Blabbermouth or Bully?

The World Series of Poker Main Event will have final table action in a few days. But right now, some players are talking about a hand earlier in the tournament which turned into major-league drama.

ESPN showed a hand from a semifinal table where Canada's Griffin Benger had his "poker face" tested to the extreme. Britain's William Kassouf talked to/at him for a couple of minutes, apparently trying to get a hint about what he had. But finally, Benger had enough - and declared Kassouf guilty of "verbal abuse."

Kassouf said moments later Benger "can't take it," and declared he "got under your skin." But eventually in poker, the cards speak louder than any human. Benger's pocket pair eliminated Kassouf, and propelled him to the "November Nine" (being played early this year because of the U.S. election).

So after watching the clip, what do we think? Well, it's one thing to talk to your opponents at a poker table - but another thing to say so much that you become ridiculous and annoying.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.... a time to be silent and a time to speak. - Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7

Timing not only is important in when you check, raise or push - but also when you talk at the table. Our approach to the talk usually is to be conversational with other players, but not insulting or boastful. That wouldn't set a proper example - especially considering one of our poker goals:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered... - I Corinthians 13:4-6

Yes, we know - a "loving" approach to a poker game sounds weird. But it also can be weird in any kind other of competition, from a political campaign to a boxing ring. We think a loving approach can open the door for a discussion about matters of faith.

Watch the end of the clip carefully, and you'll see Benger accepts a handshake from the "abuser" Kassouf. Another man at the table who stayed out of the showdown did not shake Kassouf's hand. So give them both a few points for being good sports - and think about how you might top both of them, next time you play:

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. - Philippians 2:3