SossMan
08-17-2004, 06:51 PM
In case you didn't know, aparantly Phil endorses a few products....enjoy!
Hellmuth's book, Play Poker Like The Pros will surpass 100,000 copies sold by it's first anniversary in May, 2005 and his second book, Bad Beats and Lucky Draws will be released in October of this year. You can find these books, poker tips and more at www.philhellmuth.com. (http://www.philhellmuth.com.)
The following is a transcript of the August 17 chat:
Watch the World Series of Poker on Tuesday nights (9 p.m. ET, ESPN) and don't miss the 2-hour finale on September 14 (9 p.m. ET, ESPN)!
For a list of upcoming ESPN.com chat guests, visit SportsNation.
Phil Hellmuth: I am here and ready to go!
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Justin Boston, MA: Phil, any plans for a book geared more towards the intermediate to advanced poker players?
Phil Hellmuth: Not really. My next book is called Bad Beats and Lucky Draws and it comes out Oct. 26. This book has a lot of colorful stories and can be viewed a bit as an advanced strategy book. It also talks a lot about some exciting hands I have seen. Eventually I will do an advanced strategy book but I already have my third and fourth books coming out next year. However, Play Poker Like the Pros has a lot of advanced strategy in it.
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Monte (Tallahassee, FL): With the rapid expansion of poker, do you expect your record as the youngest person to win the main event at the WSOP to be broken in your lifetime?
Phil Hellmuth: I don't expect that. However, there are a ton of younger players out there. John Murphy who is 21 made the final 20 this year. The reason I say no is I think although more younger players are starting to play, they still make up a small percentage of the field.
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tbone (salina, ks): what is the #1 factor that will make someone a elite poker player.
Phil Hellmuth: They are all very competitive people all around.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ed (Howell, MI): Phil, do you expect the buy-in at next year's WSOP to be raised to $20,000 or more in order to limit the field and keep out some of the internet qualifiers?
Phil Hellmuth: No. But, at some point I think the WSOP will go to a $25,000 buy in I'm just not sure when. I'm fine with $10,000 buy in for the next couple years.
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Matt (Belmont, CA): How do you "read" people so well? It's actually kind of scary.
Phil Hellmuth: (Laughing) It's an ability I've always had. When I'm on I'm really on. But I'm not always perfect.
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Bucket, South Bend IN: What are your feelings on "The Crew"? My roommate has to physically restrain me from destroying the television when they're on screen.
Phil Hellmuth: I would say that I've been asked about 10 questions about The Crew in the last few weeks. I really like and respect Scott Fishman. Dutch Boyd seems OK to me. But not everyone in their group gives respect to the old-time players.
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Dave I. (Dallas, TX): Hey Phil. Loved your book. How much tougher is it for someone to become a successful pro now, as opposed to 10 or 20 years ago when there was no online or TV poker?
Phil Hellmuth: Thank you. Actually it is much easier to become a pro now. You no longer have to depend on your hometown games which might only run 2 or 3 or 4 times a week. Now you can go to ultimatebet.com and play for any amount, anytime. And play tournaments 10 times a day, if you like!
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Nick (Ohio): Hey Phil. Big time fan here. I bought and read your book and I love it, it has helped me very much and has made me a better poker player. My question for you is, what is the best strategy for head to head play in a no-limit hold em tournament. It seems like every time i get down to the last 2 in a tournament I lose. Thanks for your help.
Phil Hellmuth: Practice, practice, practice. If you liked the book, you'll love the new videos.
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Charlie: Coatesville Pa: What are the tells that you see the most from most poker beginners?
Phil Hellmuth: I have a whole DVD out on tells. It's one of four new DVDS out, available at philhellmuth.com. If not there, then go to mastersofpoker.com.
I teach ''trust your instincts''.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Burger , Philly: Phil, thanks for talking to us today ! big poker fan after watching WSOP last year. friends and I recently had our own lil Series of poker and i came up short. do you find it easier to bluff when you have more money, as opposed to having very little ? any tips for players aspiring to take their friends money ?
Phil Hellmuth: Yes, when you have a lot of chips and you bluff you don't cripple yourself. So phycologially it is easlier to bluff with more money.
