Poker on TV You Decide

[LombardiStix]

I was thinking about TV coverage of poker and how I'm not so impressed so then I thought... well what would I do better? Before I answer I wanna hear some other people's responses.

How would you make poker better to watch on TV? What would make it great to watch for you? You could also include what must be done to make it accessible to "non-regular-poker players" as well. What can be done to make it interesting and not so "sensationalistic"? lol if possible

[Terminal Frost]

I love watching poker on TV. It's understandable that they only show the exciting hands, but it does give a skewed view of poker and I believe leads to some of the donk play you see online, since people think they need to be action freaks.

I would like to see some stats maybe at the bottom of the screen showing how many hands played and how many folded before the flop and post flop or something similar to give a sense of the length and sometimes boredom of a long tourney. I don't know if that is even possible.

I would also like to see the blinds always posted since I'm not always only watching the TV, but doing other things and like to know the relative size of the bets.

[Alnoble]

Stats would be a great idea at the bottom of the screen. I've seen some shows in the UK with the hand number but these were only 6 seat tiurnements with winner through to next round.

I can't remember for certain but didn't Poker after Dark show a lot more hands and a 9 seat tournement was shown over 5 nights.

I remember watching and finding it much more intresting overall because you also heard a lot more of the table chat. Maybe some can confirm if was Poker after dark or another show.

Al

[hojediade]

What's about the dealer to be naked. I'm pretty sure that would attract the attention.

[Terminal Frost]

What's about the dealer to be naked. I'm pretty sure that would attract the attention.

As long as it's a guy

Seriously, come on. Try pay per view. It's bad enough they have to parade out the ladies to dump the dough on the table. They should at least have half of them men. If I want my poker with sex, I'll play at home.

[Terminal Frost]

I can't remember for certain but didn't Poker after Dark show a lot more hands and a 9 seat tournement was shown over 5 nights.

I remember watching and finding it much more intresting overall because you also heard a lot more of the table chat. Maybe some can confirm if was Poker after dark or another show.

Al

Yes, it was Poker After Dark. Lots of table chat. Enjoyable watching since the pros were much more relaxed than you usually see them in the big tournies. More like a home game.

There was another show, too. Don't remember the name but it was a big cash game where the players came and went as they pleased.

[Alnoble]

Thank you thought it was Poker after Dark. I also remember the cash game as well but like you can't remember the show name.

Recently in the UK there has been very little poker on TV except repeats. When it is on it's always around midnight so most of the time have to record it.

Al

[LombardiStix]

Was that show "High Stakes Poker"?

We got some good suggestions. Seems like the running stats at the bottom of the screen is the most popular suggestion. I like that as well, kinda takes a tab from other sports where they keep you up to date with running stats.

[jeffsbabe]

As long as it's a guy

Seriously, come on. Try pay per view. It's bad enough they have to parade out the ladies to dump the dough on the table. They should at least have half of them men. If I want my poker with sex, I'll play at home.

Amen, sister!

[Poker Orifice]

Stats would be a great idea at the bottom of the screen. I've seen some shows in the UK with the hand number but these were only 6 seat tiurnements with winner through to next round.

I can't remember for certain but didn't Poker after Dark show a lot more hands and a 9 seat tournement was shown over 5 nights.

I remember watching and finding it much more intresting overall because you also heard a lot more of the table chat. Maybe some can confirm if was Poker after dark or another show.

Al

Poker After Dark is actually 6-handed winner-take-all SNG format where they show every single hand that is played and run the game over 5days. They also occassionally have a cash game format (6players).
I think it's probably the best format for tv poker.

I'm sure that what is interesting to poker players isn't necessarily interesting to non-players. Some coverage seems to have one commentator who gives a great commentary with insight into what the poker player might be going thru as far as thought processes, etc. and then often another commentator who likely appeals more to the general public who are more geared up for hearing.. "And it's a King of diamonds on the turn... wowzers!!!" (more like bingo or the lottery).
I guess what I'm getting at is.... the commentators really make the show. Tournament coverage broadcasts that have Daniel Negreanu, Howard Lederer as commentators are the ones I like the most but I'm sure alot of what they've got to say would be really boring to your avg. viewer (maybe not though... Daniel is fairly entertaining and good at getting general ideas of the play across to viewers).

Watching a poker broadcast that had poker players as it's target market would obviously be most appealing..... but also most likely wouldn't fly on tv (too bad.... sigh..).