I'm 32, and feel caught between the two generations. I've learned how to play online in 2004, but my competitive style in all things is to do so quietly, w/ respect for my opponents. That being said, I feel caught between the two generations.
Enough with my perspective, the reason why I'm posting is I recently played 2/5 at Commerce, and I felt this reflected the tension between the generations. There was a healthy mix of seasoned players and young online grinders.
- Talked it up w/ two "oldies," while the best player at the table was a silent dude w/ glasses and headphones. After he left, the veterans were the ones who said he was the best at the table. But while he was there, they ripped on "typical Internet players with headphones and glasses." That's kinda dick.
- Almost all the players at that table had online accounts at some point. Some of the vets were asking me about how to get money onto sites like Bodog.
- Biggest donkey at the table was a fatter, friendlier version of Chris Moneymaker. He wouldn't stop talking either. Ever. I mean, he was just a talking machine. The more seasoned players would get him talking, and then "aim" him at the other players, lol. Great use of a big talker.
- Most frequent bluffer at the table was the oldest guy (mid-70s?) at the table, playing what may have been his version of small ball. Talk about evolving, good for him!
- Biggest jerk at the table was a dude in his 40s. Making rude comments, eating at table, burping, etc.
- After the best player at the table left, biggest winner was the donkey. He sucked out about 5 times on all-in hands. I'm sure he gave some of it back after I left.
So, we all got along for the most part and it was a fun game w/ many swings. Bad beats were taken classily by all generations.
But I don't mind some salty behavior. I had a golf pro recently "Shhhh" me after I dropped an F-bomb after a tee shot (It was just right of the fairway, but I was unhappy). I thought, "****, cursing is half the fun of this game!"
Also, salty behavior isn't so bad because it encourages stereotypes. Lesser players like myself have learned to take advantage of those stereotypes, it helps even the scales.
However, these assbags who insist on berating people, are totally outta line. One has to wonder if Phil Hellmuth is quite literally teaching the younger generations that this is okay for some reason.