blonde poker forum

Whoever decided to let him commentate on the premier league should be sacked

+1

+1

I always enjoy this clip, especially 10:45  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6fbGSrdBOM

He needs the money I heard

surely he can not be as bad as jamie carragher on itv

jamie carragher was good at the game he commentated on

looooool true

lol@ that heads up battle.

People like Luke Schwartz and Andrew Feldman are an embarrassment to English poker. You have absolute ambassadors like Moorman, Cody and Lil Dave Nicholson, and these guys just run around acting like 5 year olds. Theyre supposed to be professionals for christs sake...

+100000000000000

they have a personality that TV craves for sadly. no idea about those other guys but it seems TV want dorks talking shite.

Harsh, but guilty as charged I guess......

I really really like Luke and dont know if there is anyone who entertains me as much on poker tv shows

Very few people outside the poker pro's and experts want to hear accurate in depth analysis by a poker geek on TV. Whenever I watch an interview from poker players its generally like watching paint dry.

That's perfectly fine we all have different personality's (mine is reserved and equally boring I confess), but poker players need to realise TV poker shows aint aimed at them, its showbiz baby and that's why there are very few players in the commentators chair we ever see/hear.

Feldman creates an emotion good or bad but he does what he's asked to do, which I confess is normally good to watch. Not naming names but on sky we have had over the years so many great players on their to offer views on poker play, hands and tournaments and I can count on one hand those that havent died on their asses due to lack of presence or ability to work in front of the camera.

Not sure about embarrassment to English poker but I agree with George , at times Feldmans commentary is cringeworthy, boring and he is totally self obsessed .

He was on a recent televised episode stating " a lot of things have been said about me and Im here to prove them wrong  etc etc "  Jesus !  .

However Luke Schwartz  is pretty much" what you see is what you get !" ,yes hes a big mouth ,yes hes full of himself but actually I do enjoy listening to him and actually think hes great for TV , his analysis  is pretty accurate and hes not afraid to upset people (normallly Feldman  :) )

Cody is an embarrassment to Tv interviews. I would rather have Allen Kessler on then him

Wash your mouth out with soap young man

Every interview I have seen him do has bored the pants off me. At least Schwartz is controversial and kind of funny

Everytime I've chatted to him in real life he has charmed the pants off me.

 Don't get me wrong I am a Schwartz fan too. Saw a Sam Trickett tweet today and I think he was praising Luke

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-secret-millionaire/episode-guide/series-15/episode-7

wow lol

100% ego issues.

is this a new episode? or has it been shown in the past?

think it's a new episode, filmed before he did the lot in macau

I cringed as soon as I saw that link....not sure I would be able to bear to watch it.

Feldman crying: 1.01

Yes pls . I have 25%

I jus think he's a tool and wonder if he cancelled the checks after his Macao trip?

Post moar and in detail please. Did not take you long to get your finger back on the pulse of uk poker :)

maybe he was the recipient of the secret millionaires money?

Oh my god that is just cringe worthy, that literally will be the worst show ever, and I love secret millionaire.

In Bradford rofl white, jewish and from down south he sure won't stand out ;)

what is feldman thinking going on this show.

Just fucking attention whoring and it's so tilting because they are 100% going to portray poker in a stupid way and all the work we're all trying to do to make gambling better for everyone is getting fucked up by some spoilt little kid who has made "millions" from the game yet cant give a little back just by stopping nonsense like this happening.

Such a shame he's English and we all have to be associated with this.

FullFlush isn't to everyones liking but get him off the poker tables he's proper sound and say what you like he IS good value for TV :D

Of all programmes where this would probably be true I doubt they will portray poker (and thus the source of the money thats being used for donations to good causes) in a bad way. That would kind of negate the ethos of the show, no?

Obv I could definitely be wrong.

That there research should throw up him as a possible for the show, or as more likely, they accepted his overtures, undermines the show quite a bit.

perhaps yh.

thing is though its a mainstream representation of poker and feldmans fronting it, anyway possible this wont do us any good.

Next thing you'll be telling me the real hustle is set up

someone's gonna need to set up  ***THE OFFICIAL SECRET MILLIONAIRE THREAD****

Fair point :-), man I was seething but I'm OK now - thanks

I prefer unofficial threads...

btw, whats the problem if all hes doing is giving money to charity? who gives a fuck if he crys? giving money to charity > giving money to hookers. he also donated his prize money at gukpt etc. He bumhunts ya so what, its bad but he did what he had to do to get a roll.

#fuckthehaters

I really couldn't give a shit about Feldman but when I have to listen to his whiny shitty commentary while I'm trying to watch a poker show then I care (yes I am the only person who seems to watch these TV shoots)

This bloke sounds like a nice guy

You Drunk ?  :)

If he was drunk he wouldn't be so rude about hookers...

Hehe  :)

Charities employ nutters with clipboards to collect dd details. They would do much better bringing in hookers IMO

level surely?

#Clueless

Pleno is a hero of life...


Lil'D is a hero of pokerz...



Alliances tested........................

Yh fella with hookers gives a far better image of poker than fella giving to charity.

How is Feldman a Millionaire?! He plays so bad!

I feel sorry for him, seems so uncomfortable in himself and clearly a lot of people don't like him. Can't be a nice place to be...

Guys, where can I view this seaso's Premier League poker that was aired in Skysports starting 6th June? I tried to youtube it but no luck.

Actually a good point Greg. I do kind of regret what I said if hes in a bad place as I wish him no ill.

People do become so self absorbed that they lose touch with reality and unfortunately it sometimes need a wake up call to make one understand the more important things in life.

I actually have a friend who has made millions  after selling his business but he is not in a good place and tries to find solace in alcohol and cocaine which is totally out of hand.On the face of it he looks like he has it all but deep down he is so un happy.

Personally I find an expensive divorce and constant up keep of two children a great leveler   :)

Must be tough to be a millionaire and have to find solace in alcohol and cocaine. I would prob be forced to find solace in hookers as well just to ease the pain.

http://www.partypoker.com/blog/news/andrew-feldman-is-the-the-secret-millionaire-and-how-you-can-win-a-trip-to-the-wsop2012-for-free.html


I met Andrew once, updating Luton GUKPT and he finished 3rd. Could not have been more different to my perception from what I read about him, including this thread

Polite, helpful, quiet and reserved.

Changed my opinion of him dramatically

He may be a crap commentator, obviously there's some controversial stuff in his past too, but personally I don't go for opporbrium heaped in his direction

Yeah I had the same feelings after wanking so much abuse into Aaron from Sheffield. At the time he was coming out with some ridic crap but then when others started letting him have it I felt guilty. Obv he ain't in a good place either but it is funny how people can have the polar opposite views about the same person. I know the camel  is a spot on gent but when I see him have a go at Kid Poker I question my own judgement because in my estimation he is right up there with sweets and blow jobs :)

Lol Jase, I had to re-read that first sentence numerous times before I realised what you were actually trying to say.

Lol. Yeah sorry thats probably the regional dialect. Maybe should not have used "wanking it into someone"

You have such a charming way with words   :)

http://uk.pokernews.com/news/2012/06/andrew-feldman-to-appear-on-secret-millionaire-tv-show-8614.htm

bum hunt comment about here??? interesting response though....

Lol. Cos managed to blow £500k in Thailand. Good on ya son :)

Agree with george that his commentary is awful.
Dont like all this personal slagging of him tho, esp as he has prob won more money than most on thread put together.
Poker players are very fickle people that are mostly like pack animals, he seems to be on his own doing it with his own money so fair play and let him get on with it, either that or go get it off him if hes sooooo bad.
 

I should tell you why you're totally wrong here, but I'm not going to bother in public cba with the backlash but you can rest assured you are way way off the mark in most of what you've written

If you were a girl Dave, round here you'd be known as a cock teaser :)

Secret Millionaire Visits Great Horton Charity
The Joshua Project, a children and young peopleʼs charity based in Great Horton are due to feature as part
of an episode of the Secret Millionaire on Channel 4 at 9pm on Monday 25th June.
24 year old Andrew Feldman, the secret millionaire and world famous poker player visited the project in April
with a production company. They managed to keep his identity secret by explaining that they were filming a
documentary about volunteering opportunities for young people. Chief Executive Rich Jones says “we were
delighted to be part of a documentary that we thought would positively highlight the opportunities that we are
presenting for folk who wish to do something positive with their time, we were also excited at the opportunity
inspire a young person that we believed was ʻbetween jobsʼ”. After spending a week filming with the project
Andrew revealed his identity in an emotional final few scenes. Rich Jones says of the moment he received
gifts from Andrew, “I love this community and am daily inspired by the children, young people and the
families that we work alongside. I was truly moved to see someone like Andrew similarly inspired. It is a
privilege to do the work that we do, but the 24/7 nature of it does at times take its toll on the rest of life -
Andrew had also recognised this and was obviously impacted by it. Tears were shed, and believe me, they
were all genuine and heartfelt”.
The gift that Andrew has given to the project is being used to create a cinema space within its Impact Centre
base in Great Horton. “The Impact Centre was formally a cinema and a place where people of different ages
would gather together, Iʼm so pleased that, with folk in the community we are able to bring this positive
resource back”. Rich adds, “the programme focuses on the impact an individual has had on the lives of
others, I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the many amazing people who work alongside the
project to see opportunities and hope given to children, young people and their families in this area. The
work is certainly not of one, it is of many inspiring people, Iʼm just privileged to be part of it”.
Although the gift will greatly enrich the work of the project and will benefit the lives of many children, young
people and their families, the Joshua Project continues to work hard to sustain current activity via
fundraising. Contact us if you would like to know more.
For more information about the work of the Joshua Project please visit the website at
www.joshuaproject.org.uk.

Too much 2 faced people nowadays, the old days people were more shady but at least you knew where u stood with them an who you could trust.

go on do tell dont be afraid

Im not the sort of person to call people out in public, I don't like it and I don't feel the need. But you're not right at all in what you said, lets leave it at that.

Confirmed teaser. Have you ever called someone out and got in a fight Dave?

Who is 2 faced Peter. It's hard for some of us on here of late. You know I hold Cos in high regard but also like your company but when two guys fall out who you like then its a kinda tricky. Dtd and Rob are the best things to happen to Uk poker but Matt and Lee are two of the most genuine guys you could ever meet. Even Tikay gets malicious hate mail if you can believe that.

I like to take the piss out of everyone without discrimination and as I give it have to take it which I   am more than prepared to do. ;)

Silly billy:) wasn't having a dig at you. was saying in today's game in general, overreaton from you! An stop bringing the bullshit cos thing up, ! we haven't fallen out , you have to be close to someone to fall out.

Never met the guy and perhaps never will. Yes a lot of negative press and posting has gone his way but even the harshest critic must accept that changing the lives of people much less fortunate than him - and our - self is one chalked up in the WIN column?
Whatever else has happened, going on that show is a +1 IMHO.

rofl this thread.

Do you want a fight?

You are either being unusually well behaved in Vegas or being that naughty you can't write about it. Get some blogging done for your fans (gonna check now incase you I missed it).

Remind everyone it's fathers day and to send home a message too :)


Edit. Nothing for nearly 2 weeks. Give up on the $50 k plan and get back on it. :)

from twitter anyone know the story?

shane groom ‏@shanegroom1
@Samtrickett1 Andrewfeldman is a penis, Carnt believe you would even talk to this cock never mind stake him! @Andrewfeldman1
Retweeted by Andrew Feldman
Expand
 Reply  Retweet  Favorite
25m Craig Mckelvie ‏@craigmckelvie
This @Samtrickett1 @Andrewfeldman1 argument is most amusing however everyone would love to know who (cont) http://tl.gd/hsmo35
Retweeted by Andrew Feldman
Expand
 Reply  Retweet  Favorite
37m Kevin Houghton ‏@KevHoughtonTT
The #samtrickett and #andrewfeldman #poker row kicking off big style this morning. END it now boys @samtrickett1 @andrewfeldman1
Retweeted by Andrew Feldman

Nik D. ‏@thedozza
It appears @Andrewfeldman1 has stiffed @Samtrickett1 - I guess you get douchbags in all walks of life. Should never happen between pals tho!




is this to do with sam t's stolen $$$$$?

I assume it relates to this

http://www.poker.org/news/trickett-claims-to-be-victim-of-theft-by-known-poker-pro-14877/

ye maybe, it just seems to be feldman retweeting all the slagging off and he tweeted earlier for sam to out the actuall person who did steal from him!

i like this one tho

@Samtrickett1 could you do us all a favour and stick a right hook right on @Andrewfeldman1 chin please #hemightcryagain
Retweeted by Andrew Feldman

from twitter

Sam Trickett ‏@Samtrickett1
@Andrewfeldman1 Its funny how u havent denied anything??

Sam Trickett ‏@Samtrickett1
not going 2 go in 2 detail but please nobody trust @Andrewfeldman1 ,the guy is a very deluded untrustworthy person.i found out the hard way

Channel 4 are upping the stakes for next season....

A chinese businessman from Macau will be flying in to help out a down on his luck poker player who after an eternity of making poor life & career decisions finds himself under it and as the unconfirmed recipients of a large proportion of his wealth they feel obligated to help out.

The spin off show  'The not so secret billionaire'

looool

stories pretty simple, Sam lends Andrew 25k euros in Vienna cos Feldman was putting someone into a cash game, the guy lost so Feldman refuses to pay Sam back.