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Eric (Stanford, CA): My friends and I have often seen you in the stands at Stanford basketball games- someone in the 6th Man Club invariably recognizes you. What else do you do to get away from the poker grind?
Phil Hellmuth: First of all, I don't like my seats very much! Everywhere in the world but Stanford I can get great seats .. LOL!
But I love Stanford basketball. We also have tickets to the Golden State Warriors 5-10 times a year. Sometimes writing books or articles is a nice passion for me. Last week I was in Beaver Creek, Colorado for a week golfing everyday and just chilling.
Phil Hellmuth: I insist on keeping my family number 1 on my priority list and having a balanced life. To me, being with family is very satisfying. But at times, somewhat challenging!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kevin, St. Louis, MO: Like many I am new to tourney poker, but have been playing a lot online over the last year or two. What roll does the Internet play for you in terms of preperation and working on your skills? ? I find that it has helped me a lot but I still get caught making stupid mistakes when I play in a tourney at the casino. I can play more hands in an hour online, but should I be focusing more on playing at a real table?
Phil Hellmuth: I love playing at ultimatebet.com. I can do it in my living room or on my laptop when I'm in a limo. Playing hold 'em does help keep me in good condition. Also, I'm able to play poker on my cell phone. There is a new Phil Hellmuth Texas Hold 'Em game on the cell phone. It's only 2.99 a month. It's a little slow but the graphics are great. Talk about the future of poker!
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Jess (Baton Rouge): Do you comsider yourself the greatest of all time?
Phil Hellmuth: (Laughing) I do have a big ego! I hope someday that most people consider me the best poker player of all time.
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Jimmy (Phoenix, AZ): Phil, what do you think is the best way to get better in No Limit when you pretty much only play limit hold'em? I do very well at limit, but I can't get over the hump at No Limit...thanks
Phil Hellmuth: I think you have to read a good book and practice quite a bit. No Limit is a different mind set. We have small stakes no limit games at ultimatebet.com that you can buy 2 for $20. But I think playing no limit in the real world is very important as well.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Austin (Lynchburg, VA): You always seem to make the right reads on other players and when you lose it always is just bein outdrawn. However, if you had to say, who do you find the toughest to get a consistent read on?
Phil Hellmuth: I had trouble reading Toto Leonidas but now I think I finally figured him out! (many of you saw the hand I figured him out on!)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Todd H. (NY, NY): Big Phil, loved your performance against Chan the Man in 1989. Poker seems like the "in" thing nowadays. Do you ever worry that the heavy marketing and globality of the sport will cause it to burn out like a fad?
Phil Hellmuth: Yes, I do worry about that. We've had the Tour since the 70s and that will continue to go on. It will never go back to what it was. It will always be bigger and better. There is a movie about my life that has been shopped around that covers the 89 WSOP called "The Madison Kid''. Reading the script has been bringing back a lot of memories. The script is by Bob Soderstrom. Beacon Pictures loves the script and are going to take it out for a spin in a few weeks.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Justin, NY, NY: Hi Phil, Which is a more appealing event to you, the WSOP or World Poker Tour, and why? Thanks!
Phil Hellmuth: The WSOP was and is the test for poker greatness. The WSOP used to be all four golf majors rolled into one. That was where you made your name and won your money. Now, the rules have changed. But the WSOP still has the most prestige and will have it for a long long time. That being said, the $25,000 buy in World Poker Tour championship event has moved way up in stature. I would rather win that than a regular WSOP event. There is no doubt that winning World Poker Tour events has to become part of my legacy.
Phil Hellmuth: There are other Tours on the way.
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Mike Omaha NE: What's your favorite pocket hand? Mine would have to be a 9, 2 offsuit.
Phil Hellmuth: 2 black nines!
Phil Hellmuth: Because of their history .. of course, I like two aces.
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Thuy (Atlanta GA): Phil, what was going through your mind when you folded that QQ in the main event. It is one of the best starting hands.
