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ESPN Ruins the World Series of Poker
Published: 7/19/2011 2:11 PM
Last Modified: 7/20/2011 3:32 PM

The charm, and, as it turns out, the only reason to watch poker on TV, is because you get to see the hole cards as the hands progress.

Until now, all poker games, from the World Series on down, have been previously recorded, have been taped.

This year, now, ESPN is televising the event live. The final action that will produce the last table of nine players in November goes tonight, Tuesday, first on ESPN, then later on ESPN 2.

The problem is, live poker is garbage. It's unwatchable. Live, they can't show the hole cards. That's because somebody could signal the contents of a hand to a player. So what we wind up with is watching a bunch of players sigh and contemplate and posture and sigh some more and roll his eyes and stretch and sigh a ninth time. Then push in his cards. Or rake in some money, the hole cards remaining sight-unseen. The only time hole cards are revealed is when the flop is reached, at the end of a hand. Which is rarely. And too late.

Seeing a bluff or a monster hand live through the hole cards is the only attraction of TV poker.

Without the hole cards made public, watching poker is like watching paint crack.

A Tulsan was in the top ten of the WSOP.

But who wants to sit around all night watching people shift in their chairs and sigh.

Nobody that's who.

The only action comes from the guest announcers who have to guess what the players might have. I bet he has a ten. I bet he has spades. I bet she has a low pair. And so on. Without most times ever getting to see what was down there.

Obviously its intent was in the right place, as live would seem to beat delayed. But it stinks. ESPN has fumbled another one.


Reader Comments 14 Total
Kenmore (last year)
Of course live poker is dull unless you are the one sitting there with a pair of 10s wondering if you should go all in. Then, it's exciting...but only for you. Everyone else is asleep.

Picker, you seem to long desperately for football season to start. But don't give up hope, ESPN3 is showing the SEC Football Media Day tomorrow!

SEC football, where being in front by six points is considered a two possesion lead.
                    
Dstone5552 (last year)
I agree with this article, obviously. Who wouldn't?

I was surprised to find only this place talking about it, or at least it's the only place I could find with a quick look.

This is a cool event and I couldn't believe they could be so silly to do this. No wonder Norman Chad wasn't part of it...that guy is pretty awesome.

I was relieved, however, when I discovered that ESPN will do the 'regular' coverage, with Chad, starting on 7/26 all the way to November.

So, ESPN is just offering more coverage for people of love poked enough to sit through the live telecasts.

Therefore, my anger at ESPN has now subsided.
Thunder196 (last year)
Have to agree, not to see the hole cards stinks. That's part of watching, knowing who is bluffing and who is just playing a stupid hand.
amron warrior (last year)
ESPN calls itself a sports network, but how could poker be considered a sport? There are good, real sports that ESPN doesn't cover. The network does it because poker is cheap to produce, but they can still sell commercials at the regular rate. It's all about making money.
MexiMike (last year)
I agree with all of that.

ESPN's intent was definitely admirable...the problem is that it isn't watchable.

No worries. What matters most is ratings. This new format won't last long without the viewers' approval.
tulsandn (last year)
Bring back Australian Rules Football !!!!

Or a deep sea fishing show that doesn't cut out fish victories that happen from time to time....

I'd love to see the post battle interview of a soaked bandaged up fisherman explaining why he didn't buckle himself in....

Sounds better than watching guys sit in a chair staring at cards wearing sunglasses with a stone face....
skip wag (last year)
I turned it on last night.I was able to watch one hand and had to turn it off.might as well watch people walk at the mall
The Picker (last year)
Isn't agreeing on something fun!
210649 (last year)
i agree its boring as heck to watch...But your blog is incorrect. It IS NOT LIVE. ESPN calls it live coverage, but it is a 30 minutes delay. not in real time.
210649 (last year)
they changed the structure format, etc because of low ratings in recent years.....they are simply trying something new. but it is a 30 minute delay to avoid players getting realtime info. As a writer research your stuff.......................
The Picker (last year)
The point is about the hole cards, chronic complainer. It's not my fault you can't predict a thing and are overwhelmed by jealousy. The slight delay prohibits the hole cards from being displayed. Thereby making the event unwatchable. Do you get it now? Take your time. Read slowly. You can do it. Is this or is this not the first time they haven't showed the hole cards? Have you seen the ratings Mr. Whiner? They are horrific. Because you can't see the hole cards. What's your pick today, hot weather? Nice one.
MexiMike (last year)
And that's what you call getting owned.
Dstone5552 (last year)
I agree with this article, obviously. Who wouldn't?

I was surprised to find only this place talking about it, or at least it's the only place I could find with a quick look.

This is a cool event and I couldn't believe they could be so silly to do this. No wonder Norman Chad wasn't part of it...that guy is pretty awesome.

I was relieved, however, when I discovered that ESPN will do the 'regular' coverage, with Chad, starting on 7/26 all the way to November.

So, ESPN is just offering more coverage for people of love poked enough to sit through the live telecasts.

Therefore, my anger at ESPN has now subsided.
210649 (last year)
"That's because somebody could signal the contents of a hand to a player" False quote....previous poster is correct this is not live its a 30 minute delay......therefore noone could ever signal the contents of a hand during the hand. I agree with article.....but that is a false and inaccurate statement.
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The Picker began entertaining – and infuriating – sports fans in 1993. Each week during football season, he writes about his picks of college and NFL games in his Thursday Sports column. He's never afraid of sharing his opinions about the game and the personalities who play it. Readers have a chance to go against him each season in the Outpick the Picker contest. He welcomes the competition.

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