[scrawnybob]

hi GT

thats a bad experience and as much a grit your teeth attitude can keep the table from complaining about a player - there comes a point when the line gets crossed

Personally I think its one thing to trash talk in terms of convincing them to call or fold as a tactic - that is part of the game

anything that is specific to the player as a person rather than the way the player plays is well over the bounds of acceptability

racist or otherwise derogatory comments should warrant a ban from the casino - they dont want one player upsetting 10+ other players

at the end of the day your completely right - the dealer / pit boss / room manager and ultimately the cardroom manager are there to help everyone and to give rulings

they are absolute and binding - which is how it should be - removing any player influence beyond a complaint or a call for a ruling

while inexperience of a player is very excusable - and should IMHO always be tollerated on a table (we all had to learn) - if a player is making up for his inexperience by being confrontational - that is totally inexcusable

if they are experienced and its just attitude then this is even less excusable

while Tony G might get away with some of his trash talk (alot of which I think does cross the line) this is at a televised final with players who are expecting it

it simply should not happen at a regular game in a casino - drunks get ejected - bad attitude and offence should and does too.

on the upside if he did this at a chain on casinos - He'll find he is barred from all of them and by the sound of it - if he doesnt get some manners quick he'll run out of decent places to play.

cheers scrawnybob

ps. as for tips for playing live games - I would say to all players and particularly new live players ...

never ever be afraid to ask the dealer for clarification - they are there to help the game run smoothly and to make rulings or call for a ruling if needed - so if your out of your depth dont sit there confused ... ask

also always be careful to announce your bets / decisions, keep you cards live by keeping them level with your chips (within your zone) and if necessary use a card guard (do this either 100% or 0%) but dont fold out of turn or pre-empt any others play ie. wait your turn.