[BigWoody]

I was reading the LV Sun. Saw an article Daniel Negreanu wrote for the LV Sun:

"Actually the (recent) World Series of Poker winners in general, you look at them and you're like OK, Moneymaker, Raymer, Gold, you think OK these guys can't play, and the general consensus is that these guys got lucky," Negreanu said.

"But you know, with Joe, he actually plays like a pro. The other three don't. The other three are kind of like flash-in-the-pan types..."

This is from his blog:

"My flight was cancelled so I have a few minutes to address a few things:

1) The LV Journal printed some comments I made about Hachem's win at Bellagio. They asked me a question, I responded. I said that Joe is the best WSOP champ since Carlos Mortensen. That he is miles ahead of the others. I believe that to be true.

Joe plays the game like a pro and would do well against tough competition. WPT events are generally a better barometer of skill because of the deep stacks, slow moving blinds, and tougher competiton.

Having said that, my reasoning for saying Joe is miles ahead of Moneymaker, Raymer, and Gold, were not based on limited results, but based on personal experience of what I have seen.

I don't believe that the other three players could win against tough competition, while I genuinely beleive that Hachem has enough game to do well against good players.

Some people took offense to my comments claiming that Raymer shouldn't be lumped into a group with Moneymaker and Gold.

Then Raymer makes some ridiculous post saying, "It's better to win at 400-800 than lose at 4000-8000." I post my results on my website in all games. I'm wnner in all forms of poker outside of online poker and the High Stakes Poker cash games on television. I am winner in the 4000-8000 game.

I was asked by a reporter what I thought of Hachem's play and since I was impressed, I decided to give him a little bit of praise. My intentions weren't to diss the others. I don't think any one of them should feel "dissed" by being lumped together behind Hachem. With Gold, it remains to be seen what he'll accomplish.

As for Moneymaker, he did have an impressive finish on the WPT, finishing 2nd. Raymer, obviously had that run at the WSOP ME two years running, but I've yet to see him do well against tough fields.

The ME is amateur hour as far as the skill level. The single most donk filled tournament in the world.

Finally, I have played with all of the players and Hachem's approach is the best. Gold's is similar, but he is VERY raw and makes some silly errors. Moneymaker has potential, he really does. I just think he may be a little too caught up with "other things" since winning. Raymer has holes in his game that top players will exploit. His approach to the game is more like Matusow's.

In my opinion, playing deep stack tournaments with a somewhat kamikaze approach makes it difficult to win consistently, whereas, a player with a "small ball" approach like Ivey, myself, Hellmuth, Grinder, Tuan Le, Lindgren, Hansen, etc. will get to the final table more consistently by avoiding too many coin flip situations."


I agree with everything he said...

[Wooderson]

Originally Posted by Daniel Negreanu

In my opinion, playing deep stack tournaments with a somewhat kamikaze approach makes it difficult to win consistently, whereas, a player with a "small ball" approach like Ivey, myself, Hellmuth, Grinder, Tuan Le, Lindgren, Hansen, etc. will get to the final table more consistently by avoiding too many coin flip situations."

I love that statement. It strikes of being very weak/tight, but it's not.

[the3rd]

Jojo thinks Varkoni is due for a big year.

[jojobinks]

Originally Posted by the3rd

Jojo thinks Varkoni is due for a big year.

damn tootin'!

of course daniel's right about who's best. i just can't believe he put it so bluntly. not very poker ambassador-esque of him.

[BigWoody]

He claims that he was selectively quoted by the LV Sun. Which I could imagine. I agree with his opinion though, no one can deny that Joe is miles beyond the rest of them.

[bigjohn]

Hasn't it been quite some time sence a pro won the ME?

[BigKyle]

Carlos Mortensen in 2001

[MacGrad]

Originally Posted by jojobinks

damn tootin'!

of course daniel's right about who's best. i just can't believe he put it so bluntly. not very poker ambassador-esque of him.

He's Canadian, which means that everything he says is: objective, neutral, and should be worshipped as the gospel. As for not being ambassador-esque, he doesn't always has to be a peacekeeper (like the rest of the Canadian forces)...

Of course, I'm an objective Canadian as well...

[jmac2233]

Nothing beats the truth !When I read the article I was wondering how long it would take the "poker world" to start bashing him. To my surprise he seems to be getting alot of backing for his statements. I agree with him myself. JMO

[pokertvstar]

I would only disagree on raymer. Raymer's 2005 ME was amazing, plus he also made a FT during the 05 WSOP (the first event won by Seif). Raymer can play large field tourneys as well, but Hachem is no joke. I agree on that.