Poker Pro Phil Galfond: ‘Old School vs. New School’

Poker pro Phil Galfond has written an excellent article on the “old school vs. new school” in the poker player world.

The topic up for discussion is, more or less, the way that poker players carry themselves and the effect it has on the game as a whole- a very important discussion to have, he noted.

Galfond contends that the old school players believe that today’s younger pros carry themselves in a way "that isn’t good for the games or for the general popularity of poker".

And Galfond agrees with this sentiment.

Most "New School" players are talking advanced strategy at the table, not having fun with the recreational players, and playing slowly and silently on TV.

These are all things that intimidate non-professionals and make the game less interesting (to the general public) to watch.

It makes the players feel outclassed, unwelcome, and dumb.

Galfond also believes that the “New School” of players “has a huge chip on their shoulder”.

A lot of them (including me, long ago) find it very frustrating that there are players (who they feel they could wipe the floor with) getting recognition, praise, fanfare, and the respect from the public, while they get none.

I've always felt that there was a certain level of dishonesty coming from those in the spotlight.  Some guys on TV talking down to younger guys, claiming to be the best, claiming the kids have no chance against them.

It made us feel like, "Well there are over 30 online guys you can choose from to play 300/600nl online or live with, and you don’t.  So obviously you don’t actually believe what you’re saying (which is indirectly about me) to the camera."

- Ace King, Gambling911.com