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Player splashes the pot every bet (2 Viewers)

Huskerchipper

Huskerchipper

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Alright ladies and gentlemen I am curious how others would view and deal with a player like this. I have run a monthly poker tournament for quite some time now and one of my regular players tosses his chips into the pot...every...single...time he puts chips in. I have addressed the group as a whole, before the tournament on this topic a couple times over the last year to no avail. To me it's a big No-No as there have been times you need to confirm who put what in the pot and verify bets. I don't have much casino playing experience but i can't believe that would fly at a real poker table. Maybe it would though. It's more of a casual and social game but i want to eliminate any scenarios that might cause controversy in a pot. Am I being too uptight?
 
No, you're not being too uptight, that's very frustrating. The bets clearly in front of everyone allows everyone to relax and play casually because the information is set in stone; once he tosses his bet into the pot it requires someone remember what has happened, which isn't always the case. It would definitely not fly, and when I deal in tournaments I'll pick up the chips and place them in front of a player with a nice warning, then a curt warning. Never going to get upset if new players do it with their $2 bets but in a monthly game there's no excuse.

Have you pulled them aside? "hey man love having you but you putting chips straight into the pot confuses me. Planning and running a tournament is really tiring and when bets are in front of the players it makes my job easier. Please help me with this! And don't you dare beat me again with J7o, yes I remember that hand, well done."

All that being said I joined an older gentleman's game and they all splash the pot constantly with antes and bets, and then we spend a minute or two deciding if the pot was right. Its ridiculous, but I am in Rome and do as the Romans. Different scenario because you're the one running the game!
 
Huskerchipper said:
Alright ladies and gentlemen I am curious how others would view and deal with a player like this. I have run a monthly poker tournament for quite some time now and one of my regular players tosses his chips into the pot...every...single...time he puts chips in. I have addressed the group as a whole, before the tournament on this topic a couple times over the last year to no avail. To me it's a big No-No as there have been times you need to confirm who put what in the pot and verify bets. I don't have much casino playing experience but i can't believe that would fly at a real poker table. Maybe it would though. It's more of a casual and social game but i want to eliminate any scenarios that might cause controversy in a pot. Am I being too uptight?
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Splashing the pot or making change without leaving the correct bet out in front of them is an auto raise from me.
Every single time.
They are going to have to see the pain it causes.
 
Angry Season 4 GIF by Dexter
 
"Action is on you"

"I already put my bet in the pot"

"I haven't pulled in the pot yet. You have no chips out, so the action is on you"

"I put it in the pot. Here, let me count the pot"

"TDA rule 54-A. Players are entitled to a pot count in pot-limit only. Action is on you."
It's not being uptight. It's about being social, and being able to take the focus off the game until the guy to the right has made a valid action. Since you have explained that splashing is not allowed, then he knows that splashing is not a valid action.

Stand your ground. Pot-splashers are either cowboys from the 1960s or looking for a chance to under-call a big pot. Does he wear chaps?
 
If you addressed this to the group, then he doesn't respect the group and he's doing it to tilt you and others. I've known players to consistently push buttons to keep everyone else focused on that instead of the hand. Basically he's taking advantage. I might start forgetting to invite him if he doesn't respect the house rules.
 
Poker Zombie said:
"Action is on you"

"I already put my bet in the pot"

"I haven't pulled in the pot yet. You have no chips out, so the action is on you"

"I put it in the pot. Here, let me count the pot"

"TDA rule 54-A. Players are entitled to a pot count in pot-limit only. Action is on you."
It's not being uptight. It's about being social, and being able to take the focus off the game until the guy to the right has made a valid action. Since you have explained that splashing is not allowed, then he knows that splashing is not a valid action.

Stand your ground. Pot-splashers are either cowboys from the 1960s or looking for a chance to under-call a big pot. Does he wear chaps?
Click to expand...

I wish I could like this twice!! This is the way.
 
wickedwonka121 said:
If you addressed this to the group, then he doesn't respect the group and he's doing it to tilt you and others. I've known players to consistently push buttons to keep everyone else focused on that instead of the hand. Basically he's taking advantage. I might start forgetting to invite him if he doesn't respect the house rules.
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Lord, I have a player like this. He specifically antes late some hands because he likes the attention and hopes someone will pay it for him. Its 50 cents!!

I enable him and pay it occasionally because I crush the game and paying an extra 50c is +EV to see more hands lol. Otherwise we have 2 mooks discussing who didn't ante for another minute. Time is a currency! I'm tilted thinking about this, damnit.
 
