He made a fortune when he sold his company and plays for the challenge. He gives all his winnings to some charity for kids I think. He's a very consistent winner, too.