ShareJason Koon and Dan Smith clashed during a hand in the $100K Main Event at the Triton Super high Roller Cyprus after the latter asked for quiet while he made his decision. Koon thought Smith had done this once too often and let loose, calling his opponent “obnoxious.”
Out of Line?
It is understandable that playing for these insane stakes can create a lot of stress. The pay jumps can be enormous during the latter stages. But does this entitle a player to absolute quiet during their decisions?Jason Koon started by pointing out that Dan Smith talks during everyone else’s decision and followed up by revealing that two VIPs (a polite way to say fish these days) had come up to him and said how bad it was playing with Smith after he berated them for talking during his decision.
Koon said Smith was only sitting with 20 big blinds and already knew what he was going to do anyway, so the complaint was pointless.
Smith was unapologetic when making his response on Twitter. “I try not to get involved in twitter feuds but it really irks me you didn’t post the entire clip. The graphics are wrong: Raise + call, in front of me, with three short stacks including 2 bb stack. 100k+ payjumps! This is a super tough spot for huge money, with a shot clock”
Smith also had plenty of timebank tokens to use should he need any extra time.
As is normal, Poker Twitter was split evenly between who was out of line. Some were sympathetic to the situation where an error could prove very expensive, while others agreed with Koon and the need to just get on with it as an experienced professional.
Justin Bonomo was quick, as he always is, to share his thoughts on the matter. “Jesus, the comments in the other thread are a dumpster fire. I’m in absolute disbelief reading them. Those guys have no idea what it’s like to play at this level I have so much love for JK, but he was out of line, and everyone at the table knew it I think you handled it well”
“To all the haters: look, if you want to raise an issue with a player, that’s not unreasonable But you just don’t do it when their 30 second shot clock is ticking down during a $100,000+ decision Wait til the hand is over, then say something. It’s that simple”
Jason Koon responded on Twitter to put the matter to bed before what was a minor spat got out of control. He clearly respects Dan Smith and doesn’t want to put a social media storm in his direction.