Shorting the pot is one of, if not the most common way to cheat - at least in my experience. The perpetrator doesn't have to do it every time he splashes. Just a few bigger bets missing a chip a night is plenty.

I like @Poker Zombie 's solution. Sometimes the best lessons are taught painfully. I expect the splasher is going get angry and might well cash out. He will either learn the lesson or "self-ban" himself.
 
Thanks for all of the feedback. I like the guy in general but he is a bit abrasive. He has attended my games for 20 years and I do not believe he is doing this to try to cheat in any way shape or form. He is one of the best players in my group and it just comes across as a cocky and arrogant type of play. He didn't used to do this until my games resumed post Covid.

Poker Zombie has given me an idea though. I always address the group before play begins to discuss our process of drawing seats, rebuys, breaks etc. I am going to make it clear that this is the 3rd and final time I will be addressing this and that any chips thrown into the pot will immediately be forfeited and the wager must then be resubmitted by the offender. Also reminding the group that the rules in poker are there to protect the players and keep things running smoothly without conflict. If following the rules is too much to ask then maybe my game isn't for you....
 
NotRealNameNoSir said:
Lord, I have a player like this. He specifically antes late some hands because he likes the attention and hopes someone will pay it for him. Its 50 cents!!

I enable him and pay it occasionally because I crush the game and paying an extra 50c is +EV to see more hands lol. Otherwise we have 2 mooks discussing who didn't ante for another minute. Time is a currency! I'm tilted thinking about this, damnit.
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I hate to say it, but Big Blind Ante.
 
Is this guy antisocial in a way that makes him hard to address? If someone splashes the pot a bit I just push their bet back and say 'keep your bet in front of you until the action ends'. Unless he's super difficult I don't think there's a reason to make it an off-table discussion, just call it out when he does it and say 'dont splash the pot'.
 
I have had some experience with this, albeit in cash games.

I wouldn't say anything ahead of time, while people may want to conform, it can be difficult to stop a bad habit. Sometimes social pressure can help trigger a reset, people don't want to be embarrassed, but you (appearing to) being an asshole to someone because they splashed the pot is a bit over kill. It will come across this is the first time and the player gets no grace? You stating that its not the first time and that he always does it, sounds like your whining and just dislike the guy.

You wouldn't want someone to accuse you of cheating or be overly harsh, if you force the player to post a second bet, others at the table will chime in with 'Just' cause. However if you've called them out multiple times to correct the behavior well then the table will also respond to that person with you.

I would be on the expecting it to happen defence, and I would catch it as he tossed in the chips, push his bet back to him, and say 'Please don't splash the pot, this is often how people cheat, you wouldn't want to be suspect, now would you?'

I would call it out every time, and on the third time, I would say 'Jim' I'm going to ask you to sit out for 3 rounds if you splash the pot again, and if he does it again I would asked him to step away from the table.
 
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Back when my dad was living, I pulled him aside for splashing the pot all the time. My Dad! I loved that man and respected him so much, and he stopped immediately. So embarrassing anyone that has resisted previous kind mentions would not be a problem for me. Shame his ass and do it face to face.
 
BPTDirector said:
Back when my dad was living, I pulled him aside for splashing the pot all the time. My Dad! I loved that man and respected him so much, and he stopped immediately. So embarrassing anyone that has resisted previous kind mentions would not be a problem for me. Shame his ass and do it face to face.
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That's a great example. I am trying not to single the guy out in front of everyone... but it may come down to that unfortunately. It pisses me off that he hasn't respected my previous requests so whatever happens happens. Even his own son has commented on it, embarrassed by his father's betting behavior.
 
Huskerchipper said:
That's a great example. I am trying not to single the guy out in front of everyone... but it may come down to that unfortunately. It pisses me off that he hasn't respected my previous requests so whatever happens happens. Even his own son has commented on it, embarrassed by his father's betting behavior.
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Does the guy know what 'splashing the pot' actually means?

I had a similar situation.
Huskerchipper said:
That's a great example. I am trying not to single the guy out in front of everyone... but it may come down to that unfortunately. It pisses me off that he hasn't respected my previous requests so whatever happens happens. Even his own son has commented on it, embarrassed by his father's betting behavior.
Click to expand...

A couple years ago a player would constantly comment on the action - especially when not in a hand. Things like 'possible flush draw out there'... or 'I bet someone made a straight'...