Phil Hellmuth: I folded queens in back to back hands at the WSOP this year. Both times to single opponents. The first time I wasn't sure what my opponent had but I felt he had Ace King or Aces and Kings. After I folded, he showed and it was Ace King. I had been unlucky at that table and I knew we were breaking the table. The second time, I actually thought my opponent had a smaller hand (he showed 77) I folded because I thought at the time I'm now so great at poker that I don't have to take a 4.5-1 favorite anymore. Lately I've been rethinking that strategy .. LOL .. The third hand I picked up KK (what an unbelievable sequence!) I went with the Kings (was the universe trying to double me up?)
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Men the Master (Viva Las Vegas): Heya Phil, I own you.
Phil Hellmuth: I have a lot of respect for the way Men the Master plays poker.
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Craig (Philadelphia, PA): Phil, how do you respond when people say that you're a a poor loser and a compulsive loudmouth who doesn't give his opponents enough credit?
Phil Hellmuth: I would respond thusly.. I do whine too much. No doubt about it. I'm certainly not a compulsive loudmouth. You have to understand that 2 percent of my time is spend whining. But the cameras are always there for that 2 percent! I never whine away from the table or in any activity other than poker. Because my self esteem was low, losing pots made me feel like I was a loser and as my ego gets bigger, with all of the attention and the spotlight and the books and DVDs and ESPN and the movie offers and the reality shows .. I try hard to keep my ego under control. But obviously I have been losing the battle because I seem to whine too much when I get unlucky.
Phil Hellmuth: But, I'm honorable and honest and the most forgiving person you have ever seen. I'm a good father and a good husband. And I'm generous to a fault.
Phil Hellmuth: These are the characteristics I'm proud of.
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Rocco (Boston,MA): Does it bother you at all that you're not at the top of the all-time money list anymore just because of the huge growth in the WSOP?
Phil Hellmuth: What do you think?! It took me 15 years to get to $3.6 million. 30-some finals tables. 46 times in the money. Now 1 guy with one time in the money, 1 final table, goes to $5 million and passes me! (it sounds like sour grapes but actually it's great for poker that this happened) I just want to be the first guy to cross the $10 million mark at the WSOP.
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Derek (Boston MA): Big fan, I've been in to poker for years. I love the new blood. How do you like Foxwoods? Who is your arch rival?
Phil Hellmuth: My arch rival? ESPN makes it seems like Sam Grizzle. But Johnny Chan and I are fighting for poker history. In my new book Bad Beats and Lucky Draws, I detail four times where Chan and I ended up heads up. Three of those times for the title. I respect Johnny and we get along well. But at the poker table, it's war baby!
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Chops (ATL): Chops here. Favorite poker game? NLTH? Omaha? 7CS?
Phil Hellmuth: My favorite poker game is No Limit Texas Hold 'Em. My favorite event is the World Championships (the $10,000 buy in WSOP) and I feel like I'm going to win that event again soon but it will be difficult because we will never have less than 4,000 players in it again.
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Geremie(Arcata, CA): Speaking of Grizzle...can you tell the story of when the guy actually threw a punch at you?
Phil Hellmuth: Yes. One time at the Horshoe during the HOF Poker tournament I was in a high stakes side game. I was holding Sam's seat for him (he wanted me to hold his seat without paying rake) Now, 90 minutes later, he comes back and he doesn't have a seat. He goes ballistic. Now Sam would never mess with me on a regular day. In fact, I've only been in one fight in the last 22 years. But I'd been walking around with my back in obvious pain for four days. I shouldn't have been in town. I had so much back pain. Sam was so bitter and so much negativity coming out of his mouth. I said ''Sam, maybe you should take me outside. I can't even stand up straight'' (I was half joking). Then he said ''Let's go.'' I didn't feel threatened at all by Sam. I went out and it was the perfect fight. We both threw punches, landed punches. But the next day, neither one of us had a mark on our faces! Thus, the perfect fight! Sam and I were laughing and joking about it the next day.
Phil Hellmuth: (Obviously poker players aren't fighters!)
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Ryan (Austin, Texas): Hey Phil - what is a typical day in the life of Phil Hellmuth and how often do most pros actually play ?