But like you all say he's a nice kid and he's "won more money than all of us" not like he comes from joke money and has been caught doing everything shady online back when he turned his £20(0,000) into £4,000,000 back in the day.

Nice to have someone like this representing me in the mainstream eye.

There that must feel better, but stuff that shit...... Met any girls in lifts yet?

suupperlim, hello. if those are the facts then agree not a nice picture. just goes to show looks like my views on him were wrong.
what  a keeeeeeeeuuuunt lol.

that's not even the half of it. just believe dave when he says feldman is not someone poker needs.

Always gonna take your n daves word but how does he get the gigs on tv and win his cases against Paul Zimbler and the Rabbi?

I thought he lost against the Rabbi?

Regardless, you don't make 4mil by being an idiot.

he's defo not an idiot, he's actually not even a bad guy just a bunch of issues I guess

from what people say about poker 'back in the day' sounds like anyone with half a brain cell could make mirrions.

It's looking messy on the web, hope its sorted and the 'world' is put back together asap.

haha

This is the current biggest misconception in poker, can't even be bothered to point out the obvious reasons why but safe to safe if you're shit now you would have been shit then, and visa versa

would realy love for you to expand if you ever get 5 mins to explain. will pay £10 to charity if you do. interested.

just read through andrew 'get me some water' feldmans twitter from today. actually seems like a total utter douchebag.

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmlsbJH-kag

world class rubdown in the last 30 secs!

Im only just going through this post but how does giving away 60-100k portray anyone in a bad light! ridiculous comment!

Its not his money, he has outstanding debts.

So he can take the mantle "Robin Hood of Poker" from Barry Greenstein now

100% agree with this, there is actually no reason for all the hate towards him. Most people jump on the bandwagon unfortunately and form an opinion based on zero facts

Plays so bad but is a millionaire from poker? hmm...wish I played that bad

From what I know about this and is quite a lot, its not a case of anyone robbing anything, its a dispute over this staking.

Its amazing again how people form this whole perception of someone or something without actually knowing any facts about it at all or 2nd hand information. I'm definitely on the fence over this one sounds like a normal dispute that has arisen and no one has stolen a penny off anyone.

I very much sound like Feldmans best mate, I'm not at all, but I find it all very amusing that keyboard warriors love coming on to bad mouth a guy they know nothing about, zero facts about an incident, but are happy to go along with the band wagon and throw in the odd line of abuse because their mate has passed on a rumour.

The only decent negative comment I've seen is the first from George about his commentary, which most would agree is not great and thats something we can all comment on because we just have to watch the show. Doesn't mean he's this bad person everyone seems to go on about.

Barry greenstein cliffs?

Greenstein back in the day used to donate all his tourney winnings to charity and got the nickname "Robin Hood of poker".

Robin Hood was his nickname back in the boom, because he gave his tournament winnings to a children's charity.

Pretty disappointed you didn't know that already actually.

Only for a year...but then I would as well if Full Tilt was bankrolling me on the quiet and I never had to pay it back!! there's a pattern

He was doing that years before full tilt was even thought of mate.

Yeah granted, I was just being smart!!

the reason people may be jumping on this particular bandwagon is because they know things about feldman that you obviously don't.

Hmm, his tweets seem to have disappeared from his account.

but, one of the downsides of fame encapsulated by this....

http://www.highstakesdb.com/poker-tweeters/Andrewfeldman1.aspx


Andrew Feldman
Whole thing has got totally out of control;ive done nothing wrong, fighting a losing battle here, wont b commenting on this subject anymore
 7 hours 25 minutes ago





 Andrew Feldman
My week on twitter: 85 retweets received, 4 new listings, 501 new followers, 292 mentions. Via: http://t.co/abFUXtzB
 13 hours 21 minutes ago





 Andrew Feldman
RT @AcesHQ: Feldman's appearance on Secret Millionaire could be TV gold.
 Yesterday 10:48 PM





 Andrew Feldman
Wow! Wake up to 368 new followers n being compared to the @joey7barton of poker! Bit harsh to deserve that guys! Hope every1 havin nice day!
 Yesterday 10:15 PM





 Andrew Feldman
Wow! Wake up to 368 new followers n being compared to the @joey7barton of poker! Bit harsh to deserve that guys! Hope every1 havin nice day!
 Yesterday 10:14 PM





 Andrew Feldman
Guys, my final tweet of the night: If you hang around skunks long enough, you begin to smell like one. Good night tweeps xxx
 Yesterday 2:06 PM





 Andrew Feldman
Anyway enough of all this twitter jargon, off to get a massage n some Muay Thai boxing. Need to start training hardcore!! #hatersgottahate x
 Yesterday 10:45 AM





 Andrew Feldman
@junglemandan on my way baby! lets get it sorted, i need to vent some agression out right now!!
 Yesterday 10:42 AM





 Andrew Feldman
@junglemandan hey buddy! long time...we still having that fight in vegas this year??
 Yesterday 10:35 AM





 Andrew Feldman
@chrissly10 @Samtrickett1 sorry mates, ive gone broke. do you not read anything on the internet!!
 Yesterday 10:30 AM





 Andrew Feldman
RT @terracelad_: @Samtrickett1 regarding @Andrewfeldman1http://t.co/qbnTOjqG
 Yesterday 10:27 AM





 Andrew Feldman
RT @BlackersA: @Andrewfeldman1 @samtrickett1 You were a cheating little **** back in the crypto days... Multi accounting wasn't it???
 Yesterday 10:26 AM





 Andrew Feldman
RT @chrissly10: @Samtrickett1 @Andrewfeldman1, the sick thing is ur getting turned on about all this, there is no need for all this just ...
 Yesterday 10:26 AM





 Andrew Feldman
RT @Samtrickett1: not going 2 go in 2 detail but please nobody trust @Andrewfeldman1 ,the guy is a very deluded untrustworthy person.i f ...
 Yesterday 10:24 AM





 Andrew Feldman
@Amy_T @chrissly10 @samtrickett1 you couldnt be more right amy, fantastic analysis of the situation!
 Yesterday 10:21 AM





 Andrew Feldman
@Samtrickett1 because im yet to be accused of anything from the man claiming to have been robbed ?? let the truth out, its killing me!!!!!!
 Yesterday 10:19 AM





 Andrew Feldman
@chrissly10 @Samtrickett1 if thats the case then you shud report me to the police. disgusting to let anyone get away with theiving #justice
 Yesterday 10:18 AM





 Andrew Feldman
@DougLeePoker favourite tweet of the day, actually made me chuckle!!
 Yesterday 10:16 AM





 Andrew Feldman
@adamwilliams88 @Samtrickett1 I know its killing me too !!

I know exactly what you're referring to, prob not all, but I also know some things are twisted a lot, what im point out is the majority of people giving the guy stick know nothing, just love to get in a little dig and have no clue what they're on about. Again, I'm not sticking up for him, but I think a lot of people are just proper clueless, small minded and like to follow the crowd. Little sad internet trolls! just read the twitter and Facebook comments, its totally embarrassing!

And im pretty sure most people that are giving the guy stick have never ever made any mistakes in their lives....oh wait!!

victor ramdin gives most of his winnings to charity. granted its his own... still, the guy is a saint

The guy who won the lowball bracelet this morning seems a good guy too

http://www.wsop.com/news/2012/Jun/3862/LARRY-PLAYS-DEUCE-TO-SEVEN-THE-WRIGHT-WAY.html

all m winnings go to charity bnevillent fund

this deserves its own thread. what an absolute hero.

Biggest ever live pot I won was against that dude, so yes your right he donates to charity.  :D

I think people should just put the information on the table with evidence regarding this negativity towards Feldman or drop it. All this gossip and rumour is just that and pretty pointless really without evidence.

prove it

Guy liberty gives a ton of money to charity.

I'm not sure how to prove I'm a charity case mate  :D

Who?  ;D

he means Guy Laliberte

I know, I was pulling his leg  :P

Tiz a bit late. Are you off to Vegas Cos?

not this year mate.

Larry is a legend, favourite person I have met this year

Trickett's girlfriend seems to be a big fan.

https://www.facebook.com/andrew.feldman.98

Comments below the secret millonaire photo, you don't need to be a friend.

No views whatsoever on the core issue here but there's a sever lack of class being shown here by someone who attended the Elizabethan High School Academy an establishment whose values include

RESPECT : Building positive relationships

In all our relationships, ( with both adults and children ), being sensitive, caring and tolerant enables us to work well with others.

Our students say : ‘ Treat people the way you want to be treated.’

cringe, wtf is she doing blasting off on there!

Although to her credit, some of the lines are fucking hilarious

Soracha Ní Chiosáin don't worry Natasha - the trees still love you!
3 hours ago · 1
Natasha Sandhu doubt it when iv just cut one down in my garden so i can build a massive BBQ
3 hours ago · 5

personal favorite!

I am more interested in the journey of personal growth that took place in Phuket.  It is only right that Cos fills us in on the full sordid details.  Cheers

Lol. I thought DaveShoeLace using it to promote the book was abso genius. Most of its been deleted now :(

I find it all slightly embarrassing! But I'm. Not one to air dirty laundry in public!

Jason where have you been hiding, not seen you on the sats or at Dtd!

I am pretty busto at the moment mate. Blown up 2 computers in 6 weeks and ain't even got the $ to replace them.  Other priorities to sort out. If I don't win seats online I don't play so need to get my lard arse in gear for the £500 half mill.

If I win 2, you're in!

Lol. Cheers but pretty sure I will be in. I have to say I am a little disappointed that Dtd have not got much going on as regards deepstacks at weekends to get me out of the hole. Come on Rob n Simon I got kids to feed :)

What did Sam's gf say?

....what didn't she say  :D

lots of swear words, thief, hookers, I know the truth,.....come to mind.

Yeah it was pretty terrible stuff. Would not have been suprised if Sam told her to remove it as it was embarrassing stuff

She's on twitter Keith  :)

Not exactly covered herself in glory has she!  "we got millions and we're enjoying spending it" lol.  Got zero class though love.

You'd hope so, he's a decent lad surprised if the original tweets come from him

  she would have got this from me  ; :redcard:

Pretty sure if I had Sams looks I would not be tied down

its a real shame when this stuff comes out in public because it does no-one any favors AT ALL, the gambling world looks shady, nasty stuff gets written and whoever is the "victim" is much less likely to be re-paid.

Pretty sorry situation really.

Looks like I picked the wrong day to go racing.

I always miss all the good stuff!

I've never known anyone who actually has millions make a song and dance over 25k.

Horrible situation being dealt with poorly by both parties... Andrew before hand and Sam + gf now.

I know £25k is a lot of money to most people, I understand its 'not supposed' to be a lot of money to these guys, however bringing it into the public eye is both good and bad for the game, people and community.

After all the Gira, Lindgren, Matusow and Feldman problems are a massive reminder of a decent % of the people attracted to gambling and games that are 'related' to gambling.


We have to be careful as a community.

I think this reflects badly on both of them... For Sam, it's bad because it shows he's a bad judge of character and Natasha isn't doing him any favors, Andrew for the obvious reasons...

I'm sure this could have been settled in a more dignified way, without getting the rest of the community involved.... I guess that's just the state of the game at the moment, less for integrity and more for profit...

It has clearly been handled badly by both sides.  I wouldn't go as far as to say it is bad that it has come out though.  I don't think it does any good to keep these sort of things quiet.  I just assume that the people who have conned me in the past have done others. 

I am not really sure why there is an instinct to protect people who shaft you, and I say that having said absolutely nothing myself in similar situations (not for 25k just in case it wasn't clear).

It's not bad it came out, but the way it did is pretty undignified... Maybe Sam should have shown some tact and asked Natasha to do the same.. Talking about 25k not being much, when huge numbers of people in the UK are out of work, is just bad practice..

25k is a huge amount of money no matter what you're worth! But no one has 'stole' 25k off of anyone! And very surprised how some people have conducted themselves over the whole situation

Assuming what Sam told me is true, which I have no reason to believe it ain't given it was couple weeks before story came out, then Feldman did steal the money from him. Borrowed it, and then refused to pay it back and turned phone off. Seems like theft to me

It had nothing to do with some staking deal between the 2. Feldman asked to borrow money and Sam lent him it

Dubai not doubting you, however very different than the story I was told from the other side, there is always two sides to every story and no doubt as normal the truth usually comes out! I have no allegiance to either however I also don't like people making judgement or jumping on the bandwagon until it does! I guess it should be sorted in private and nothing to do with any of us but I'm pretty confident it's not as straight forward as a man stealing money off another man!

Yeah Sam just said Feldman needed euros asked him for some- he then uses them to stick Luke in some PLO game who dusts off half or so, Luke then returns to dust off the other half without feldmans permission later on. Which then equates to him being annoyed and not wanting to pay Sam who is an innocent bystander and nothing to do with anything other than lending Feldman the money. Obviously what he does with the money after is of no relevance to Sam. But then he refused to pay back, sent some very odd text messages and ultimately ignored Sams calls. That's what I got told anyway- and as I said I have no reason to think Sam was lying as we was just having normal convo at dinner

And am I right in thinking a certain mr '---' was talked into giving an unauthorised 10k without Andrews permission?

So not as some people start spouting, as clear as a man stealing 25k off another man?

I've never said who was right or wrong, it's clearly an issue to be resolved between
 Two men without random people slagging individuals off without knowing a single fact.

There is a dispute of which i am not, or any busy Internet trolls, party to, so have no idea of who is right or wrong,
But I do know, no individual has gone and stole a penny off another man as reported initially!

