The Holy and the Ivey

We've let the dust settle for a few days from Phil Ivey's announcement that he's boycotting the World Series of Poker. Some professional poker players have supported his stand (such as Daniel Negreanu), while others have not (such as Andrew Robl).

Ivey's ire is aimed at Full Tilt Poker, claiming it's failed to repay many players who lost their accounts in the April federal crackdown on online poker. Without getting into the legal details and fine points, we'd ask a couple of different questions.

1. Why boycott the World Series of Poker over this? As far as we know, it's not run by any online poker business.

2. What is Ivey doing personally to help players who have their accounts frozen, and fear they'll lose a lot of money?

That second question admittedly cuts deeper. Ivey has made millions of dollars playing poker. Is he "sharing the wealth" with other players in need? Consider the advice Jesus once gave to a rich young ruler....

Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. - Matthew 19:21-22

Giving to "poor" poker players goes contrary to the rules of a game, of course. But Ivey's stand should go far beyond strategy -- it should come down to a matter of how to show practical help and compassion to fellow Full Tilters.

If Ivey really cares about others facing big poker losses, he shouldn't simply walk away from a spotlight event. He should take steps to assist them. After all, Ivey is skilled enough to walk into a high-stakes cash game and win more money if he needs it.