Phil Hellmuth: A typical day? 30 emails. 15 phone calls. On any given day I may write an article, write part of a book, talk to my sports agent about different deals. Today, in fact, I'm in L.A. staying at a friends mansion and at 3pm I have a creative meeting for the reality show I created and star in with RJ Cutler. Then at 6:30 I go to the Bicycle Club for an awards banquet (I haven't even played an event yet) to help facilitate and MC a tribute to one of my best friends and the best poker writer ever, who died recently, Andy Glazer, at which point I will either come back to the mansion for a high stakes game, or fly home (but my wife will have an opinion about that. She might want me home.) My wife is incredibly supportive of me. I've also been spending a lot of time planning my book and dvd tour. Details will be posted at philhellmuth.com.
Phil Hellmuth: I also will play a little at ultimatebet.com in a typical day. I play my cell phone game for a bit each day also. The business of poker is booming!
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dan (ny): do you realize how often the following quote is repeated in weekly, neighborhood games: "if it wasn't for luck, I'd win every hand"?
Phil Hellmuth: (Laughing)
Phil Hellmuth: (still laughing) .. maybe that is a little bit of that ego I was talking about!
Phil Hellmuth: Here is another line for you .. ''I look into people's souls!''
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Brian (St. Louis): With the way theat the WSOP has expanded so rapidly do you think we will ever see another back to back champion again?
Phil Hellmuth: Well, my hats off to Dan Harrington for making it deep two years in a row. The pure mathematical odds of winning two years in a row is staggering. I would like to think that I can do it, but it's a tough hill to climb.
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Trevor (Boulder, CO): I know your family wasn't thrilled with your choice of careers, now how do they feel? Do you really thinked they are convinced it is proper way to make a living?
Phil Hellmuth: That's all going to come out in the ''Madison Kid''. But obviously ... no!
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Jim (MD): Do you have a problem "reading" opponents who wear sunglasses...
Phil Hellmuth: Going back a second .. my autobiography ''Poker Brat'' will be timed for the release of the movie.
Yes, it is harder. I don't think that you will catch me at the poker tables without my Oakley sunglasses in the near future.
Phil Hellmuth: Oakley's sunglasses are hot and I feel a little extra cool when I wear them.
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JC (L.A., CA): Can one be a great poker player without having a great mathematical mind?
Phil Hellmuth: Absolutely! We have hillbillies with third grade educations and 8th grade educations who have conquered the poker world. There is no telling why someone is great at reading other people. Some people just are ...
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Pat (Redmond, WA): Are there rules on what you can and can't wear at the table (i.e. can you where a Halloween mask)?
Phil Hellmuth: Yes, there are some rules but only rules made by Tours. For example, the World Poker Tour will not let you wear logo gear at the tables. Obviously the players are not happy about this. The WSOP banned for it's last four ESPN tournaments online poker sites from it's finals tables. That's why last week on the ESPN telecast you will see me wearing an Oakley hat and a Summus sweater (Summus is behind the Phil Hellmuth cell phone game) where as normally I would wear an ultimatebet.com hat. That is what most people are accustomed to seeing me wear, that hat and Oakley sunglasses.
Phil Hellmuth: Some of the FOX touranments banned online poker site gear from their final 6 as well. Players like it when they can wear anything because it's easier for us to make endorsement dollars.
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Sean, Indy: Phil, In you opinion who are the top 5 current tourney players? Also is Ben Affleck a respected player in poker circles or just a good story?
Phil Hellmuth: Ben Affleck is more brilliant and sharp and witty and gets ''it'' than anyone in the American public realizes. His poker game has soared to nearly a world class level and him winning the $10,000 buy in earlier this year was no fluke. My hat's off to Ben for being able to achieve so much in so many different fields.
Phil Hellmuth: And he's a nice guy ..
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Justin (Los angeles): Phil, is it possible for you to plug more of your products during this chat?
Phil Hellmuth: Promote promote promote! (If you go after the highest quality products, then why be shy when it comes time to promote them?) I try to make sure everything that has the Phil Hellmuth brands associated with it is of the highest quality. By the way, I forgot to promote the Phil Hellmuth chip set ; ) ..
Seriously, good luck to everyone out there. I'm glad to see so many people love to play the poker games that I love to play. Games filled with skill, patience, bluffing and strategy. I"ll back back soon!