Very very surprised how it's escalated with rumours and threats from people, girlfriends, friends, whoever, Because this is a business agreement that has gone wrong and needs to be sorted out! No different than business issues that go on every single day 100x bigger than this!

And those people that say its bad for the poker community and looks bad on poker etc etc, get a grip, its nothing to do with 'poker' , it's a business arrangement gone wrong at some point and should be sorted out away from the public eye with these idiots chucking their 2 pence in knowing nothing (that's my issue - Dubai clearly you are in the know, not aimed at you at all) just those people who like to chuck a comment in because they know a mate who knows a mate etc!

I have to say I put a lot down to jealousy!
The end!

^ who are u and what's ur real name btw?

I don't agree with your point here, how can it not reflect badly on a small community and business is a very broad word.  When the financial crisis happened was that also a business deal gone wrong? Just business or did it reflect badly on the whole investment banking community....?

You're right in the fact that people that are not involved shouldn't be getting involved but hey we live in a democratic country and everyone has the right to their own opinion..

Your last comment, I would substitute the word jealousy with boredom..

Story doesn't seem to add up. I could be wrong but i assume sam and luke are friends, which would surely mean Luke could ask Sam for the euros and cut out a pointless middle-man (Feldman). If true however Feldman seems to owe Sam €25k, but Luke also owes Feldman €€€ for the money he spunked off without permission?

i agree with this

maybe you need to get a grip???

maybe youre the idiot chucking in a 2 pence with knowing nothing???

Dont be so brash,

Of course It has EVERYTHING to do with poker.

Are you not on a poker forum talking about it?!?!

If it was a business arrangment between two people we wouldnt know about it, they wouldnt be putting it all over twitter and this discussion wouldnt exist.

The fact that sam and andrew have been so public about it says everything it needs to. If you go on there twitter, facebook or website the first thing you see is 'proffesional poker player'.

Sams actually says something along the lines of 'the most succesful british tournament player in history'.

How can something so public not be presented to the media as the face of poker???

Regardless of the facts, you have two very public figures seen regularly in the media.

In my eyes. Asking to borrow money and then refusing to pay it back is theft.

Poker has a very bad rep and it needs all the help it can get.

Tikay for main event might be a start!

Maybe Luke also owes Sam money....?!

Don't see how not being open about disputes helps the image of poker or 'the community'. Public exposure is often used to apply pressure in these things and in those circumstances it's no longer a private matter. Also I think cussing and talking about blowing $$ could be hot if it was the right girl.

To be fair, the above is the 100% example of why I didn't really want to get involved with this discussion but unfortunately I find it difficult to 'go with the flow', 'jump on the bandwagon' etc etc

I don't even want to highlight any points above, however I'm going to highlight the one about about Sam being most successfull...blah blah!  Does this automatically make him right in this discussion? What actual relevance does this fact have on anything. This is a big point, do you know him or do you just wish you knew him because he has this title? Do you think if you stick up for him it may get you an invite to a party or the like?

If you read my posts, I've not once said a single bad word about him or anyone individually. I've said I found it disappointing someone of his stature who I've met a couple of times and found a pleasant guy in the midst of a lot of big time Charlie's , would air his laundry in public. I have said a bad word about no body.

Then we get you who comes on and suggests i could be an idiot! When you clearly know nothing of this whole situation yet feels the need to question people who make valid points! not saying my points are correct, but I have a point and any one disagrees then fine, hence the reason that it's on a discussion board.

And no sorry, it has Nothing to do with the poker community, just because you or I have played a game of poker gives you/us  no right to say it effects you or has anything to do with you.

I'm sure you have a good point to make and good luck with it. My point is personal with no one apart from the people who form an opinion without any rhyme or reason!

Welcome to blonde, I have enjoyed your honesty.

yeah, you're right this isn't bad for poker at all is it, myself and others in the UK spend our energy trying to make poker and gambling a more accessible and honest thing in the public eye and a story printed in a mainstream media source telling the story of one poker pro cheating another comes out, if anything that's a great thing for us all - prolly off the back of this loads of new people will start playing poker without a worry...

Maybe you're right, maybe I do need to get a grip.

I mean seriously? No offence at all you've conducted yourself perfectly and made your points really well so don't mean any offence at all - I'm not one for calling people out or arguing in public but some of the stuff you've said in this thread is kind of ridiculous.

Jack2off - My comment wasn't about what happened and why it happened, but about the way both Andrew Feldman and Sam Trickett dealt with this issue afterwards.

Yes sometimes making something public puts pressure on the perpetrator to take the right course of action and also makes others aware of the level of trust they should bestow on certain individuals, but they way they went about it is what I said reflects badly on the poker community. 

Like it or not they are role models to a generation of young poker players, so cussing people and acting the way they have isn't what you would expect (Not really Sam but his Partner Natasha)

Parkers point is that both Trickett and Feldman are professional poker players and not classed as businessmen, so when this hits the wider press it'll reflect that, again casting a dark cloud over a community that already has trouble being excepted. 

Your posts seem very personal and to be honest seem like you have misinterpreted what is trying to be said.  Most of Parkers argument was based on your previous post, maybe re-reading the whole thread from where you come in and then replying.

 

LMAO. seems u do want to get involved as u have said more than most. If u really didnt want too then u wudn of said anythin. Certainly not jus keep repeating the same sentiments which most obv disagree with. Borrowin without paying back is a form of theft and poker players involved and being discussed on a poker forum by poker players certainly affects the poker community. PERIOD!

Dave is obviously right here in the sense that a story about high-profile pros cheating each other and getting into a slanging match can only reflect badly on the wider game.

But I seriously doubt anyone outside the inner circle of poker gives two flying f***s about this. And if you think the mainstream media even has this on their radar you are out of your mind. They barely noticed the UB scandal.

This is what it is. An argument between two pros that is attracting a lot of public attention because it's a bit of drama and Feldman is a pantomime villain. It's significance to poker's wider image is pretty much nil.

IMHO

I thought Feldman and Schwartz were deadly enemies.

Why is Feldman staking Luke all of a sudden?

That said if someone wanted to be a d*** about it and ring a Daily Mail/Sun/Star reporter and say 'this guy who is on secret millionaire in a few weeks is accused of nicking €25k off his mate' they might run a small story on it. Especially if you point out he's a reformed gambling addict (see previous TV appearance). Story has legs for sure. But you will need to point them at it and do all the hard work for them.

Pretty much this

The only possible curve ball is that Feldman is about to appear on the Secret Millionaire, and on a slow news day a tabloid could go with a "Secret millionaire in poker theft scandal" story. It would of course be chip paper the following day (Lol, I guess that reference is me showing my age) and quickly forgotten about.

I think you really need to get a grip. Have you know sense of pride and passion. Your performance for England so far have been diabolical. Either pull your socks up or tell Roy to let the Ox have your place.

Problem with talking about this story is basically that everyone in poker seems to dislike and mistrust Feldman but likes and trusts Trickett.

Hence virtually everyone is going to take Sam's side without knowing the full facts.

In my experience, when there is a dispute like this, there is usually two sides to the story with a certain amount of right and wrong on both sides.

I just don't believe it's as cut and dried as has been portrayed.

While I'm no fan of Andrew Feldman, I wouldn't convict him until the full story of what happened has emerged.

This is such a good point. When you are younger everything is so black and white. As you get older you realise everything is in shades of grey.

Especially your Y-fronts.

And then shades of yellow as you get older still...

Baggy elastic on one leg because you can't be arsed to use the little flap....

 ^^ lol

Totally agree with this post. Feldman seems like a tool and I've heard all sorts of tales about him doing stuff, but also heard a similar tale about Trickett some years ago.  I'm guessing there's only two people who know exactly what's going on, and have felt all along this isn't a straightforward story.

june 19th. took one in the face for queen and country. true story

:)

What happened then?

was a beast of a cross... they probably wouldve scored so i did the only thing i could think of and put my face in the way. knocked me to the floor... nearly knocked me out.... half the crowd went ooooooooooooooo.

was a few minutes before i could see again!

absolutely

whats that from?

Good post

i lol'd

i aim to please. ukranians aim for my face

rofl jsut found out something so amazing from feldman, what a clown.

jesus makes it all so cringey

wd on two posts that add nothing to the thread.

(http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/outragous76/attention-seeker.jpg)

Lol. Patrick that's worse than coming on here and actually saying what it is you actually found out

Heard something at work today from a reliable source. Can't tell you what it is though.

Yeah Phil Ivey told me something today about this while I was giving him advice ahead of his final table, cant say what it is though.

Rubbing shoulders with the big names in poker.
Phil's really hit the big time now.

PM pls

you shouldnt name drop.... negreanu told me that

Im going out with Mila Kunis tonight, I'll ask her if she knows anything.

Don't mention the football last night if you wanna get in her pants.

Sod it you can lend my t shirt

(http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r631/smashedagain/e52e34c9.jpg)

maybe we can combine the stories about taking one in the face and mila kunis?

Lol Dave I didn't realise u and your chums were working so selflessly with this aim burdening your shoulders, maybe u could start a fund up and appreciative people could pay u for this spreading of the word you're doing. And there's me thinking u were just trying to win enough monies to spend on food, drink and strippers. What are u doing to fulfil these aims, I feel selfish that I haven't made this a priority sooner...

Ah yes at al last some real humour ! Like it Jaffa!

Just tried to get an update from lildave and she's still there.
#davedoingitforthegoodofthepokercommunity

I owe Rick Trigg £20 for a bet on Chippyman when he ran a book. Just wanted to put that out there incase he decides to out me.

Edit: possibly he can take some blame because I did actually notice him on lildave's table at Dtd with massive chips half hour into it a comp about a month ago but when I went over on the first break it turned out he had exited the tournament. Silly boy :)

lol smashed again loves his casual wear.

Lol. Yeah knocking on a bit now but thank god they never had that face paint stuff back in the 80's

Ahhh come on mods, your no fun  >:(  :D

Ha ha. Was looking forward to the reply from Cos.

I got a screen shot of the post as I knew it would be taken down, if Cos wants to see it he can pm me  :-X

Ask him if he wants to ring me and I'll give you my number

Before wires get crossed :D

Woodsey was directing that at Dwayne/jack2off I think and not the troll/cooler

Yeah it was Jack, I told Cos who wrote the post directed at him.

 Problem is I don't know who the hell I'm listening to half the time on here, its always good to put be able to put a real name to a board name.

Thin David, very thin.

a tad maybe, but i'm sure lil'dave can give her a good feeding

Sorry not been on for a couple of days, Im not Andrew in disguise, or a troll. But spoke to Lee tonight (JJandEllis) and had a chat with him about it!

Sorry just to be clear, the post that got deleted had nothing to do with Jack, Cos knows who it was, I made it clear to him.

I was just asking who Jack was that is all.

need to get those thighs beefed up innit

Internet 101 Jeff, you don't actually need to do anything, you just start a blog and tell people you're doing it :)up

Something for all his fans here on blonde!

http://www.andrewfeldman.net/

Lol. Clashes with the footy. Guess I will have to watch the footy after

.net?

cheapskate :P

I've actually got picture in picture but being only 3 the twins are a little to young to show me how it works yet. Toby n jake 4 in 3 weeks tho

How's the selfless promotion of poker to the wider public doing Dave? Heard u were least seen being escorted out the Rio by three security guards, arm up your back, kicking and screaming "You'll never take me alive copper"

my selfless mission was closed for 1 day, back on it now though :) currently over-seeing the challenge from my sofa.

also it was one (female) security guard.

sigh

Lol wp kimber

dont encourage him, abso blitzing me here - go pick on someone else !

you handling the situation well tbh. Even I got no chance of winning an argument vs Jaffa no matter how hard I could try.

Did anyone, ever, win an argument with. Mr Kimber?  He the point guard of arguing.

I take that as a condiment teeks. More of a dominating center tho, Dikembe Mutombo style...."Not in my house"....look up 'Mount' Mutumbo, you'll like him

Confirmed no chance

I gotta admit after meeting Dave only once I would LOVE to see him being drunk and taken outside by a bouncer, let alone a couple... he's a nice guy - but a ruffian? or an asbo holder? he is not....


go on DAVE!!! GID!

Switched over from match for this, not any good. he seems to have a terrible attitude to all of this by the looks of it.

he gave out a fair bit of $$!

 Giving that kind of money away to vastly improve the quality of peoples lives for a very long time to come , must be an amazing feeling.
 Ok he has got a big ego , most successful poker players have that in some ways too don't they ?
 I didn't like the way the programme painted poker and players in a negative way, however his act of generosity is to be commended surely .
The man appears to be severely depressed having deep feelings of guilt into how his life has turned out. It's such a shame he cant enjoy what poker has done for him.

The old saying seems to apply here ' money cant buy happiness ' obviously that doesn't apply to everyone though .

 Think i would be reasonably cheery if i won a few mill  : )
 

I didn't actually realise there were people out there this out of touch with reality.

Probs a good thing for him and hope he genuinely learned something from it. Even if it is just how to cook an onion..

Most I've seen anyone give out tbf and as long as the cheques don't bounce that money will do a fuck load of good. Geezer sure does like a cry tho.

Never been Feldman's biggest fan but (assuming it was his money) he deserves a ton of credit for going in the public eye and demonstrating a will to make his life fulfilling.

