SEAN ROMAN ON: Texas Hold 'Em

Quick Question to ponder:
Has Texas Hold ’em become a traditional American sport?

Before you take on an elitist position and get set to defend the superiority of millionaire athletes you have NOTHING in common with -- give my defense of poker as a sport a few seconds of consideration.

First, making it to the NBA, NHL, etc., is really a statistical anomaly. Consequently, the reason I most want to make the case for poker is that it can be the sport of the common man.
With Poker, if any of us regular-folk actually desire to be part of a Big Time Sporting event, Texas Hold ‘em is our best shot.

Not yet buying in?
Well, It is quite notable that ESPN 2 presently reruns the World Series of Poker (which finished in early November) more than the repeats of any other event. Professional broadcasters provide great enthusiasm, not when catches are made, nor when punches are landed, but rather when playing cards hit the green felt.

Further, at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, large crowds are on hand to cheer what can only be described as anti-gladiators. The crowds who watch live poker certainly believe they are at some type of sporting event; as the spectator’s gallery is filled with men wearing their some version of their local home team’s sports regalia.

I want to recount a highlight of the World Series of Poker that made me look at it in a new light.

In an episode when the competitors were approaching the final table of nine, the spotlight focused on a portly American player, Matt Affleck, 23, who is apparently quite well-known.
Affleck was involved in a BIG hand against Canadian, Josh Duhamel, who seemed to have the personality of a bar of soap.

Affleck was the leader in poker chips (or points) and he clearly held a desire to be at that Final Table akin to how Lebron wants to get back to the Finals. In this particular hand,
Matt Affleck was dealt the most powerful opening hand in Texas Hold ‘em – two Aces.
His opponent, Josh Duhamel, received two Jacks, which is quite a strong hand in its own right.

At this point, the chances of Josh winning were very slim. The statisticians calculated that the American had an 81% chance of winning at this point. Big bets were made by both players, indicating both had a large hand and the result would determine which would be in good shape to get to the Final Table.

The dealer flopped the next set of cards (three in total) and more betting took place. Since there were no aces or jacks, Affleck still held a terrific chance of winning. When the next card (called the “Turn”) hit the table, Affleck made his move and declared that he was “All in.”

At this point there is one more card to come, and now the American had virtually an 80% chance of winning the hand. Josh Duhamel made the call with his pocket Jacks and finally saw what he was up against.

However, on the flip of the final card (called the “River”), Josh received a one of the few cards that allowed him to win this hand, in this case completing a straight. Upon seeing the final card (an "8), Affleck’s eyes opened wide, as if he had been punched in the gut.

Affleck was out of the game, his dream crushed. His lips fluttered, he was red-faced and welled up. When he first left the card room, he hurled something on the floor. He then appeared to cry against the wall of the Rio Hotel. However, in taking 15th place, Affleck took home just north of $500,000.

Then Matt came back in the card room to give a proper good-bye. He made a showing of respect, composure, and maturity. As a footnote, Josh Duhamel went on to win the tournament.

There was drama in what happened. Even more, Affleck was actually able to create a moment of pathos. It was during this hand that I concluded that Poker is now a traditional American
sport.