£250 at the Sportsman

[Irishdenis]

I had an interesting night at the Sportsman last night. I turned up to see a reduced field of 48 runners. Half hour clock and 5000 chips. As we got started it was noticeable that although it was a small field the standard was high.  Woodley, D Gregory, N Gibson, W Tann, Koresh, to name but a few.

Anyway the evening progresses without incident and we make our way to the final table. A ten handed final with eight to be paid. As we sat down I noticed a couple of chaps who had not played their before. One young chap from north London and an American who must have been on holiday. I decided to be a gentleman and offer a return for ninth and tenth place. Agreed by all we start in earnest.

Play was slow even though we were all guaranteed a return. What I did start to notice was the American chap start to talk about pot odds and value calls. For a tourist he seems to understand the game a little. Not to worry though I will put some moves on him.

First player out. The yank is now the short stack but for some reason he seems relaxed about his position. He talks openly and is both polite and good company. For some reason I start to think that maybe he is a rich chap as the money seems of no interest to him. He makes his plays and has the same smile if he wins or looses. He will never make it as a player with this attitude. Finally he moves all in and N Lee calls. Q 10 for the yank and A Q for Nathan.  Oops says the yank I thought I was live. No help on the board and he stands to depart. All smiles and wishes us well.  Now I know he's not a player as he is to much of a gentleman. We all stand, shake hands with him and wish him a good flight home. Oh no Say's he I will be around for a few more days. Good news I think as this fella is just to nice and will be easy meat for the cash players who circle like Piranhas. At that he turns to leave....excuse me Say's an onlooker can I have your autograph. Of course Say's Mr Raymer a pleasure.
The moral of this story is that politeness and kindness shouldn't be taken as a sign of weakness. We all sit around looking serious and act like wolves waiting for the lamb. Perhaps if we acted with the class of a real champion we would get more respect in the long run.

What a great night. Finished fourth for a profit and met a nice American chap.

[byronkincaid]

are you saying that you didn't recognise greg?

[Irishdenis]

No I was trying to say how well he fitted in.

[AndrewT]

'Shit, Greg Raymer's at the final table. Better ask for a saver so I don't go away with nothing.'

'Bugger, someone from Blonde might be here and see me asking for a saver. Must think of a story to explain this...'

Nice story Denis.

Seriously though, no one who has ever met Greg Raymer has ever had a bad thing to say about him. He didn't suddenly become a nice guy when he won the bracelet. Whereas some other people are just arseholes, and no amount of money would change that.

[NoflopsHomer]

He's a perfect example of how to act in the game.

Also, an interviewer's dream, he can talk indepth about poker to anyone for hours on end.

[londonpokergirl]

mr raymer is a true gentleman met him and chatted for good 30mins

a true champion

[Royal Flush]

mr raymer is a true gentleman met him and chatted for good 30mins

a true champion

11

[KingPoker]

he always used to post loads of helpful stuff on 2+2 before he won the ME, dont think he did as much after but has always been a gent and you can tell he's just a nice guy!
A true poker ambassador!