Phil Hellmuth: Thanks for all the questions! I had fun. We'll do it again in a couple weeks.
Hellmuth's book, Play Poker Like The Pros will surpass 100,000 copies sold by it's first anniversary in May, 2005 and his second book, Bad Beats and Lucky Draws will be released in October of this year. You can find these books, poker tips and more at www.philhellmuth.com. (http://www.philhellmuth.com.)
The following is a transcript of the August 17 chat:
Watch the World Series of Poker on Tuesday nights (9 p.m. ET, ESPN) and don't miss the 2-hour finale on September 14 (9 p.m. ET, ESPN)!
For a list of upcoming ESPN.com chat guests, visit SportsNation.
Phil Hellmuth: I am here and ready to go!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Justin Boston, MA: Phil, any plans for a book geared more towards the intermediate to advanced poker players?
Phil Hellmuth: Not really. My next book is called Bad Beats and Lucky Draws and it comes out Oct. 26. This book has a lot of colorful stories and can be viewed a bit as an advanced strategy book. It also talks a lot about some exciting hands I have seen. Eventually I will do an advanced strategy book but I already have my third and fourth books coming out next year. However, Play Poker Like the Pros has a lot of advanced strategy in it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monte (Tallahassee, FL): With the rapid expansion of poker, do you expect your record as the youngest person to win the main event at the WSOP to be broken in your lifetime?
Phil Hellmuth: I don't expect that. However, there are a ton of younger players out there. John Murphy who is 21 made the final 20 this year. The reason I say no is I think although more younger players are starting to play, they still make up a small percentage of the field.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
tbone (salina, ks): what is the #1 factor that will make someone a elite poker player.
Phil Hellmuth: They are all very competitive people all around.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ed (Howell, MI): Phil, do you expect the buy-in at next year's WSOP to be raised to $20,000 or more in order to limit the field and keep out some of the internet qualifiers?
Phil Hellmuth: No. But, at some point I think the WSOP will go to a $25,000 buy in I'm just not sure when. I'm fine with $10,000 buy in for the next couple years.
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Matt (Belmont, CA): How do you "read" people so well? It's actually kind of scary.
Phil Hellmuth: (Laughing) It's an ability I've always had. When I'm on I'm really on. But I'm not always perfect.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bucket, South Bend IN: What are your feelings on "The Crew"? My roommate has to physically restrain me from destroying the television when they're on screen.
Phil Hellmuth: I would say that I've been asked about 10 questions about The Crew in the last few weeks. I really like and respect Scott Fishman. Dutch Boyd seems OK to me. But not everyone in their group gives respect to the old-time players.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dave I. (Dallas, TX): Hey Phil. Loved your book. How much tougher is it for someone to become a successful pro now, as opposed to 10 or 20 years ago when there was no online or TV poker?
Phil Hellmuth: Thank you. Actually it is much easier to become a pro now. You no longer have to depend on your hometown games which might only run 2 or 3 or 4 times a week. Now you can go to ultimatebet.com and play for any amount, anytime. And play tournaments 10 times a day, if you like!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nick (Ohio): Hey Phil. Big time fan here. I bought and read your book and I love it, it has helped me very much and has made me a better poker player. My question for you is, what is the best strategy for head to head play in a no-limit hold em tournament. It seems like every time i get down to the last 2 in a tournament I lose. Thanks for your help.
Phil Hellmuth: Practice, practice, practice. If you liked the book, you'll love the new videos.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charlie: Coatesville Pa: What are the tells that you see the most from most poker beginners?
Phil Hellmuth: I have a whole DVD out on tells. It's one of four new DVDS out, available at philhellmuth.com. If not there, then go to mastersofpoker.com.
I teach ''trust your instincts''.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Burger , Philly: Phil, thanks for talking to us today ! big poker fan after watching WSOP last year. friends and I recently had our own lil Series of poker and i came up short. do you find it easier to bluff when you have more money, as opposed to having very little ? any tips for players aspiring to take their friends money ?
Phil Hellmuth: Yes, when you have a lot of chips and you bluff you don't cripple yourself. So phycologially it is easlier to bluff with more money.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eric (Stanford, CA): My friends and I have often seen you in the stands at Stanford basketball games- someone in the 6th Man Club invariably recognizes you. What else do you do to get away from the poker grind?
