Thank you, Poker Stars

A short time ago I was in a cash razz game on Poker Stars. At the table was an incredibly obnoxious boor, even by online standards. The problem wasn't so much profanity as that he was mercilessly making fun of other players for what he considered their sub-standard play. Losing a pot to him meant enduring his barbs about how badly one played, because, of course, nobody could play as well as he. (One might wonder why such a marvelously advanced player was inhabiting the lowest stakes that PS offers. But never mind that little mystery.)

For example:

ZidanEEE14: johny just please trasfer me ur money
ZidanEEE14: dont even try to play
ZidanEEE14: just send it over

ZidanEEE14: johny u relly have no idea wat ur doing
ZidanEEE14: do u?

I tried asking him to be nice, but he ignored such advice.

When for the second time a player left immediately after taking a torrent of abuse from this jerk, I copied a few of his lines, along with game numbers, and sent an email to Stars support, and told them that two players had left the table, apparently because of his taunts.

Within an hour I received back the following email:


Hello Rakewell1,

I appreciate the time you took to write us regarding your concern. As we cannot monitor every table 24 hours, we are glad to have players as our "eyes and ears".

After review of the chat log, we have decided to remove this player's chat privileges. Their language was totally inappropriate and abusive to others. Our games are to be kept clean, fun, and a comfortable environment for everyone. We cannot tolerate this type of behavior at our tables.

Regards,

Will L.

PokerStars Support Team


Just about the stupidest, most self-destructive thing you can do as a poker player trying to make money is chase away the most unskilled players by humilitating them for playing badly. They will either (1) be motivated to start playing better, thus making it harder to win their money, or (2) leave and find a friendlier place to play, taking their money with them. In addition to hurting yourself, the other players at the table will be none too thrilled with you accomplishing either one of these things, either.

It's gratifying to know that Poker Stars gets this, and will take steps to prevent it, when alerted to what's going on.

This is my official encouragement to all online players to police this kind of crap, and report it when it happens, so that these maroons will get their chat privileges suspended, and stop chasing away the little fishies.


(Today's second lesson: Do not attempt to construct a blog post while playing in a HORSE tournament. I folded a razz hand, then came here to type some. When the next hand started, I had a great opener, and got in a raising war with another guy. We capped the betting. Then I paired on 4th street, and was highly puzzled by being presented with the choice to put in a small bet or a large bet because of the pair. Yep--they had moved on to straight limit stud while I wasn't watching, and I failed to notice the game header. Had to abandon ship after pumping up the pot, and lost nearly a third of my stack in the process. D'oh!)