I have suffered from chronic depression in the past and have no doubt that some of that was caused by the emotional swings of gambling. Sounds a bit soppy but watching that has kind of inspired me a little to help those less fortunate than me. It may also give me a chance to finally be content with my life.

Emotional spew over.

just struck me..

In all this conflict and turmoil, I have not read one word of censure against Luke Schwartz who took money off Sam Trickett and played in a game when his backer told him he couldn't.

Weird really.

Prob one of the best posts yet Camel....amazing isn't it! Clearly a  man in the know rather than the jumped up ones having an opinion based on mates tale!

Maybe just maybe the who scenario is tied in? Who knows, but still see no police called in over the stolen 25k, or maybe it genuinely wasn't stolen & more  a wires crossed business deal?

Still waiting for my private message that was meant to be arriving about 'other things'

Genuinely wasn't going to post again on this but Keith's good post fueled my fire again! Good post and very good point!

When talking about the pm are you referring to me?

i think the conclusion of it all is that he is extremely misunderstood by himself.

utterly a case of blame the parents i think. Seems he lead an upbringing sheltered from reality.

a spoilt child who always gets what he wants (see the video with the water and the valet along with the 'onion' cooking).

a little brat maybe, but a bad person i think not.

i doubt there are many communities with as much banter and ribbing as the poker community. He has no fear or embarrasment showing his emotions. Very gushy of course, but who cares.

im sure the issue of the 25k is relative to who its between. At the end of it all hes just a very childish adult with a lot of money. He has a cringworthy ego but his heart is in the right place!

No cos, someone else, I received a text 2 days ago from someone saying they would be messaging me putting me straight! Very strange one!

Ahh ok. Some anonymous tool started piping up but I didn't want it to look like my response was to you since their post got deleted.

I don't think it's that weird that in a thread entitled "Andrew Feldman" people aren't discussing the wrongdoings of other individuals.

yeah agree.

Fullflush is a dousche. Hope this helps keef.

Confirmed in the 50k too.   Still not short of backers

If your makeup is big, you gots ta play big tourneys

Has Full Flush got mad triple draw skillz?

No matter how big his make up is, spending 50k putting him in a tournament against the best mix game players in the world must be pissing money up against the wall.

His parents are wealthy.

Yeah there's no way he's +EV in that field but I assume he's backed by Matchbook and now Bordy is, erm, taking a break I dont know who's in charge.

Not just talking about this thread obv.

Seen lots and lots of post on multiple forums slagging off Feldman for "stealing" 25k from Trickett.

Not seen one post critical of Schwartz.

Did anyone find the charity guy he gave £100k to a bit creepy? Heart of gold but his hugs were creepy.

Way too much hugging for my liking. I think men hugging men, should be reserved for high emotions during team sports, family members and gay lovers. Other than that, you wanna hug me and you're a dude, gtfo.

My brother in law is french, we hug all the time. He tried for a kiss on the cheek but I shyed away, too far imo. I don't know why we can't embrace embracing like the frenchies.

this is exactly my point really, we're not culturally attuned to it. Last nights hugs were inevitably one sided affairs with at least one of the huggers holding back and being distinctly uncomfortable. Kinda hugging at the shoulders but ensuring the chest and definitely pelvis was held back in case there were any gay overtones.

Also if you are gonna hug, you gotta go European, full on big hug, chest to chest, perhaps a whispered compliment as to their manliness and strength of hug but, no, no, no don't fkn rub each others backs. Feldman and the creepy guy were back rubbing.. wtf !

Really? Or are you just having a laugh?

Love a hug myself. And I wasn't gay last time I checked. I guess I do live in that London mind.

Do you hug people on first dates making their acquaintance

The only men who should hug other men are pickpockets.

Rude to answer a question with a question.

Just watched the program. Don't know Andrew and have only read/seen all the bad shit about him online but thought the program was great tbh,. Don't know full facts about him etc like most i guess but fairplay on him

But no is being my answer. I was talking more family and close friends.

Good point. I'm serious. Got nothing against hugging amongst hug lovers, in fact there might be a level where I'm envious but i'm not conscious of it. Like I said, good authentic hug no probs, faux hugs are just embarrassing all round I think

I think I am pretty much in line with that. Nothing worse than an awkward hug. And it's pretty poor form when someone tries to hug an obvious non hugger.

Apologies for derail.

Nothing wrong with a good man hug as long as it's a friend.

the technical term i believe is a bum out hug

Being staked by this new Attack Poker

Matchbook dropped him after bordy took that break

whereas the point is valid, I don't see how it's the greatest post of the year, as you're suggesting. It's pretty obvious that Luke shouldn't have gone off and dusted off the remaining money without Feldman's sayso, tbh he prolly owes Andrew the money for that, or whatever deal those two come up with, but that's not the point of this thread is it. It doesn't make the story, if the story is how i've been told and ive no reason not to believe it, any better on Feldman's behalf.

jack2off, you're obviously in possession of information some of us aren't, but IDK how we can believe you saying "you're all trickett fanboys jumping the back of chinese whispers" when all you're doing is the exact same from Feldman's ccorner, and providing no facts or even speculation to back up your points.

Pretty bored of the whole thing tbh, thought the show was just as I thought it would be, cringing and painted gambling badly - he's a tool for doing it, if you wanna donate money to charity then donate money to charity, no need for this show.

+1

Believe me, I'm no fanboy of Feldman.

If 10% of the gossip I've heard about his exploits are true, he's a scumbag.

Just with stories like this, everyone takes sides and as Trickett is popular and trusted, while Feldman isn't, it's obvious which way most people are going to see who is in the wrong here and things are rarely as black and white as people portray.

Anyway, the programme was much more interesting than 25k between poker friends.

I like the charities got £150K or so and I thought it was really good that his parents did that for him.

Other than that I learned through repetition that he lost £100k in a day, spent £126K on a car, was really really sorry and was off to GA to crack his 'problem'.

Showed him to be what he is I think .. a very odd young man

yes, very good post.

Its often easy to make judgements about people after watching short clips on youtube and reading twitter/forum posts. Like everyone else, I always viewed Feldman in a negative light from what I had viewed online. One of my friends hates the guy even though he has never met him or knows him personally rather than what poker TV shows want us to see. He even thinks Feldman set up the Channel four millionaire show purely to help change our perception of him and paid the makers for the privilege.

If I didn't know anything about Feldman and was watching "Secret Millionaire" as a casual viewer rather than a poker fan, I would come away with the opinion that he seemed to be a decent guy who is perhaps a little bit fragile mentally. It is often easy to form an opinion about someone and continue to hold those beliefs even after that person is shown in another setting because it is hard to change our original opinion.  

Who knows if Feldman is a thief, liar, scumbag. Everyone has their own views on this.  All I know is the Feldman I watched in the "secret Millionaire" wasn't faking it and seemed like a decent guy .  I never for a second thought I would ever think that.  Earlier this week I told my non poker friends and workmates how hated and untrusted the guy was when we were talking about the upcoming episode. I am not a fan of his antics on poker shows, but in real life as shown in the show, he seemed ok.

Sark!

The original Blondepoker hero.

Hope you are well sir, long time no post.

I am doing well mate, I hope you are keeping well too  :)

Can someone just put a list up of things Feldman has supposed to have done please?

I've heard bits and bobs about him coaching someone whilst actually being the opponent of the person he was coaching. Other than that I know fk all other than he is a 'scumbag', which is a bit vague   :dontask:

Sam is a good lad as far as I'm concerned, but I've even heard about some disagreements he had after winning some $$$ and %'s etc, and no I won't divulge further on that as I don't know if its true.

This is the problem, so much rumour about stuff, who knows what the truth is?  :dontask:

Woodsey, not having a go here at all, but in one breath u ask for people to list all he has done, but refuse to post the stuff about Sam (which I dont blame you either) but hard to ask for  anyone else to. Thing is, I actually dont believe people can list it, as its prob a load of rumours they've heard off xx mate etc!

This is my problem tbh, its just all rumour.

Don't know why I'm even sticking my nose in tbh, must be the bottle of wine lol.  :D

I wonder why I bothered also, but as Keith says, just because of rumours etc doesn't make the guy wrong for this incident and people coming on saying "hes a twat" without any reason for saying it (as prob never met him) i just find a bit childish like. But each man is entitled to his own opinion, it is a free world!

I watched the secret millionaire last night ...
I don't know,never met or had anything to do with Andrew Feldman before

At the beginning of the program when he was going on about his car etc ...he looked like a right idiot
However as the programme progressed I thought he came across as a very caring but confused young man!


By the time the programme had finished I quite liked the guy!

He gave away 150k of his own money he could of done this in private but decided to do it on channel 4 which is typical for a young guy with ££ but I think it taught him a Lott and was good for him
Just my opinion!

I just caught up with the secret millionaire and thought a lot of his tears were false. However he has done plenty of good with his donations so maybe should be cut a bit if slack.

Well said Jason

[ ] altruistic giving

Fair point. But I heard a couple of horror stories about Pete Linton and you start to form opinions and judgements. Only when someone like Cos sticks up for him and you actually play and chat with the guy do you start to change those opinions. He also fell out with Sam and obv there is always two sides to every story. Stuff that is written down is often took the wrong way.

When was it on? I set it to record it 9pm Monday 25th but at start of programme said it was replaced by show called "lifers"?

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-secret-millionaire/4od#3367855

Thanks. Will try and get in on C4. Set tivo to record repeat, hopefully my jet lagged addled head will record it! :)

Watched the first 10 minutes
Andrew why you scared of a car flashing its lights
Police Helicopter - you see that all the time in Watford Andrew
Audi would have been pretty cool driving round Bradford

On a side note, did anyone notice that Nick Holbrook was on the Brother printer advert before The secret Millionaire starts....

The mug is commentating again tonight. Every single play tonight has been "high variance" including a 17bb reshove with KJ

Okay watched it, thought it was a pretty good episode very emotive and seems like Andrew genuinely wanted to help people with his money and felt slightly burdened by the money he had made from poker..

By the end I actually liked him, not that I disliked him before, but he seemed very human and genuine in his actions.. 


Commenting on what...?

Prem league. On sky sports 2

Yeah, what kind of COMPLETE IDIOT would ever reshove KJ..... sickening what some people will do... isnt it g2l?   :P

River was a T too ;)

be great if he did an in the well on blonde

Would be great if Rastafish did an in the well on Blonde too.. But I don't see it happening anytime soon... Well Personally...

So tilting, he can't finish a fkin sentence. By the time he's managed to garble 'I think he's prolly gonna call here' after three goes at saying it the fecka has already called! Luv Jesse, can't stand Feldman, talks shite in half sentences

Still in with 26 left. 16 get paid.

And I seem to think Pez did alright in that low ball event last year having never played a single hand :)

The Golden Line from The Party Poker Commentary

Two players are all in Gomilla v Rizzo

AJ versus 10 10 the flop comes Jxx the turn is a brick .... Gomilla only has to avoid the case 10 to be massive chip leader

The tension builds .......and the river card is    the 10

Rizzo is ecstatic...Gomilla is gutted...Jessie May is going mental....and what does Feldman say ?


"I did not expect that......Thats  Why 10 10 is my favourite hand " 

 A real sense of occasion   :)

Anywhere to watch the prem league online pls?

Noticed a status from Sam wishing good luck to Schwartz today. Obv no bad blood there

Maybe matchbook?

Luke is legit decent at the mixed games fwiw.

he plays the big mixed game in the Vic a lot. Even if he wasn't, the big bet games, PLO and NLHE can paper over a lot of folding in the other games

I dunno what you guys think of Mr. Feldman, but i sure fancy some of his home-cooked curry right about now.

http://www.thejc.com/lifestyle/lifestyle-features/69354/he-won-millions-poker-so-why-does-he-cry-so-much

ROFL at the last line

"His advice to aspiring poker players is to forget all notions of seeing big returns from the game. "Don't play poker online - the internet is a very dangerous place. Play with your friends and have fun...."

That's not even the best bit.

"You'll be fine as long as you don't think you can make a living out of it, because you can't"

Always bumhunting. Come play me online, but only if you accept you can't win...

Really does himself no favours at all with this article. Fair enough if he's getting out of poker, but he's not. He says he wants to run charity tournaments! Good luck getting people along to those.

"I gave it 110 per cent...."

What is the difference between good game selection skills and bumhunting?

If that's based on my comment, I was just pointing out the inherent comedy in his quote rather than making a judgement on him.

As to the question, I would say the degree to which said game selection is exercised.

No it wasn't really based on your comment.

It's something I've always thought strange to criticise someone over.

If Feldman is guilty of collusion or multi accounting or anything else he's been accused of, then he is contemptible.

But to criticise him because he doesn't want to play good players is childish.

Think you ment to do this

"He was renowned arsehole on betfair, snap sitting out when the fish got stacked, trying to drag the fish to his HU tables and just generally spoiling the game and being a bit rude etc etc"

This is all true.  You are sitting playing with a fish in the game feldman appears on the rail, telling him he is a fish, abusing him and inviting him heads up.  Or if Feldman was in the game, he'd be trying to drag the fish to his heads up table.  Wasn't the best strategy to make yourself popular with the other players. 

The multiaccounting thing was pretty common on betfair.  Let's just say Betfair seemed to take a relaxed view of people changing screen names, accounts.  I'd say the vast majority of regular players from my time managed to change screen names or accounts at one time.  Betfair even mass changed all their prop players at one time.  Well either betfair did it, or it was a huge coincidence.  Sure kept playing STTs after they did that.

