Four of Poker’s Nice Guys

Four of Poker's Nice Guys

Literally millions of men throughout the world have played poker in one form or another. A big pot with a lot of good players can change dramatically the landscape of the evening. A no limit game can be thrilling and its players can have a lot of fun. Men who like being around women can be intimidated by poker players who are into women only poker. Lately, we have seen the media hyping the “hottest poker guys.” Never did I imagine that all these studs would congregate around a poker table to play a game I know they love.

There are some four of poker’s nice guys. They are Chris Moneymaker, Greg Raymer, Daniel Negreanu and Chris Moneymaker again. Each has brought a cool factor to the poker table.

Chris Moneymaker was just what you wanted. Hands up in the front as far as credentials go. He was a cool to have in any room.

Greg Raymer is like a contained chip. You won’t hurt your hand and you can stand without looking at your cards. He is intense.

Daniel Negreanu is like a sharp stick in the eye. He will act cool but he is fiercer in the actual game.

Chris Moneymaker was good enough to handle the synthetic viral on his sound bite. Funny because he will always be known for his catchphrase. He said it 11 years ago and it saved his poker career. He can relate to that tight smile of his.

Now here are the four poker’s nice guys.

  1. Chris Moneymaker (10/1 to win)

Moneymaker’s a natural. A winner for a reason. I don’t think there’s any doubt about that. Plus, he’s finished second twice; no one can argue about that. In 2005, he got some money on a partly predicted European tour title. In 2003, he finished third at the U.S. Open. A nice resume for a young man.

  1. Phil Ivey (6/1)

One man you definitely want to see play a lot. Almost anyone could accommodate having a nice streak coming. Maybe Phil? Besides the fact that the name of this magazine features a handlebar smiley, P.I. has a more mature approach to the game. Maybe this is the year he takes on the branding of “The Tigerettes.” He’s definitely got that poker face that looks to be everything but everything.

  1. Mike Matusow (14/1)

I liked Matusow in the lower levels at the Bellagio. He’s done some work on the lower level types. And maybe that’s why the funny men of Poker begin to laugh at him. He doesn’t get interested in personal drama. That to me is funny. We can always debate what poker tells to make fun of each other. But I for one lock bells up with Matusow.

  1. Chris Ferguson (100/1)

For some reason, Chris seems to like this game. Which is a weird thing to say about a guy who hasn’t won the game. No one’s arguing with that notion. Besides, he’s paying out as we speak. Chris is a nice guy with a soft but strong heart.

  1. Doyle Brunson (4/1)

There’s a reason why this guy’s still around. A reason why you might be worried about chasing after a guy who hasn’t delivered a secondhand monster. That reason might be because you like your odds. When you think you’ve got the best hand, you don’t want to fall for a bluff. He’s a regular bonus.

  1. Mike Matusow (16/1)

I heard about this poker player through the grapevine. A nice guy who used to be in some pretty rough spots. I guess that’s a reason why he’s still around. Don’t question his poker-ness. Mike’s just there to do his thing. And he ain’t scared of the game.

  1. Erik Seidel (100/1)

This guy’s a little uncomfortable in social situations. And that’s because he is such a nice guy. But when he’s in a tough spot, he still plays like a possible human being. And that’s a reason why he is such a nice guy. Maybe this poker career is why he’s still around.

  1. Jamie Gold (500/1)

I know this guy doesn’t like being referenced as “Dewavegas.” But it is so true. There’s a lot to be said for poker buddies. And this guy’s become one of the most dominating low level heads in the history of poker.