Why we love/admire Phil Ivey

[LVG]

I seriously doubt he plays a lot in public. The only time he'd need to is because of a sudden urge [that hit him while walking through a casino].

[sexualbanana]

But how loose do you think he acts even when he's playing privately? It's kind of hard for me to describe what I'm trying to say in writing; But because he plays with so little outward display of emotions, I wonder if he's the same way when he plays craps - with a complete straight face.

[thayden]

I think I'd be willing to bet he really enjoys himself when he plays craps. I
pretty sure he is not an advantage player so why be serious.

[LVG]

Originally Posted by sexualbanana

But how loose do you think he acts even when he's playing privately? It's kind of hard for me to describe what I'm trying to say in writing; But because he plays with so little outward display of emotions, I wonder if he's the same way when he plays craps - with a complete straight face.

I'm guessing that when there's "big" [to Phil Ivey] money on the line, he's the same regardless of the game. IOW.. straight faced.

[Brisk317]

"Another difference between the old guard and the new school of players has to do with integrity. In the old days, we developed long-lasting friendships by necessity. Our word was our bond. When we borrowed or lost money gambling with one another, we set a date to repay the money and we met the deadline whatever the costs. It was imperative to keep our word in financial matters. We had an appreciation for our profession that most of the younger guys don't have today.
Why was I thinking about this?
Because when Chip died, only Phil Ivey called to say he owed him a big sum of money and asked where he could drop it off. Chip was always such a generous and caring guy that he regularly loaned money to a lot of players. Other than Phil, no players that I know of came forward to pay the debts they owed." - Doyle Brunson (The Godfather of Poker, p. 355)

[LVG]

Originally Posted by Brisk317

"Another difference between the old guard and the new school of players has to do with integrity. In the old days, we developed long-lasting friendships by necessity. Our word was our bond. When we borrowed or lost money gambling with one another, we set a date to repay the money and we met the deadline whatever the costs. It was imperative to keep our word in financial matters. We had an appreciation for our profession that most of the younger guys don't have today.
Why was I thinking about this?
Because when Chip died, only Phil Ivey called to say he owed him a big sum of money and asked where he could drop it off. Chip was always such a generous and caring guy that he regularly loaned money to a lot of players. Other than Phil, no players that I know of came forward to pay the debts they owed." - Doyle Brunson (The Godfather of Poker, p. 355)

I can't really agree with the bolded part**, but I totally believe the Ivey part. And I can totally relate to the Chip situation. Some people would see a death as an excuse to dismiss a debt. It's happening to me right now actually.

I hate slow payin muther****ers!!!





** I believe what Doyle said to be true of Doyle maybe, but not about poker players [in general] of his time. I don't think the players have changed that much over the years in regards to the integrity OR the "appreciation" part. You either have integrity or you don't [that's timeless].

[Stephen Vaughan]

The thing to admire about Phil Ivey is he has obviously worked harder than just about anyone on his game. Even though he is clearly very, very intelligent this on it's own would not be enough.

[Brisk317]

"Speaking of the Hall of Fame, my hat goes off to Phil Ivey who announced he wouldn’t accept the award if he was voted into the Hall. Phil said he didn’t want to be voted in until he was older than Chip Reese was when he was inducted as the youngest player ever. Chip was 43 and what a tribute to him from Phil. There is no doubt that Phil was the best player on this year’s list of nominees but that doesn’t mean he should go in yet. It also should show the committee they should have an age limit for the nominees." - Doyle Brunson's Blog 10/20/10

[The 6th Wilbury]

Originally Posted by Brisk317

"Speaking of the Hall of Fame, my hat goes off to Phil Ivey who announced he wouldn’t accept the award if he was voted into the Hall. Phil said he didn’t want to be voted in until he was older than Chip Reese was when he was inducted as the youngest player ever. Chip was 43 and what a tribute to him from Phil. There is no doubt that Phil was the best player on this year’s list of nominees but that doesn’t mean he should go in yet. It also should show the committee they should have an age limit for the nominees." - Doyle Brunson's Blog 10/20/10

Great bump. And great sentiment.

[SlowHabit]

Originally Posted by Brisk317

"Speaking of the Hall of Fame, my hat goes off to Phil Ivey who announced he wouldn’t accept the award if he was voted into the Hall. Phil said he didn’t want to be voted in until he was older than Chip Reese was when he was inducted as the youngest player ever. Chip was 43 and what a tribute to him from Phil. There is no doubt that Phil was the best player on this year’s list of nominees but that doesn’t mean he should go in yet. It also should show the committee they should have an age limit for the nominees." - Doyle Brunson's Blog 10/20/10

This is why Phil Ivey is the nuts.