I have no first hand knowledge of any of the other things he is accused of.

But as I said on another thread a couple of months ago, all this, and most of the rumours appear to be when he was younger and a few years ago.  It certainly isn't something I hold a grudge about.

He appears to be making an effort to change, so that should be applauded.  He has given a lot more to charity than I ever have.

Doobs

Don't see the problem if your a professional player, poker is about making money not making friends. I understand why the other players don't like it though.

Problem is woodsey it spoils the games for everyone - the weaker players have a worse time and the action is spoilt for the regs.

It would be great if we could all do these things, never play a hand vs another good player, snap get out of the game when the spot leaves, berate and insult the weaker guys to get all the action for ourselves, never play short-handed to start games. Would be wonderful, we'd all make a ton more money, problem is though there WOULD BE NO GAMES if we all acted like this, so all the regs give a little, show respect to the weaker players so they have a nicer time, play short handed with other good players for a little so the games start up give a bit of action and this is the sole reason the games ccan run.

Someone who acts like Feldman comes along, allows everyone else to give the action that creates the games and give none for himself, not just him there are loads like him.

Game selecting, i.e not taking X seat because your OOP to a good player, deciding to quit this one game because it seems tough and so on is good professional practice, albeit a little nitty.

I know what your saying and why your saying it mate. But in hindsight given the choice of doing it the feldman way and making a shit load, or doing it with your principles and grinding along I would take option A and get out once the games got too difficult and do something different.

Quite frankly if we are brutally honest about, it in the whole scheme of life the poker community is pretty irrelevant, so to be disliked by a proportion of it, whether that is justified or not, is no big deal.

Couldn't disagree more with u here woodsy

No probs, I expect opinion to be strongly divided on this, there is no right or wrong as such anyway.

People are treating him like he's normal. He is an addict and would have done anything to win at literally all costs. He was/is blinded by the need to make money  'poker ettiquette' or a ' moral code'  for the greater good never enters his thinking. He kinda admits that is whole life has been a fuked up experaince of chasing the money and having no fun, so judging a person with well known mental health problems is pointless.

Tbf I just said he's a shit commentator

Thing is though, the feldman way only works because such a small % of people do it, if we all did it the Feldman way they'd be no internet poker, he is either way to selfish or way too stupid to realise this. We all chose not to act like this because it's in everyones benefit not to, he decides he's happy to let everyone else give the action and him just capitalise on it when it's at it's peak. If he wants to do that then fair enough, but it's not how I'd like to conduct myself in any situation or industry.

I think there actually a lot of very selfish people in poker tbh, but a lot of good people too obviously.

Pretty much everything lil dave says.  Feldman wins in the short term, but everyone loses in the long term...barring the fish he scares away obviously..but he probably just does his money on blackjack instead.

So many times the fish just left the game and didn't even play Feldman.  I guess it must have worked enough times to make it worthwhile in the short term though. 

 

What's the difference between Feldman bum hunting and Hastings/Townsend/South taking millions from Blom?

Feldman is a w****r and them 3 r genius !

See Frankie I might have it the other way round. There is a lot of jealousy in the poker world and haters are gonna hate and all that. Feldman seems to be emotionally troubled and the water incident and crying makes him look bad but the charitable contributions negate all that. The main reason I have for thinking he is a dick is that good guys who I respect say he is.
 
Tikay touched on it in his blog about Daniel N having his lovers/haters.

No one who is terrible at poker seems to get slated until they actually start getting results. Seems strange to me

Poker players are constantly moaning about how terrible some fish played a hand ? Ofc there are some who just slate players that are good due to jealousy but that's the case in all walks of life. Once someone becomes well known then there's always going to be people out there waiting for them to do something wrong so they can out them, obviously this isn't going to happen to random unknowns.

Yeah good point. We live in a culture like that I suppose. Even our press build folks up then shoot em down

It's not like he exclusively plays in soft 2/5 games online. Recreational players know who he is because he's on TV, playing decent buy-in comps against big names and the big TV cash games against the elite.

Amarillo Slim and his generation made their money from "suckers"; the reason - it seems to me - that that group played against each other (perhaps like today's High Stakes Poker and the 50k+ buy in comps) is as much ego as anything else. They want to prove that they are the best. The irony is they probably spent their time taking it in turns to win money off each other and won their money (their net salary) from outsiders.

It's not like top level sport, where all the money is in the marquee events;
you can play in games where you are the best player and make good money at his level.

There may well be other - significant - questions about him, but this isn't as much a criticism as an observation IMO

Do you really think it would be wonderful to berate and insult weaker players to get action for yourself? Or wonderful if you never went up against good players again to get better and test yourself? Your post suggests all players think it would be great to act like this but resist doing so for the good of the game. I think the reality is the vast majority of players just wouldn't do this stuff because it's not in their nature and not how they want to approach poker. The game of poker will retain it's universal appeal whatever strat individual players use against each other. I mean being nice to fish so you can take their money and berating fish to take their money is just different strategies to take their money, and we don't rightly know which approach has what actual effect.

What's far more damaging to the image of poker is all the universally publicised lying and stealing that goes on. I reckon that turns a lot of people off. Yet I always read you guys saying how many of these people eg Brad Booth are "good guys". If you are so worried about the attraction of poker to new players I don't know why you think these people are good guys when they are spoiling it for you, and spoiling it to a much greater degree than some bumhunter.

mmmm, think you got the wrong vibe of my post Mantis, I do not htink it would be wonderful to do those things, the reason I don't do them is because it's not how I think people should behave, so even if it was socially acceptable to act like this I personally wouldn't. What I meant was it would be lovely for me to live in an online poker community where I could refuse to ever start games, ever play a hand vs someone good etc as I'd just make fucking way more more money. the reason I dont is because it's bad for the game, but for the players and in the long term bad for me as well. If I was selfish or short-sighted or just plain out didn't give a shit about the longevity of internet poker than I could go around doing what Feldman did for years and I might have turned my £30 into £4,000,000 as well.

What you need to understand which is why this kind of stuff gets people's backs up so quickly is that by "bum-hunting" he isn't just only taking action from weak players and making way more money that way, he is taking money off the regs who are trying to improve and support online poker - an industry that he makes his living out of. That's why it's so infuriating.

As for your point about the image of poker I couldn't agree more, you can prolly find 10 blogs or articles written by me in the last 6 months where I say basically the exact same thing as you. I said it earlier ITT but got flamed by Kimber for it but I am actually currently putting a lot of my effort into a venture I am hoping is going to go a long way towards improving this (and make me money lets not pretend I'm doing it for much other reason, but it is something that I'm passionate about because I love gambling and am always distraught by the mianstream perception of the entire industry, not even just poker)

Also want to make a point that ^^^^ is very different to game selecting.

Nah I got the vibe of your post bud, I was just messing with you. Struggling to swallow the notion that Feldman is a panto villain in a world full of saintly online regs trying hard to protect and improve the industry thou.

its not a case of Feldman is the villain and we're all the good guys selflessly trying to improve the online poker world, it works like this... (these number pulled completely out of thin air but you'll get the jist)

Spose my hourly rate is £50 p/hour on average, this will be my total play. Now me personally and lots of other regs often play 2-4 handed with only us regulars, now my hourly rate in this game is no where near my average of £50 the reason is because i'm playing short handed with other winning poker players and we're paying rake, so chances are of the 4 of us the best player will be making ~£5 per hour (approx 1/10 of his hourly) (lets arrogantly assume this is me :D ) so in effect im taking a -£45 p/hour hit to play in this game. Why would I do that? Well recreational players don't like to start games (fair enough) they like to go to the lobby find an open seat as fast as possible, so now when they sit down my hourly increases to £70 p/hour so assuming i play 3 hours with them and 1 hour without building the game I have an average hourly of £53~.

Ok, so what Feldman does/did is he sits down, refuses to play until the weaker players have arrived sso he doesn't have to go through the small losing/break-even/small winning period like everyone else did in order to get the oppurtunity of the £70 p/hour - so during that period where we're all playing taking a £45 hit to our hourly Feldman isn't, he's basically taking money from the regs by doing this.

Not only is this the case but lets spose in the same game the weaker player sits out for 15 minutes, so we keep playing ofc as it's the polite thing to do, yet our hourly goes from £70 to £50, yet Feldman snap sits out and just waits til the guy comes back - not only is this really rude it also just takes money striaght of the regs pockets.

THEN we'e spent 1 hour paying rake to build a good game, he strolls along, blocks one of the seats up then he starts attacking the weaker player, now he has a worse time playing so plays for less time, or more infuriatingly he persudes them to give him HU action, so having contirbuted nothing to building a game for the player he now just immediately steals the action.

What he doesn't realise is if no-one tried to start games/behave well then online poker wouldn't exist - he's not the only person who does this, but he was one of the worst, luckily in HS PLO it's not that bad atm but back in NLHE it's really really bad.  Obv there are other factors to consider in all this where good regs benefit from stuff that he doesn't, but if everyone just started a few games and didn't act like too much of a dick then it would be miles better for every pro/reg/recreational player who plays online poker.  The job of a pro poker player is to provide a good experience to weaker players in return for the best side of the play.

That is is one of the best posts I have read on this forum SuuPRlim.

The job of a pro poker player is to provide a good experience to weaker players in return for the best side of the play.


[/quote]
Please excuse my ignorance I am not a pro but A BIG  ;flushy;. I will start by sayin I love ur blog and enjoy reading ur comments wether I agree or not I think u convey ur points well. However ..who says that the job of a Poker pro is to provide a good experience to me weaker players. That is only ur opinion. Feldman prob wud say the job of a poker pro is to play weaker players avoid gud players and make as much as poss. to me this seems very sensible. I agree from what been said he may go about it a little selfishly but so wot? It works 4 him and he is only out for his interests as a poker pro out to make money and not c that I am entertained.  I think us weaker players come back cos we love the game and will continue to do so until we run out of money then when we get paid we come back again. It matters not to me how I lose. If u take it politely or if feldman takes it callin me names I get my kicks from jus playin as im sure many others do. the bottom line is I will lose and someone better than me will end up with the money the only diff is feldmans edge is that he doesnt play other regs. I actually dont mind people chattin shit it kinda adds to my fun. I agree u make some good points and in an Ideal world maybe everythin wud happen as u wish but we dont and its a case of diff horses for diff courses. I think u shud focus on wots important and not worry bout us fishes cos we play because we "love the game" only diff is we not as gud at it as others.  FWIW I think Feldman is a very mixed up young man with some issues that need sortin.  I dont particularly like wot I know of him and I think his commentary is JOKE bad. Jesse and lil dave in the booth pleeease. Hope I not spoke out of turn at any point jus thought I shud let u know that whilst we appreciate ur fightin our corner u can relax a little and perhaps focus a little more on strippers wot makes u happy cos we will be ok with or without feldman characters.

PS hurry up and blog more bout vegas please

Above post was supposed to qoute lil daves post. Sorry new to this.... ;ashamed;

I spoke to Jesse May about this slating about 2 years ago at the launch of one of the prem poker leagues (no name dropping honest). Andrew was being slated massive for bum hunting/taking the fish etc etc, however, Jesse (whos opinion Im assuming everyone would have respect for) went on to say that Game Selection is one of the most important skills of poker which a lot of people manage badly. He should not be run down because he picks the players he has an edge over and takes their money. Im assuming that everyone who plays for a living, plays to win money, pay the bills, live a good life etc etc. Seems to me that Andrew had this tied down and a lot of people struggled to do the same thing.

I could name you 10 players off the top of my head, that still are on the circuit relatively big names, still young, and multi accounted or colluded during their so far short poker career (obviously I'm not going to for obvious reasons)

Im sorry and this isnt a dig at anyone, but I put it all down to jealousy! again, that's just my opinion, everyone is entitled to!

and sharing 50,000 lines of hand history?

@Newy - thanks for the kind words I appriciate it, unfortunately Ive been too drunk for too long out here to blog properly however I've been up to a couple of adventures recently so I will be updating soon! prolly in the next 12 hours!!

Good post you've made, and really interesting (loved the bit at the end :D ) the thing is, which you might not appriciate is that the games are all started by the regs, what I didn't say in my previous post is I actually really like the bits when its 3 regs short-handed trying to get a good game, I dont get much HU action and like short-handed play a ton more plus I have played so much with most of the regs we get into all sorts of silly hilarious spots trying to fuck each other - obviously this isn't great as you're not going to make that much money going ballistic 3handed vs good players. The reason I justify it is because I'll get into better games shortly. Along comes Feldman, he sits himself down, snap sits out so now our 4handed game is 5handed with a dead seat, leaving less room for other people to sit and he doesn't take any of the financial hit we do to start the game, it's really unfair that he gets to profit of us making the games better for him. So my concerns are less for the recreational player and more for myself - luckily though I'm not a dick + I #lovethegame myself so I wanna see everyone having fun, win or lose. Good to hear two sides of this argument though, and gl

Feldman isn't the only one, nor is he even prolly the worst fwiw.

@jack2off - It's pretty obvious you've not read any of my posts so debating with you when i'll have to repeat myself is pretty pointless on my behalf. One question though, how much of his £4m he "won" would he have won if EVERY reg online did what he did and acted like he acted?

The multi-accounting collusion point is ofc correct I could prolly name you 50 but it's not really relevant in any way to the discussion, may as well tell me that you know 13 Vets who put animals down that could have been saved.

