  Following the WPT Invitational screened on Challenge recently ( featuring Phil " The Unabomber"
 Laak)  there was a lot of talk on the forum about " characters"  and whether they were " good for the game" nbsp;  Then there was some more following reports of Tony G's behaviour at the latest& nbsp; WPT Paris event.  There are some real characters in poker it's true. nbsp;  But all those who I would class as genuine characters do not need to shout at the top of their voice all the time to get attention. nbsp;
 Nor do they need to dress up like pantomime dames.
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 A genuine black hat could do a lot for the game.
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 But to wear that hat you need to be a top player.
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 Top top.
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 Cantona or Tyson.
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 Or the Undertaker :
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 The only poker player who even comes close is the Devilfish.  To be a real character you need more than a loud voice and a £ 4. 99 joke book.
nbsp; nbsp;
For example,  people&
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tell me that Mad Marty is a really nice,  generous guy.
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 But I don't know him -  and at the poker table he is nothing short of a pain in the arse.  The real issue is that television has great power to influence the easily influenced.
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 Monkey see monkey do.
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 If you're bored watching the likes of Ivey and Lederer play poker then try WWE instead.
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 There's nothing wrong with WWE,  I just don't want to be in it every time I play poker live.
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 If I'm going to be surrounded by wannabees every time I go out and play,  I'd much rather they were wannabee Iveys than wannabee Unabombers.
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 There really is little worse in poker than having to sit next to some unfunny loudmouth who thinks he's a " character"  when you can't give him the slap he deserves.
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 Hooray once more for the Internet and the " block chat"  button.  &
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