Obviously, this - like splashing the pot - is a huge etiquette breach.

I addressed it by 1) acknowledging other players who'd pointed it out and promising to deal with him; and 2) sending him an email with examples.

Hey Kurt,

Thanks again for continuing to volunteer to deal. It makes the game run so much better when people step up to deal for the night.

Something's come up that I need to bounce off you. I gotta ask you to make a procedural change going forward whether you're dealing or just playing.

Commenting on hands while they're in progress is a huge breach of etiquette when you're not involved in the hand, but it's especially bad decorum when you're the dealer. Please know this isn't just coming from me - several players brought this to my attention last season but I hadn't realized this needed to be addressed until after Tuesday night.

I'm not trying to beat you up - and I want you to know you're a respected member of the group and your contribution is greatly appreciated. But I wouldn't be doing my job as the organizer if I allow this to continue. So here's a few examples so you know what I'm referring to.

Making comments about the board, or how a turn/river card might have improved or players' hand is very inappropriate. Saying things like 'lots of possibilities', or 'possible straight out there' could potentially give information to a less-than-savvy player. It's also not the role of the dealer to nudge a player who's taking their time with a decision. Tuesday night Bob M was in the middle of a decision and he was interrupted. That just can't happen.

If you observe dealers in public card rooms, while a hand is in progress they're always rather stoic and robotic in their mechanics - they're pretty much just there to pitch the cards and enforce the rules. That's kind of what we're going for since the Moxie League is designed to mimic a professional setting as much as reasonably possible.

Thanks for understanding. See you in 2 weeks.

Great feedback and taken with the intent you delivered it. Sorry to you and others.

I will adjust for sure and looking forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks.
 
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this is a tough one husk.

Being a host is about enforcing (maybe a too strong word for some) the integrity of the game. I do this by having a printed out set of rules. This is so important because now your not having to argue what you think the rule is. Its just that's the rule and you can add to the offender - here are the rules if you need to read them through. It just stops so many arguments in their tracks. Additionally stops the behavior instantly.

I don't understand why everyone doesn't do this. it makes hosting so much easier.

If every host had a set of rules just about every "how would you rule this" posts would disappear.

Good luck

Geoff
 
CHP TD said:
this is a tough one husk.

Being a host is about enforcing (maybe a too strong word for some) the integrity of the game. I do this by having a printed out set of rules. This is so important because now your not having to argue what you think the rule is. Its just that's the rule and you can add to the offender - here are the rules if you need to read them through. It just stops so many arguments in their tracks. Additionally stops the behavior instantly.

I don't understand why everyone doesn't do this. it makes hosting so much easier.

If every host had a set of rules just about every "how would you rule this" posts would disappear.

Good luck

Geoff
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Printing Rules, Highlighting topics to find it quickly when needed, laminating the rules for longer lasting from the animals touching them. You just made so much sense, printed rules, on hand, reference quickly, no issues because the rules are the rules, and there right here see...!!!!! wait did you say three ring binder ha ha ok too much
 
Moxie Mike said:
Does the guy know what 'splashing the pot' actually means?
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Thanks for taking the time for such an in depth response Mike. This particular player definitely knows what "splashing the pot" means. He has likely played more poker than anyone in our group and has even played in the Main Event (and cashed) in the WSOP. I think thats why it's bothering me as much as it is. We have alot of newer players and in my opinion we should all be trying to set an example of how to play poker properly. I personally believe it is simply him being cocky and arrogant.
 
Well sir it seems as though you have an obligation to ensure that the rules are enforced evenly for everyone.

It's also worth mentioning that this individual is disrespecting not only the game but you personally with his conduct. IMO, I'd send him an email or a text diplomatically yet firmly telling him to stop doing that. I don't think you need to outline any reprimands - most decent people will realize they've inadvertently been disrespectful and adjust their behavior.

Now if it continues beyond that measure, I think you're in your purview as host to call it out deliberately in real time. Whether you handle it with snark or aggression or sarcasm is pretty much up to you - but I'd probably suggest saying whatever you have to in order to effectively get your point across.
 
Baldeagle9 said:
Printing Rules, Highlighting topics to find it quickly when needed, laminating the rules for longer lasting from the animals touching them. You just made so much sense, printed rules, on hand, reference quickly, no issues because the rules are the rules, and there right here see...!!!!! wait did you say three ring binder ha ha ok too much
Click to expand...
mine are laminated... No binder... Yet... :ROFL: :ROFLMAO:
 

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