Jealousy is ofc rife everywhere, I'm certainly bitter about the fact that whereas I and others do the "right thing" at small expense to ensure the longevity of internet poker, others dont give a fuck and just leach of us, but I don't really care anymore plenty of scummy stuff goes on in every industry but it's slightly annoying when people come on and say "well he's just cleverer than you" when what he actually does is steal from me on a daily basis. - This isn't referring to Feldman, just people who are like him in general.

they are totally different. sharing HH's is not allowed (against the rules) bum-hunting is completely within the letter of the law.  It's kind of dissapoitning that hastings and crew got away with it even though they were always going to.

Both are always going to happen though, that is just the world.

I think you should start a campaign to get the law changed  :D

haha trust me when you're as opinionated as I am you got way more campaigns to run before this one :D

let the nits be nits I say they can worry about how to keep their hourly rate at £x and what edge they have vs who and we'll just play for 2 hours before the strip-club opens.

THE number one rule in poker is not to upset the fish. theyre the value. if you do upset the fish. come find me. ill be your value.

Its more fun upsetting the regs by not giving them any action and bum hunting the fish from them.  :)

haha Woodsey on top from as per.

I wanna try quit the word Fish from poker vocab.

If you actually really like the bits when it's 3-handed then the financial hit you take is the price you're paying for that silly hilarious fun you're having. If another guy doesn't enjoy those spots at all then why would he be as willing to take the same financial hit as you when you would be enjoying yourself and he would not be?

You said you wouldn't bumhunt because it's not how you want to behave, I agree, almost everybody else would feel likewise. So the point you make that if everybody behaved this way there WOULD BE NO GAMES doesn't carry much weight because the vast majority of people just wouldn't behave that way anyway. It's like saying if everybody was Christian there would be no Muslims. That's true enough but it's never likely to happen.

"My concerns are less for the recreational player and more for myself" are prob the same sentiments this kid has.

I can appreciate his behaviour is annoying like a fly buzzing around your head but meh I don't know why is causes emotions like hatred.

I dont hate Feldman at all, i find his professional behavior quite irritating but there are actually worse people than him (although not many) also I think his off the table antics are really poor as well but I don't really care - I was just explaining to you all WHY his online actions are hated by so many people, and trying to respond to the "well what's wrong with bumhunting surely it's clever" side of the argument.

The bit about me enjoying the 3handed business I know 100% you understand the point I've made and you're just up to your usual antics (or MANTIC's as I call them) :D that's how it is for me cos I like playing all the time no matter who I'm playing so I dont really care - not the case for everyone though and it's still annoying for me, but I'm too busy flopping wraps and going all in to really be bothered :)up

Are these people who are asking for stacking at a mark up in ridic soft tourneys doubly bad in your book Dave.

1. They are choosing to play against these soft players
2. They are charging in excess of their worth

Effectively bum hunting and grimming in one swoop

what the hell Jason, that doesn't even make sense! People who sell %'s of themselves in soft comps at mark-up compared to people damaging online games and cramping the action, it's like not even remotely the same! I don't have any hatred or real ill-feeling towards Feldman or bumhunters at all btw, I just dont like the behavior and was explaining why people are annoyed by them...

In fact...I have now idea how you've even got to this comparison lol... very odd!

you are odd though aren't you... <3

But did he play the WSOP Ladies event?

Bit drunk. 4th July my wedding anniversary. Trying to drown my sorrows :)

A little ironic you got married on Independence Day

Yeah Americans get theirs, I lose mine. Double lot of fireworks on my wedding night at the palms place ;)

Jake Cody day as it's also known :D

;)

It's like good & bad drivers, Dave. WE are all good, & THEY are all bad.

One day soon the first ever "fish" will sign up to blonde. We'll need to mind our manners then. And even, Heaven forbid, show them a touch of respect.

Don't talk to me about driving, I have been in India for over 3 years :o

:hello:

BUMP

This is the transcript of the Feldman/Zimbler case.  I won't add anything other than to say it isn't Feldman that looks bad here.

=====

JUDGE MACKIE: Now that closing submissions have concluded, I am going to give judgment on the spot in the slightly inconvenient circumstances of 30th November with industrial action and the effect that that has had upon the organisation of the court. For that reason I reserve the right to correct any transcript to ensure that it records, as it were, not only what I say but also what I mean to say.



J U D G M E N T



JUDGE MACKIE:



1. In this case the claimant, Mr Feldman (a professional poker player) gave £50,000 to the first defendant, Mr Zimbler, as part of an arrangement, the terms of which are in dispute. With the involvement of the second defendant, the first defendant lost all £50,000 in a few days of spread betting. The claimant wants his money back, or at least part of it, bringing claims principally in contract and under the Financial Services and Markets Act. The first defendant denies that the effect of the arrangement obliged him to pay anything back. The claim against the second defendant, a Mr Glassman, is based on a liability under FSMA. Mr Glassman denies that his role was one which could come within the provisions of the Act.



2. This action was begun in the Willesden County Court and is for what, in terms of this court, is a small amount of money. It was transferred here from the County Court, I understand, because of a concern that it might involve technical matters of spread betting. The claimant has been represented by Mr Oliver and the two defendants by Mr Holmes-Milner. One feature of this case has been the considerable ability with which both counsel have cross-examined the witnesses and have dealt ably, but succinctly, with the relevant legal issues.



3. The court has two bundles of documents. I heard live evidence from the three parties and from Mr Quereshi, a friend of both defendants, who received a cheque from Mr Zimbler in circumstances to which I will refer.



4. As in so many cases, many of the central facts are either agreed or not much in dispute. Mr Feldman was just 21 in the autumn and winter of 2008 when the events in issue took place. Mr Zimbler is a man in his early thirties. Both are professional poker players, although I think Mr Zimbler would concede that Mr Feldman is, further up the ability pecking order than Mr Zimbler. Mr Glassman, the second defendant, is a close friend of the first defendant, Mr Zimbler, having known him since he was at school. Mr Glassman is about 40 and has a wide experience of business life, having run many businesses, and these are listed in his witness statement. Much of the working and investment life of the defendants, and to some extent the claimant, has been conducted informally and arises out of, and to some extent depends upon, friendships between themselves. This is a world where debts are incurred and paid in and around casinos, without a paper trail being created. Transactions take place which are informal, imprecise and not put into writing. There is nothing wrong with that, but informality creates difficulties when there is resort to law. Inevitably, in business matters that are at all complex, and with events that occurred some three years ago, the documents are very important; not only do they jog memories but they also enable the court to seek to resolve differing recollections.



5. Mr Feldman left school on his eighteenth birthday and since then he has been a very successful poker player in clubs, online and at competitions, often in far away places like Las Vegas. Mr Feldman when giving evidence seemed to me an intelligent and articulate man, but one whose exposure to a wider business world and to a broader community than professional poker playing has been very limited. In 2007, Mr Feldman and Mr Zimbler met in a poker context and became friendly. Mr Feldman saw the friendship as being a closer one than did Mr Zimbler. Mr Feldman was short of opportunities to make friends in his pressured environment, Mr Zimbler, an older person with a much more varied working background, less so. The two kept in touch, often through social messaging media. Mr Feldman's success, as I say, was considerable. It seems that by the middle of 2008 he had accumulated some £4 million. Mr Feldman had become involved in spread betting, despite his youth, as a result of developing a friendship with a much older man (a rabbi) in the context of community activities. Spread betting was engaged in and the man concerned, Mr Nissim, and Mr Feldman fell out. There was a dispute. Mr Nissim served a bankruptcy notice and Mr Feldman failed to have it set aside, both at first instance and on appeal. One might at that point have thought that Mr Feldman had had enough of spread betting, but it was not to be.



6. The case involving Mr Nissim incurred Mr Feldman in losses of the order of £140,000, plus, presumably, legal costs, and in other ways 2008 was not proving to be a good year; it seems that he lost some £700,000/£800,000 playing online poker. By the autumn of 2008 he was in some difficulties and he was consulting Mr Zimbler, when they were in contact about how he was to deal with the problems facing him. However, things had not been going well for Mr Zimbler, either.



7. Mr Zimbler left school when he was 16 and got involved in various forms of selling and, in particular, estate agency, and moved to Spain. He also developed expertise in poker playing and started travelling the world making money doing that. However, as I say, things did not go well in 2008. He puts it as follows:



"In 2008, I took my annual trip to Vegas for the WSAP [that is a world poker tournament]. For me, it ended in disaster; I incurred heavy losses playing roulette and blackjack. I came back to the UK without any money. I worked for my friends, Mark Glassman [the second defendant] and Taj Rata, in their sushi business for a few weeks until I got on my feet. They leant me a car to drive around in."



8. Mr Zimbler also, in and around September 2008, started doing, spread betting himself on a small scale. In the course of his evidence, he appeared to back off to some extent from the suggestion that he was in serious financial difficulties by remembering that he had £15,000 or £20,000 in cash. I was not much convinced by that, coming, as it did, quite late in his cross-examination. It is clear, both from his cross-examination and also from the understandable concern shown by his friends, Mr Glassman and, to some extent, Mr Feldman, that he was, indeed, in serious financial difficulties at that point. It was around about that time that a meeting took place, about which there are somewhat different accounts.



9. Mr Feldman says that the first time he became involved in talking about spread betting with Mr Zimbler was outside the Borehamwood poker club in October 2008. He says that he was then invited to meet Mr Zimbler's friend, Mark Glassman, whom he claimed was experienced in spread betting and who could make big money. Mr Feldman says that:



"Paul stressed that it would be best to meet Mr Glassman quickly as the markets were volatile and a lot of money could be made through the markets because of the impending American Presidential elections."



10. He said that he was taken to meet Mr Glassman at a restaurant in East Finchley in November and that Mr Glassman advised that a good sum to invest would be £50,000 to £100,000. He said that he was then later taken to Mr Glassman's offices which were nearby and there he met a colleague of Mr Glassman's and was given a demonstration how spread betting worked.

11. Mr Zimbler put it slightly differently. He said that, he and Mr Feldman have kept in touch. In October 2008 Mr Feldman approached him for help. He did so as a friend. "He wanted to recoup his recent losses and asked me to do some spread betting on a joint venture basis. He told me he was looking to double his stake. He knew that I had a friend, Mr Glassman, who was more experienced than me in the field who he wanted to involve." He said that he set up a meeting with the three of them and they met, first, at Mr Glassman's office. He said that Mr Glassman did not invite Mr Feldman back. He said that Mr Glassman made it clear to Mr Feldman at the meeting that he would not place any trades without being in funds.



12. Mr Glassman said that he agreed to join Mr Feldman and Mr Zimbler to discuss a proposed spread betting venture between the other two parties. They met at lunch, and:



"Over lunch and after initial small talk, the others were keen to discuss their spread betting venture. We discussed the types of spread bets I placed and possible profits and losses. I recall he said he wanted to double his money. I explained to him that spread betting was very risky, particularly if the intention was to seek large returns quickly because this would require taking greater risks. I emphasized the risks and told him that I had recently lost a lot of money spread betting and that my IG Index account was over £30,000 overdrawn as a consequence."



13. It is unsurprising that witnesses (even wholly candid and honest witnesses) should have differences of recollection about what happened.



14. Events after that are, in some respects, clearer because they are recorded (to some extent) in contemporaneous emails. The first of those was an email from Mr Zimbler to the claimant on 16th November and, as it is significant, I will read it out:



"Andrew, hope you're having fun in Miami and that your other evening went well. Re investing. We have spoken about the Dow, and now also no interest in the currency. The USD is getting stronger by the day, by some 250 points average over the last two weeks against the GBP and also the Euro. This is an interesting market to make some money in over the next few weeks, even months. The Dow also. It was down to 8200 and went up to 9200 like we predicted and then, as we also thought, would drop back to around 8000 before climbing again. It's around 8350 when I looked on Friday, so now is a perfect time to get into that. Finances. All I can tell you is that if I had money I'd be investing what I could. Saying that, I know you've had a bad experience with investing already, and still not sure how you lost money at that time if your friend, like you said, has been doing this for a while, anyway. I'm going to put in some money myself to share the risk as I want to make money. On your side, I would suggest whatever makes you comfortable."



15. It seems common ground that Mr Zimbler did not, in fact, have money himself to share that risk.



"100K would be an ideal amount. 50K would be OK, too, as, if it was 100, would prob not even use more than 50, unless all was really bad, and at that point you could also choose to stop, as I will give you daily updates. I think you know me well enough that I am not a scam artist or looking to rob you. I want to make some money and, with a bank roll, like, if anything, not only do you have a better chance, you can also make a lot more. I will be starting small, at like a hundred a point. No need to go higher. If it moves in right direction, you can buy more and also to limit the risk element. Saying that, I'm happy to share profits, however you see fit. I do not think it's something I can just tell you; you're input is also needed. I would suggest, like we spoke about before, that once we make X amount, like double our stakes, we take out our original stakes so there is no risk and keep taking money out as we are making it. This could be weekly. Then we can share the profits out and use the profits to trade with ..."



with multiple exclamation marks.



"I'm happy to do the work and, with help from friends who also do this and know things, make some serious money. If you want to split the profit 50/50, that is fine with me. Let me know your thoughts. Remember, this is not just on your investment; I, too, am going to put some money in, 15 to 25K. If you want to just use your money, you could and should have a bigger share, but I'm happy to take risk also."

