A question about Hellmuth's antics at the table (and probably more so from other players like Tony G). When they go off on one at a particular player, is it a ploy to make an impression to the rest of the players at the table.
I don't know about too much about Tony G, I think his verbal is definately deliberate, and controlled, and I think he believes he benefits from it, so good luck to him.
And I think Hellmuth sometimes tries verbals as a weapon, but I think it shows as being a bit contrived, and as such is a waste of time. But there are other times when it's pure angst. It doesn't affect the other players, but it takes away from his own game ( very McEnroesque if there is such a word ). It seems to me more like a wolf howling at the moon. He's just got to do it.
I don't know anything about his childhood, but it wouldn't surprise me if he was belittled a lot. The Lehderer kids seem very balanced in their place on this earth. They each know they are brilliant, and aren't jealous of the others talents & success.
I get the impression that Hellmuth didn't have the same kind of support as a youngster, or at least doesn't believe he had that kind of support. And now he's found a skill, he wants to rub everyone's nose in it. I don't think he loves poker for it's own sake, it's how he can use it to get what he needs. If he was talented in another way, it wouldn't bother him. It's the accolades he wants.
Unlike Unger. He seems to have loved cards and the magic he could weave with them. But he was weak in other, more obvious, ways
I have no justification for believing this btw, so if I'm wrong, don't be afaid to put me right.