Daniel Negreanu Lets Loose on Excessive Tanking

In the latest blog post at Full Contact Poker by Daniel Negreanu, the Poker Hall of Famer delves into the issue of tanking, and how a certain player, Jordan Cristos, can't seem to see the big picture that his repeated delays are bad for the game.

Apparently, Cristos took offense at being lambasted by his peers who have repeatedly attempted to get him to change his ways and speed up the game. Cristos is seemingly insistent that part of his success is attributable to tanking, with postings referencing that tanking both changed his life and is good for his game.

The debate grew further on Twitter where Cristos defended his Hollywooding ways, fully aware that he upsets a bunch of other players but insisting that the scorn from fellow pros "won't change who I am or how I operate." The tanking champ also exhibited a certain amount of pride in that he "never clocked anyone in my life cause I respect the community and the game."

KidPoker, as well as most others, see the situation in a completely opposite way. "I clock people because I actually DO respect the community and the game!" was Negreanu's retort, adding that Cristos' actions show him to be "extremely selfish and short-sighted."

The short-sightedness comes into play because Cristos apparently doesn't realize that if all players tanked in the same fashion as he, tournament poker could not survive. If every player deliberated every action endlessly, then not enough hands played per hour and players becoming bored and annoyed by the extreme tanking would result in less profits for the pros and take the fun and fluidity out of the game, according to Negreanu.

On the defensive again, Cristos tweeted that he doesn't understand why "so much hate for thinking thru decisions like everyone does when it's crucial" was being thrust in his direction.

"Let me try and explain it for you," Negreanu stated in response. "No one is saying that it's inappropriate to take your time when decisions are crucial. However, when you are under the gun, first to act, and go into the tank, most everyone agrees that this is crossing a line! When someone 4-bets you before the flop and you take more than 2 minutes to respond, most everyone agrees that this is excessive tanking."

The PokerStars Team Pro went on to state that he has nothing against Cristos, calling him "a really nice kid," but remains miffed that the king of tanking is "unwilling to respect the structure and the other players."

Cristos has live earnings over $1 million, the bulk of that coming in 2013 when he won the WPT Legends of Poker Main Event for a payday of $613,355, per the Hendon Mob. His best result last year was 5th place at the $3,500 WPT Jacksonville Bestbet Open for $47,802.

"I vehemently disagree with it being ok for you to consistently take as much time as you wish to make decisions," Negreanu said, promising to call the clock on Cristos when appropriate in order to do "what's best for me, the structure, the other players at the table, the poker community, the broadcast, the fans, and ultimately YOU."

Hmmm. Poker shot clock anyone?