Phil Hellmuth: First of all, I don't like my seats very much! Everywhere in the world but Stanford I can get great seats .. LOL!
But I love Stanford basketball. We also have tickets to the Golden State Warriors 5-10 times a year. Sometimes writing books or articles is a nice passion for me. Last week I was in Beaver Creek, Colorado for a week golfing everyday and just chilling.
Phil Hellmuth: I insist on keeping my family number 1 on my priority list and having a balanced life. To me, being with family is very satisfying. But at times, somewhat challenging!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kevin, St. Louis, MO: Like many I am new to tourney poker, but have been playing a lot online over the last year or two. What roll does the Internet play for you in terms of preperation and working on your skills? ? I find that it has helped me a lot but I still get caught making stupid mistakes when I play in a tourney at the casino. I can play more hands in an hour online, but should I be focusing more on playing at a real table?
Phil Hellmuth: I love playing at ultimatebet.com. I can do it in my living room or on my laptop when I'm in a limo. Playing hold 'em does help keep me in good condition. Also, I'm able to play poker on my cell phone. There is a new Phil Hellmuth Texas Hold 'Em game on the cell phone. It's only 2.99 a month. It's a little slow but the graphics are great. Talk about the future of poker!
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Jess (Baton Rouge): Do you comsider yourself the greatest of all time?
Phil Hellmuth: (Laughing) I do have a big ego! I hope someday that most people consider me the best poker player of all time.
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Jimmy (Phoenix, AZ): Phil, what do you think is the best way to get better in No Limit when you pretty much only play limit hold'em? I do very well at limit, but I can't get over the hump at No Limit...thanks
Phil Hellmuth: I think you have to read a good book and practice quite a bit. No Limit is a different mind set. We have small stakes no limit games at ultimatebet.com that you can buy 2 for $20. But I think playing no limit in the real world is very important as well.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Austin (Lynchburg, VA): You always seem to make the right reads on other players and when you lose it always is just bein outdrawn. However, if you had to say, who do you find the toughest to get a consistent read on?
Phil Hellmuth: I had trouble reading Toto Leonidas but now I think I finally figured him out! (many of you saw the hand I figured him out on!)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Todd H. (NY, NY): Big Phil, loved your performance against Chan the Man in 1989. Poker seems like the "in" thing nowadays. Do you ever worry that the heavy marketing and globality of the sport will cause it to burn out like a fad?
Phil Hellmuth: Yes, I do worry about that. We've had the Tour since the 70s and that will continue to go on. It will never go back to what it was. It will always be bigger and better. There is a movie about my life that has been shopped around that covers the 89 WSOP called "The Madison Kid''. Reading the script has been bringing back a lot of memories. The script is by Bob Soderstrom. Beacon Pictures loves the script and are going to take it out for a spin in a few weeks.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Justin, NY, NY: Hi Phil, Which is a more appealing event to you, the WSOP or World Poker Tour, and why? Thanks!
Phil Hellmuth: The WSOP was and is the test for poker greatness. The WSOP used to be all four golf majors rolled into one. That was where you made your name and won your money. Now, the rules have changed. But the WSOP still has the most prestige and will have it for a long long time. That being said, the $25,000 buy in World Poker Tour championship event has moved way up in stature. I would rather win that than a regular WSOP event. There is no doubt that winning World Poker Tour events has to become part of my legacy.
Phil Hellmuth: There are other Tours on the way.
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Mike Omaha NE: What's your favorite pocket hand? Mine would have to be a 9, 2 offsuit.
Phil Hellmuth: 2 black nines!
Phil Hellmuth: Because of their history .. of course, I like two aces.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thuy (Atlanta GA): Phil, what was going through your mind when you folded that QQ in the main event. It is one of the best starting hands.
