Check-Raising The Devil

[ManU918]

Just finished the Mike Matusow biography titled Check-Raising The Devil. Has anyone here read it before? If not, I highly recommend it. Mike was never a favorite of mine due to the way he acts during televised events but after reading the book I have totally changed my opinion. The guy has literally been to hell and back and somehow still competes at the highest of levels.

[Clocker]

I haven't followed poker since the feds shut down the online games. Mike was certainly the most annoying whiner on TV back then, with the possible exception of Phil Hellmuth. To hear him tell it, he was the only player in the world that ever had bad luck.

[tucker6]

Originally Posted by Clocker

I haven't followed poker since the feds shut down the online games. Mike was certainly the most annoying whiner on TV back then, with the possible exception of Phil Hellmuth. To hear him tell it, he was the only player in the world that ever had bad luck.

Hellmuth is definitely worse than anyone else. I always considered Matusow to be playing to the cameras with his antics to make a name for himself. Like a Kardashian. Hellmuth seemed like a genuine a$$hole.

[Clocker]

Originally Posted by tucker6

Hellmuth is definitely worse than anyone else. I always considered Matusow to be playing to the cameras with his antics to make a name for himself. Like a Kardashian. Hellmuth seemed like a genuine a$$hole.

Hellmuth is certainly a lot more full of himself than most anyone else in the game. It is always amusing that his wife is a shrink.

[thaskalos]

The funny thing is that Hellmuth, away from the tables, is the nicest, most generous guy you can find on the poker scene. It's truly a Jekyll and Hyde situation...

[ManU918]

I think the purpose of this thread for me anyways was to let the people know who haven't read the book that Mike Matusow isn't the guy the television portrays him to be. On top of that he is an ex drug addict and is bipolar... Also has ADHD... Both of which were not diagnosed until he went for help with his drug problem. If any of you get the chance it's well worth the read.

To add on to what Thask said... A few of my friends know Hellmuth and they make similar remarks. Also, I think if I had as many bracelets as Hellmuth I would be full of myself as well. The guy is one of the best to ever play the game. Sure sometimes he acts ridiculous but you never see the whole thing on TV. They only show the hands where he explodes. You don't see any of the build up.

[PhantomOnTour]

I always liked Matusow...he's a genuine guy if nothing else.
Let's it all hang out.

Pretty sharp player when he was on his game.

[thaskalos]

Originally Posted by ManU918

I think the purpose of this thread for me anyways was to let the people know who haven't read the book that Mike Matusow isn't the guy the television portrays him to be. On top of that he is an ex drug addict and is bipolar... Also has ADHD... Both of which were not diagnosed until he went for help with his drug problem. If any of you get the chance it's well worth the read.

To add on to what Thask said... A few of my friends know Hellmuth and they make similar remarks. Also, I think if I had as many bracelets as Hellmuth I would be full of myself as well. The guy is one of the best to ever play the game. Sure sometimes he acts ridiculous but you never see the whole thing on TV. They only show the hands where he explodes. You don't see any of the build up.

I picked up this book many times at my local bookstore, but always put it back after just a casual look...because I never liked Matusow -- and never respected his cash-game prowess...either live or online. He brags endlessly when he wins...and always blames his losses on bad luck or extenuating circumstances. I figured that a player like that would never be able to tell the truth about himself...especially in print.

I finally bought the book when I found it listed on Amazon for $2.99...and I must say that I liked it more than I thought I would.

[barn32]

[YT="Hellmuth vs Matusow"]WfV-TJ3KNMc[/YT]

[Robert Goren]

A lot of acting is going on these TV tables. Phil gets people to play hands against him that they would fold against other players. He has got his image designed to make that happen.

[DJofSD]

The Brat and the Mouth, they made it interesting to watch.