16. That appears to be, at best, a hope on the part of Mr Zimbler because, although he said he thought he could borrow money from friends, it seems pretty clear that he did not have the, "15 to 25K" to spare, even if he had wanted to make it available. The email continues:



"Option 2. As I am so sure that there is a lot of money to be made, I would, if you were not interested yourself in investing, ask you if you wanted to lend me some money, for say three to six months, depending on an agreed rate, like what you get in the bank, so you do not lose out on your interest, and then I'm happy to take the risk myself."



17. That was on the 16th. On the 18th, there was an email to Mr Feldman, who at this point was on holiday on the other side of the world Mr Feldman responded:



"Can you forward me your bank details and call me when you have a chance? I've had a real problem with connection here."



18. Mr Feldman said that he was feeling pressured at this point, and that was why he sent that email. There was a further email to Mr Feldman on the 18th, in which Mr Zimbler provided those details and said how he tried to call him the previous night. He added this:



"As you know, because we've discussed it before, I'd also like our business to be kept between us. I'm more than happy for people close to you, like family, to know, but, as far as North London is concerned, I do not want people to know what we do and how much we make. Thank you."



19. There was then a Facebook communication from Mr Feldman, where he asked for the details to be forwarded on to his Hotmail, and, "Hopefully, we can start cracking soon." Mr Zimbler, on the 20th, asked Mr Feldman whether he had got an email, adding this:



"Dow closed low 8000 last night, so it is good news, but we need to act fast to get on the standard rally. It will do of 1000 to 1500 points. Please let me know ASAP what you want to do and when you have sent the dollars. Call me or email me, I do not mind, but we need to act fast."



20. On 21st November, Mr Zimbler wrote again, giving details of another account, and adding:



"If you can email me when you've done it, I'll call the bank to let me know when arrives. As we spoke about on the phone, I'm happy to give you the 70/30 split in your favour. I know you've not had a good run, but this is a good way to make some money back. Thanks."



21. In another email, on 1st December, a Monday, amongst other things, Mr Zimbler said this:



"I'm happy to pay the fee [that is a reference to a CHAPS transfer] so that we can start work immediately and not lose out on another good week. You have my account details from my last emails ..."



22. On 2nd December, following a meeting between Mr Zimbler and Mr Feldman, Mr Zimbler sent an email in which he said this: "I'm happy to pay the fee [that is a reference to a CHAPS transfer] so that we can start work immediately and not lose out on another good week. You have my account details from my last emails ..."



22. On 2nd December, following a meeting between Mr Zimbler and Mr Feldman, Mr Zimbler sent an email in which he said this:



"We should both sign it, and I'm looking forward to this and will show you many good things ..."



23. That is a reference to a document: a document which Mr Zimbler prepared to capture the meeting which he and Mr Feldman had had. This email, also, was important and so I must read it out:



"Andrew, this letter is to confirm that we met today and you transferred to me £50,000 from your Nationwide account to my Nat West account for me to use on IG Index for investing in the stock market. As you know from when we had a meeting over one month ago to the time I sent you the email you asked for, the market has moved pretty much the way I told you I thought it would. This is for me approximately a three month investment, to build up the investment to a few hundred thousand, if not more. We agreed today that I'd give you 70% on all profits made up to the initial 50K invested and I would get a 30% share of the profits for making the investments for you. Once we reach a figure where you can take your original investment out, plus profits, you'll be risk free and your initial stake will be paid back to you. From there, we can then see how you would like to proceed, as you did not want to commit to anything today. By this, I mean how we will divide profits made thereafter. As I said to you in the email on the 16 November 2008, I will mainly be trading the Dow and the US dollar as I think this is the best place to make money. This is also, in the last three weeks, since we've been talking about doing this, the place where the markets have moved the most. As you know, we would have been able to make at least 3000 points in the last few weeks, but that is the past and these volatile days will be here for a while, so we should make the most of them. Also, as we spoke about, the two ways to proceed. One, we sit and make a steady income day in and out, like sitting at the poker table grinding it out. Two, we go for the kill and the big money fast (like the way you enjoy playing PLO). I know you said it was up to me, so I will see how the markets are at the time and make a valuation each day, but my goal is to make some serious money. Thank you for this opportunity and I will show you how successful I will be.”



24. And it took only a few days to demonstrate the opposite, as we shall see. The email of 2nd December was not, of itself, a contract. That I accept. But it was the best contemporaneous evidence available of the terms of the contract between these two parties. Mr Zimbler contends that there was a later discussion at which different terms were agreed. Mr Feldman disputes that, although he suggested that there were one or two other terms - none of which seem material to the central issues here. Arriving at the meaning of a contract is, of course, a question of construction: what, looking at the words of the contract, would a reasonable person take its meaning to be? The substance of the deal between these two is, as one would have expected it to be, summarised in this document. A feature of this document is some emphasis given by Mr Zimbler on what he will do with this investment to earn money for them both. There is a pattern in the emails of Mr Zimbler seeking to sell this project to Mr Feldman which would seem to indicate that it was a project which Mr Zimbler was keen to promote and which Mr Feldman was, in the end, willing to go along with.



25. On 2nd December, Mr Feldman paid £50,000 which Mr Zimbler, and to some extent Mr Glassman, said was required as a security before any trading could be done on behalf of Mr Feldman. The £50,000 went into Mr Zimbler's account and the first thing it did was remove his £20,000 overdraft. The next day, Mr Zimbler paid just over £20,000 to Mr Glassman. Mr Zimbler and Mr Glassman say that this was pursuant to an agreement between them whereby Mr Glassman would, in effect, manage and look after £25,000 and Mr Zimbler the balance. Mr Feldman's case is that he had no idea that Mr Glassman would be involved in this, or holding Mr Feldman's money. The bank account of Mr Zimbler also shows payments to IG Index, with whom the spread betting activities were to be carried out - Mr Glassman having a credit account, Mr Zimbler having an account without credit facilities. There are also three payments of a thousand pounds, which appear to be sums of money obtained in The Sportsman's Club by Mr Zimbler, he says for the purpose of giving cash to Mr Glassman.



26. On 10th December, there was a further email sent by Mr Zimbler to Mr Feldman, which made no reference to spread betting at all, or to the losses which Mr Zimbler must then have known to have arisen. That email deals with the overhang of problems arising from Mr Feldman's dispute with Mr Nissim. There was also, during the process of trading, some telephone contact between the claimant and the first defendant. This was not substantial but they were in telephone contact during that period.



27. The trading was disastrous. The entire £50,000 was lost within a few days, £30,000 of it on the very last day. A meeting then took place between the claimant and the first defendant, at which the first defendant gave some explanation of what had happened and produced, at the least, a copy of Mr Glassman's trading balance with IG Index. However, there was no indication of how those related to the specific activities engaged in, apparently, on behalf of Mr Feldman. The trades carried out by Mr Zimbler were comparatively modest, those by Mr Glassman, particularly on the last day, much larger.



28. There was then some sporadic contact between the parties. By August 2009, Mr Feldman was becoming increasingly concerned to get full details of how he had come to lose this large sum of money in such a short period of time, and there then started a correspondence involving a solicitor, a Mr Pound, acting for Mr Feldman, seeking information from Mr Zimbler. Mr Zimbler responded to some extent by saying that the client already had information. There is reference in the correspondence to dealings also with a third party, which Mr Zimbler says is a reference to Mr Glassman. Regrettably, Mr Zimbler failed to supply information which he was obliged to supply. He should have supplied this, even if some of it had been sent before. Mr Feldman had lost a large sum of money in a small period of time and, leaving aside what might be seen as ties of friendship, as a business matter Mr Zimbler should have provided the maximum possible cooperation, instead of which he prevaricated and provided almost none. Mr Feldman's solicitor adopted a strategy for obtaining information that involved telling an untruth. While that is regrettable, it has nothing to do with the issues I have to decide in this case.



29. These matters were filled out and developed by the evidence given by the parties, and I need to return to what the different principal witnesses had to say. Mr Feldman's account of how he came to pay £50,000 is that he was, in a sense, doing this out of friendship towards Mr Zimbler, who had suffered in the ways that I have mentioned, and, indeed, it is difficult to think that Mr Feldman would have come forward to invest only £50,000 in this particular way if what he was seeking to do was to redress the enormous losses which he had sustained over the course of the summer and early autumn. However, Mr Feldman says that, on his return from holiday on 2nd December, following the emails which I have read out:



"I met Paul in Stanmore. I stressed I didn't want anyone else involved and didn't want anyone else knowing about the spread betting activities. We agreed that Paul wouldn't adopt a high risk strategy, and keep any trades at a reasonable level. I didn't discuss the exact amounts. I didn't really understand how it all worked and I completely relied upon Paul's judgment. I also agreed with Paul that I'd be able to withdraw my funds at any time. My relationship with Paul, in terms of investment opportunities, started to take a back seat to our personal friendship. I considered Paul one of my closest friends and confided in him. My relationship with my girlfriend at the time (of whom Paul was a friend) was a factor. I was very upset and I was in regular contact with Paul for this reason. Whenever I asked for an update on the spread betting, he was very vague."



He said that he became increasingly concerned over the first few days of December and that that was how the meeting on the 11th came about.



30. Mr Zimbler says that he was really only following up on an approach from Mr Feldman for help and only doing so as a friend. He says that Mr Feldman initiated the discussion. He said he had never held himself out as being in the business of financial services, and:



"Mr Feldman knew perfectly well that I was a poker player. I've never suggested I could or would manage investment funds or provide investment services. I've never carried out investment type activities for other people."

31. While that last observation may be true, it is abundantly clear from the email correspondence that Mr Zimbler was holding himself out as offering a business opportunity to Mr Feldman, from which he, Mr Zimbler, in need of money stood to benefit. He refers to the meeting on 2nd December and, as I say, sets out a series of no less than six terms which he says were incorporated into the agreement during the discussion. That seems to me improbable, and for other reasons I believe it is unlikely to have been true. At most, it was a misunderstanding on the part of Mr Zimbler.



32. At this point I need to refer to the role of Mr Glassman, the second defendant. I have already referred to his account of what happened at the lunch, but picking up the story in December, he said that:



"A few weeks later I was told by Mr Zimbler that he and Mr Feldman had decided to proceed with their spread betting venture and they wanted me to assist and place spread bets for them. Mr Zimbler explained that Mr Feldman would put him in funds and, in turn, I would be put in funds so that I was able to place bets on their behalf. There was never any discussion about my becoming part of an agreement between Mr Feldman and Mr Zimbler or sharing in the profits or losses. I was happy to assist Mr Zimbler and I enjoyed spread betting and presumed that PZ would look after me if it all went well."



33. That appears to be a reference to the informal arrangements, by which the defendants were suggesting that the business activities were conducted between themselves and also amongst their friends and acquaintances. Mr Glassman says, in a statement produced on 14th November, that he received £20,000 into his bank account on 4th December from Mr Zimbler, which is clearly right He also says that he asked Mr Zimbler to pay £5,000 to Mr Shiraz Quereshi on his behalf to settle sums that were owed to him, and it is clear that Mr Zimbler did write that cheque, as I have already mentioned. He says he then credited his IG Index account with £40,000 on the same day, and that appears to be correct. He claims, as does Mr Zimbler, that the balance of money due to him was paid in cash by Mr Zimbler. He explains how he conducted the trades and, by 10th December, had made a loss of £45,740. There were, it seems, constant telephone exchanges between Mr Glassman and Mr Zimbler as the disaster unfolded. Mr Glassman presented his role, it seemed to me, accurately as spread betting being just a hobby or at least a small aspect of a whole series of wider occupations. He suggested that he did spread betting, losing £100,000 a year or so, as an expensive hobby, just as others would buy race horses and did this, at a time when his businesses were doing very well.



34. I also heard evidence from Mr Quereshi confirming that he had received the cheque and saying that it had been the payment of a debt owed to him, not by Mr Zimbler but by Mr Glassman.



35. Against that background, the claimant puts forward a claim on three different bases. First, there is a claim that the activities of Mr Zimbler and/or Mr Glassman were regulated activities within the meaning of s.2 of the Financial Services and Markets Act, in circumstances where they were neither authorised or exempt. Accordingly, it is claimed that Mr Feldman is entitled to recover his £50,000. Secondly, it is contended that Mr Glassman was not a party to the agreement between Mr Feldman and Mr Zimbler and was not authorised to trade with or gamble with Mr Feldman's funds. Any payment made by Mr Zimbler to Mr Glassman was made without Mr Feldman's authority and was an extra contractual payment. Further, any sums transferred by Mr Zimbler to Mr Glassman were paid while Mr Zimbler was acting as Mr Feldman's agent and were paid under a mistake of fact. Thirdly the Claimant submits further or alternatively that neither Mr Zimbler nor Mr Glassman have been able adequately to demonstrate that the trading losses which they claim to have made on their respective accounts are all attributable to trading for Mr Feldman. The Claimant alleges that Mr Zimbler is able to demonstrate trading losses of only £10,786.92 and could only demonstrate transferring £20,000 to Mr Glassman.