Phil Hellmuth: I folded queens in back to back hands at the WSOP this year. Both times to single opponents. The first time I wasn't sure what my opponent had but I felt he had Ace King or Aces and Kings. After I folded, he showed and it was Ace King. I had been unlucky at that table and I knew we were breaking the table. The second time, I actually thought my opponent had a smaller hand (he showed 77) I folded because I thought at the time I'm now so great at poker that I don't have to take a 4.5-1 favorite anymore. Lately I've been rethinking that strategy .. LOL .. The third hand I picked up KK (what an unbelievable sequence!) I went with the Kings (was the universe trying to double me up?)
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Men the Master (Viva Las Vegas): Heya Phil, I own you.
Phil Hellmuth: I have a lot of respect for the way Men the Master plays poker.
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Craig (Philadelphia, PA): Phil, how do you respond when people say that you're a a poor loser and a compulsive loudmouth who doesn't give his opponents enough credit?
Phil Hellmuth: I would respond thusly.. I do whine too much. No doubt about it. I'm certainly not a compulsive loudmouth. You have to understand that 2 percent of my time is spend whining. But the cameras are always there for that 2 percent! I never whine away from the table or in any activity other than poker. Because my self esteem was low, losing pots made me feel like I was a loser and as my ego gets bigger, with all of the attention and the spotlight and the books and DVDs and ESPN and the movie offers and the reality shows .. I try hard to keep my ego under control. But obviously I have been losing the battle because I seem to whine too much when I get unlucky.
Phil Hellmuth: But, I'm honorable and honest and the most forgiving person you have ever seen. I'm a good father and a good husband. And I'm generous to a fault.
Phil Hellmuth: These are the characteristics I'm proud of.
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Rocco (Boston,MA): Does it bother you at all that you're not at the top of the all-time money list anymore just because of the huge growth in the WSOP?
Phil Hellmuth: What do you think?! It took me 15 years to get to $3.6 million. 30-some finals tables. 46 times in the money. Now 1 guy with one time in the money, 1 final table, goes to $5 million and passes me! (it sounds like sour grapes but actually it's great for poker that this happened) I just want to be the first guy to cross the $10 million mark at the WSOP.
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Derek (Boston MA): Big fan, I've been in to poker for years. I love the new blood. How do you like Foxwoods? Who is your arch rival?
Phil Hellmuth: My arch rival? ESPN makes it seems like Sam Grizzle. But Johnny Chan and I are fighting for poker history. In my new book Bad Beats and Lucky Draws, I detail four times where Chan and I ended up heads up. Three of those times for the title. I respect Johnny and we get along well. But at the poker table, it's war baby!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chops (ATL): Chops here. Favorite poker game? NLTH? Omaha? 7CS?
Phil Hellmuth: My favorite poker game is No Limit Texas Hold 'Em. My favorite event is the World Championships (the $10,000 buy in WSOP) and I feel like I'm going to win that event again soon but it will be difficult because we will never have less than 4,000 players in it again.
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Geremie(Arcata, CA): Speaking of Grizzle...can you tell the story of when the guy actually threw a punch at you?
Phil Hellmuth: Yes. One time at the Horshoe during the HOF Poker tournament I was in a high stakes side game. I was holding Sam's seat for him (he wanted me to hold his seat without paying rake) Now, 90 minutes later, he comes back and he doesn't have a seat. He goes ballistic. Now Sam would never mess with me on a regular day. In fact, I've only been in one fight in the last 22 years. But I'd been walking around with my back in obvious pain for four days. I shouldn't have been in town. I had so much back pain. Sam was so bitter and so much negativity coming out of his mouth. I said ''Sam, maybe you should take me outside. I can't even stand up straight'' (I was half joking). Then he said ''Let's go.'' I didn't feel threatened at all by Sam. I went out and it was the perfect fight. We both threw punches, landed punches. But the next day, neither one of us had a mark on our faces! Thus, the perfect fight! Sam and I were laughing and joking about it the next day.
Phil Hellmuth: (Obviously poker players aren't fighters!)
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Ryan (Austin, Texas): Hey Phil - what is a typical day in the life of Phil Hellmuth and how often do most pros actually play ?
