Poker and Profanity

Denny Williams does a fine job of directing the tournaments at The Bicycle Casino. He is bright, affable, consistent in his rulings, and easy to hear and understand. The closest thing to anything controversial at this year's Legends of Poker tournament was his rule regarding the f-word. It was quite simple: If you use it in any form, you got a 10-minute penalty.

Of course, he could have had a list of 100 unacceptable words and expressions; however, this well thought out strategy allowed him to make a strong statement about acceptable behavior in his room. The implications were clear to all parties.

To me, the rule is a no-brainer. It's sad that it is even an issue, but it's a no-brainer, nevertheless. It's not cool to use profanity in a group environment, and uncomfortable to hear it. Not all people feel this way, but most civilized people do.

The argument for allowing profanity is that poker is not a social club, and foul language traditonally has come with the territory.

Historically, if seven guys played in a smoke-filled backroom and wanted to use profanity, that was fine, and it still is fine in a private game or any other activity in someone's basement if that is what the group wants. However, the modern poker room is geared to attract people from all walks of society, and there is simply no room for foul language in this type of public environment.

Public poker has worked hard to clean up its image. Let's each do our part to keep it that way. There are reasons why tournament attendance is up so much this year. There are many new faces, and a good time will bring them back. Barbaric behavior and language will not.

Incidentally, the rule was successful. Although there were a few penalties issued during the tournament, the language and behavior of the players was exemplary, by and large.

Good job, players. Good job, Bicycle Casino.