36. The defendants respond that they are not liable under the Act - I will look at that in more detail in a moment as I will first decide the contractual authority of Mr Zimbler. Counsel for the first defendant contends that, upon the proper construction and interpretation of the agreement between the parties, there was no restriction upon Mr Zimbler in involving Mr Glassman and no restriction upon the security payment of £50,000 being, as it were, split so that Mr Glassman received a chunk of Mr Feldman's money. So far as this contractual aspect of the case is concerned, the relevant facts, it seems to me, are as follows:



37. Mr Feldman is, as I say, intelligent, but had limited friendships and lived in a comparatively narrow world - in a way similar to other people who become very successful in a very specific area at a young age. This experience with Mr Nissim had not taught Mr Feldman anything about the technicalities of spread betting or made the activity in itself unattractive. He had suffered heavy, but not disastrous losses, and certainly not losses that would otherwise have impelled him to take £50,000 from his substantial cash savings. I believed his evidence that in many ways he did this as a result of pressure from an older man who was a close friend he wished to help. To a significant extent, Mr Feldman's account of events is consistent with the documents. So far as Mr Zimbler was concerned, he was in the financial hole described in his witness statement. I doubt that his position was much better than that, despite what he said in cross-examination. It is clear from the documents that he was pursuing Mr Feldman to make this investment. Mr Zimbler questions why Mr Feldman would think it worthwhile investing in someone such as himself. Yet in the correspondence Mr Zimbler repeatedly gives Mr Feldman reasons why Mr Feldman should do just that. As I say, the documents contradict in certain respects the account given by Mr Zimbler. My doubts about his veracity in some areas necessarily causes me to have reservations before accepting other aspects of his testimony.



38. I do not doubt the general truth of Mr Glassman’s evidence, although I have some reservations about his qualities of recollection. He is here as an added defendant, together with Mr Zimbler, someone with whom he has had ties of friendship since Mr Zimbler's school days. That has coloured the accuracy of his evidence.



39. I had no reason to doubt what Mr Quereshi said, although I have some reservations about the circumstances in which the details were only disclosed to the claimant so shortly before the trial.



40. It does not seem to me that I need make detailed findings about which payments by Mr Glassman were referable to his dealings with Mr Zimbler in respect of Mr Feldman, or conduct an analysis of the trading activity to see which transactions were in a sense Mr Feldman's and which were not.



41. It is clear that the contract between the parties did not permit Mr Zimbler to derogate or subcontract his responsibility to Mr Glassman or anybody else. It is of interest that in the early emails before the contract, there was reference to other "friends in the business" being involved, but there is never a word about that or Mr Glassman in the subsequent correspondence. The picture that Mr Feldman had was of a contract with Mr Zimbler and Mr Zimbler alone. Mr Feldman had no idea that his money was to be split with Mr Glassman. If he had known he would not have permitted it. The matter is clear, without needing to move into discussions about what are and what are not contracts for professional services. On that basis, Mr Zimbler had no authority to transfer any money to Mr Glassman or to delegate his role under the contract between the parties to Mr Glassman.



42. There is a claim based on mistake of fact. I do not see how such a claim could avail Mr Feldman in seeking to recover the losses of £45,000 sustained by Mr Glassman, who dealt with the money as he was expected to do.



43. Next, I turn to the claim based on the Financial Services and Markets Act. In essence, what is said on behalf of Mr Feldman is that the defendants trading was in breach of the general prohibition under s.19 of FSMA and, as a result, Mr Feldman is entitled to the return of his money under sections 26(1) or 26(2) of the Act. But for the matter that I am about to turn to, I would have had no difficulty in finding that the Act was applicable to transactions of this kind entered into in similar circumstances, but under s.22 of the Act, for an activity to be a regulated activity it must be carried on by way of business.



44. Whether or not an activity is carried on by way of business is ultimately a

question of judgment [I say this taking the words from PREG2.3] that takes account

of several factors, none of which is likely to be conclusive. These include the degree of

continuity, the existence of a commercial element, the scale of the activity and the

proportion which the activity bears to other activities carried on by the same person but

which are not regulated. The nature of the particular regulated activity that is carried on

will also be relevant to a factual analysis.



45. There is a variety of judicial guidance, from which I suspect that particular extract from the Handbook is derived. Of considerable importance is the discussion by Hobhouse J, as he then was, in Morgan Grenfell v. Wellin Hatfield. The discussion at pages 13 and 14 which is relevant to this case includes:



"I see no reason, whether on a consideration of the policy of the Act or the wording used, to place a narrow meaning on the word 'business'. It clearly should not be given a technical construction but, rather, one which conforms to what in ordinary parlance would be described as a business transaction was opposed to something personal or casual."

46. The claimant, through Mr Oliver, puts forward a considerable number of reasons for claiming that Mr Zimbler and/or Mr Glassman were carrying on, a business. It is said that Mr Zimbler was a professional gambler, his gambling included playing poker, blackjack, roulette and spread betting. He describes spread betting in his witness statement as another form of gambling. I prefer the description of spread betting by Rix LJ in SpreadEx v. Battou at 855 to that given by Mr Zimbler:



"Spread betting is not merely a bet, although it can be described as such as a form of contract for differences; it enables a customer to take a position on a market (or an event) for a very small stake. Thus, if the Dow Jones Index is at, say, 10,000, one can buy or sell the market at a spread around the index of, for the sake of example, 10 points either way ..."



and he goes on to develop the example which has given valuable guidance to judges dealing with cases in that area. Mr Zimbler may have been a professional gambler, for a period but it is unrealistic to portray the spread betting as part of that work. Reliance is also placed on the fact that Mr Zimbler had previously accepted investment by way of third party funding to allow him to play poker professionally. In return, Mr Zimbler entered into agreements in which the investor would receive an agreed return on his investment if Mr Zimbler was successful.



47. Next, it is said that Mr Zimbler had himself invested in third parties in return for a share of any winnings, which is true, but in a poker context. Mr Zimbler did not distinguish between the potential income that he could have made from the spread bets that he placed for Mr Feldman from the other income that he derived from his alternative forms of gambling.



48. Next, it is said that the agreement that Mr Zimbler had with Mr Feldman was, therefore, not a one-off transaction but part of a course of dealing within the context of Mr Zimbler's professional gambling. Next, it is said that Mr Zimbler expected to be paid for exercising his discretion and placing the trades on Mr Feldman's benefit. There are other similarly ingenious submissions. Much as those factors might make one think that it is appropriate for this sort of activity to attract the attention of the FSA, it seems to me that the submission by counsel for the defendants is right about the extent of s.22. The gambling activities relied upon by counsel for the claimant do not really form part of the picture. One needs to look at the investment aspect. While, as I observed in closing argument, one would not find it difficult to see other sections of the Act biting upon these transactions, they do not meet the business test. These were transactions which Mr Feldman to some extent went into, as it is put, "As a favour to Paul", as part of a friendship. Mr Glassman's involvement was to a degree to enrich himself but also sprang from his sympathy for Mr Zimbler's personal circumstances. This was a one-off and Mr Zimbler had not previously been involved in any financial advisory work. Despite the fact of being reduced to some degree in writing, it is more of a "personal or casual" matter (to use the characterisation of the then Hobhouse J) than a business transaction. It follows, therefore, that the claim based on the Act fails.



49. I would say straightaway, in order to save some time when considering questions of costs, while this means that there is no liability as against Mr Glassman, it seems to me that his role in these events and in this litigation is such that he brought this litigation on himself. If he and Mr Zimbler had been candid and straightforward from the outset, it would not have been necessary for the FSMA claim to have been brought and this action would never have got as far as it has.



50. It follows from my conclusions that the claimant is entitled to recover from Mr Zimbler the investment of £50,000, less the £10,786.92 from Mr Zimbler, but he is entitled to no recovery as against Mr Glassman. That is the decision of the court and I will now hear from counsel.

Young Andrew does love a bit of litigation     ......

Now, a mate of mine has got a Mk1 Ford Granada (rust bucket, knackered gear box, head blown, MOT pending)    ....     makes me wonder if Feldy would be interested in buying a Classic Motor for £30k - as driven by George Carter, and Jack Reagan, in The Sweeney?

Can't see Feldman being an instructor at any future "The International Poker School" (TIPS) seminar if I ever get an invite to one :)

Cliffs anyone?

If you got 5 mins its quite an interesting read. Otherwise thread on 2+2 has cliffs in it

Basically Zimbler and Feldman used to live the same apartment building and were good friends. Then Feldman got a staffordshire bull terrier whom Zimbler believed swallowed an engagement ring he was going to use to propose to his then girlfriend.

Rather than confront him directly about it getting the ring back, Zimbler instead suggested he borrow Feldman's Audi to drive the dog to the vets. He drove off without the dog, and sold the car to a mutual Rabbi friend. Feldman was pissed off obviously and sued him for the value of the car.

Lets stick to stuff that is a matter of public record, as per the transcript, thanks

Potentially libellous rumours/suggestions will be deleted, guys

Any news on the dog?

dont no either but zimbler hardly comes out of that with a whole load of credit either

Wow - Small World time.  That car used to be owned by the dad of a school friend of mine, in Kingsbury.

[  ] thanks!

I got so far as this line and just loled my face off

Mr Zimbler is a man in his early thirties. Both are professional poker players, although I think Mr Zimbler would concede that Mr Feldman is, further up the ability pecking order than Mr Zimbler.

I dont know the guy at all and only met him for the first time a couple of weeks ago at a charity poker game he had set up in my home town.

I attended because after watching Secret Millionaire I felt he was trying his best to help 3 worthy charities. It was obvious that the 3 benefactors who had traveled down from Bradford genuinely liked Andrew and also that he respected them for the good work that they were doing. You have to give him brownie points for continuing in his quest to raise more money.

The transcript of the court case suggests that he is (or was) perhaps a bit naive but he is not the first or last to have been suckered into a "quick fix" money scheme.

I wish him all the best for the future.

Haven't met Feldman, read lots about him, some of which I'm sure isn't true, some of which probably is.

Was told years ago some tale about him palling up with another online player and "helping" him play HU through MSN, while it was actually Feldman who was the HU opponent. Allegedly. However the source I heard it from him is pretty lilywhite and I have no reason to doubt him or see him as spreading gossip for no reason.

Have met Zimbler. I like him, I get along with him, I don't doubt he has in the past lived a champagne lifestyle, but he sure isn't doing that now, and what I like about him is his ability to admit he has nothing, rather than trying to pretend to be somebody he isn't. Plenty of people in poker could learn from that particular angle.

I like to think I'm open minded enough that if I met Feldman I would give him a fair chance as well, but as far as Paul Zimbler goes, I can only judge him from what I know of him now, and I feel the person he is today, isn't the same guy he was a couple of years ago.

It's hard work being castigated publicly. Shit happens and only the person involved knows what went on.

We all have and form our own opinions of people! rumours are rumours and you have to believe what you believe!

the only thing that's proof in this little row, is the judges comments on Paul are not very favourable and accuse him of getting Andrew to pay off his overdraft and lie/cheat over this investment!

Whereas everyone batters Andrew, but no one ever has any proof!

Why?

Sorry I mean rumours as in general rumours, we all have to believe the ones we believe have merit and ignore the ones we don't. Not just regarding these two!

I knew you meant that, same question applies.

I was asking why you feel the need to believe in rumours at all? I think it's brave of you to say it though, I know a lot of others like me will sit on the fence and say they prefer to keep an open mind.

Sounds like its a good job he is shorter than you.......... And Linton is currently in a steady relationship :)

http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/showpost.php?p=34459852&postcount=37 (http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/showpost.php?p=34459852&postcount=37)

CLIFFS

- Zimbler persuaded Feldman to send him £50k or £100k to invest on the stock market AFTER Feldman had already lost £140k the month before trading on the stock market with a Rabbi
- Zimbler made trades on his account over the next 10 days losing around 10k
- Zimbler then made trades on his friend, Mark Glassmans account without consent of Feldman and lost a further 45k.
- Zimbler refused to pay back Feldman 40k as he claims he knew Glassman was trading on his behalf
- Judge ordered Zimbler to pay Feldman 40k plus costs (around 100k)
- Zimbler refused to do so making himself bankrupt earlier this year.

FYP

stuff like this will happen a lot in the coming years when people convince themselves they can beat poker and travel around doing their bollocks

Yeah my £50 a time in petrol to Dtd has messed me up.

In before anyone says ability :)

Ye . When we win we think we can always win and keep donking the winnings off
 & when we lose we think were gonna win soon and keep donking off more losses.

There's only one guy i know that can win at this game with his own money or anyone else's for that matter ...............Hero Toby 'Ernie' Lewis

The cool hand luke sundance kid runs like Usain Bolt

much love   : )

If Feldman really is worth a zillion or whatever he claims.

Why would he even bother taking someone to court over a measly 50k?

Chalk it down to experience and move on, rather than dragging yourself through a pointless court case.

what? come on keith lol.

If I was worth a zillion and someone ripped me off for any amount I'd want to take the cheating f**ker to the cleaners.

I'm not saying this as any kind of comment on this case by the way just in response to Keef's post.

yeh if you have moneys spite take them to court imo.

There are plenty of more appropriate ways of dealing with stuff like this.

Gambling disputes should always be kept out of the courts wherever possible

Blatch paid everyone back without recourse to the judicial system.

Cliffs on why he did pay everyone back?

I know several millionaires, unfortunately not one myself.

Of the ones I know, there is not a single one who wouldn't cross the Andes barefoot to get back the 50k they had been relieved of, or pay a team of people to get it back. This is why they are millionaires!

Personally, I also would fight tooth and nail for a single pound had it been illegally taken from me! And I'm the loosest person with money I know! Why allow a con man to pay off his 20k overdraft he raked up gambling and let him off as a lesson!!

He didn't obv. His folks did

From my understanding blatch didn't pay anyone back his family did ......totally different !!