Phil Hellmuth: A typical day? 30 emails. 15 phone calls. On any given day I may write an article, write part of a book, talk to my sports agent about different deals. Today, in fact, I'm in L.A. staying at a friends mansion and at 3pm I have a creative meeting for the reality show I created and star in with RJ Cutler. Then at 6:30 I go to the Bicycle Club for an awards banquet (I haven't even played an event yet) to help facilitate and MC a tribute to one of my best friends and the best poker writer ever, who died recently, Andy Glazer, at which point I will either come back to the mansion for a high stakes game, or fly home (but my wife will have an opinion about that. She might want me home.) My wife is incredibly supportive of me. I've also been spending a lot of time planning my book and dvd tour. Details will be posted at philhellmuth.com.
Phil Hellmuth: I also will play a little at ultimatebet.com in a typical day. I play my cell phone game for a bit each day also. The business of poker is booming!
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dan (ny): do you realize how often the following quote is repeated in weekly, neighborhood games: "if it wasn't for luck, I'd win every hand"?
Phil Hellmuth: (Laughing)
Phil Hellmuth: (still laughing) .. maybe that is a little bit of that ego I was talking about!
Phil Hellmuth: Here is another line for you .. ''I look into people's souls!''
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Brian (St. Louis): With the way theat the WSOP has expanded so rapidly do you think we will ever see another back to back champion again?
Phil Hellmuth: Well, my hats off to Dan Harrington for making it deep two years in a row. The pure mathematical odds of winning two years in a row is staggering. I would like to think that I can do it, but it's a tough hill to climb.
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Trevor (Boulder, CO): I know your family wasn't thrilled with your choice of careers, now how do they feel? Do you really thinked they are convinced it is proper way to make a living?
Phil Hellmuth: That's all going to come out in the ''Madison Kid''. But obviously ... no!
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Jim (MD): Do you have a problem "reading" opponents who wear sunglasses...
Phil Hellmuth: Going back a second .. my autobiography ''Poker Brat'' will be timed for the release of the movie.
Yes, it is harder. I don't think that you will catch me at the poker tables without my Oakley sunglasses in the near future.
Phil Hellmuth: Oakley's sunglasses are hot and I feel a little extra cool when I wear them.
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JC (L.A., CA): Can one be a great poker player without having a great mathematical mind?
Phil Hellmuth: Absolutely! We have hillbillies with third grade educations and 8th grade educations who have conquered the poker world. There is no telling why someone is great at reading other people. Some people just are ...
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Pat (Redmond, WA): Are there rules on what you can and can't wear at the table (i.e. can you where a Halloween mask)?
Phil Hellmuth: Yes, there are some rules but only rules made by Tours. For example, the World Poker Tour will not let you wear logo gear at the tables. Obviously the players are not happy about this. The WSOP banned for it's last four ESPN tournaments online poker sites from it's finals tables. That's why last week on the ESPN telecast you will see me wearing an Oakley hat and a Summus sweater (Summus is behind the Phil Hellmuth cell phone game) where as normally I would wear an ultimatebet.com hat. That is what most people are accustomed to seeing me wear, that hat and Oakley sunglasses.
Phil Hellmuth: Some of the FOX touranments banned online poker site gear from their final 6 as well. Players like it when they can wear anything because it's easier for us to make endorsement dollars.
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Sean, Indy: Phil, In you opinion who are the top 5 current tourney players? Also is Ben Affleck a respected player in poker circles or just a good story?
Phil Hellmuth: Ben Affleck is more brilliant and sharp and witty and gets ''it'' than anyone in the American public realizes. His poker game has soared to nearly a world class level and him winning the $10,000 buy in earlier this year was no fluke. My hat's off to Ben for being able to achieve so much in so many different fields.
Phil Hellmuth: And he's a nice guy ..
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Justin (Los angeles): Phil, is it possible for you to plug more of your products during this chat?
Phil Hellmuth: Promote promote promote! (If you go after the highest quality products, then why be shy when it comes time to promote them?) I try to make sure everything that has the Phil Hellmuth brands associated with it is of the highest quality. By the way, I forgot to promote the Phil Hellmuth chip set ; ) ..
Seriously, good luck to everyone out there. I'm glad to see so many people love to play the poker games that I love to play. Games filled with skill, patience, bluffing and strategy. I"ll back back soon!
Phil Hellmuth: Thanks for all the questions! I had fun. We'll do it again in a couple weeks.