Poker commentators: Best and worst?

[playallday]

Kaplan. Not close for me.

I do enjoy others, like Howard, (or Negreanu the little I've seen him do it.)

But even though Kaplan is on most lists he is STILL underrated imo. He's got the dryest sense of humor on the circuit.

I can see how some people think his jokes are dumb, ala Chad, but I think those people are getting Kotter-leveled. His sense of humor STARTS at about third-leveling.

He is the only commentator that I have ever laughed out loud at.

And the best part is he doesn't ever try to explain or point to the fact that he made a joke... i think most people, with most of his jokes, never even realize he made one, because he does not feel the need to make sure you do.

I think he should write the textbook on how to be funny without being annoying... it rarely gets in the way of the poker.

(This is about his ad-libs in the course of commenting, by the way, not any opening bits they write for him to do in intros)

[kflop]

Playallday,

I think Kaplan&Benza make up the opening bits together. I don't think anyone writes that stuff.

You should check out Kaplan's book. You either get it or you don't. My wife (who likes him on HSP) doesn't think its that funny. I can't stop reading it, it's the weirdest stuff, all emails.

[playallday]

[ QUOTE ]
Playallday,

I think Kaplan&Benza make up the opening bits together. I don't think anyone writes that stuff.

You should check out Kaplan's book. You either get it or you don't. My wife (who likes him on HSP) doesn't think its that funny. I can't stop reading it, it's the weirdest stuff, all emails.

[/ QUOTE ]

Hey, thanks for the tip... I just Amazon'ed it. I'll look forward to it.

[satelliter]

Me too. Will buy right away.

[pariah8]

Norman Chad is easily the worst I'd carve his heart out with a spoon if I had the chance.

[reup]

Personally I want a commentator who already knows how to play and talks about interesting/funny things while what to do is already so standard it is said in a matter-of-fact way.

For me Kaplan does this decently. Lederer gives good play by play and is considerate without being overbearing/egotistical which i like. Hellmuth is good for the love to hate factor plus he is unapologetic which i like. Gordon smells like fish vagina and plays scared/overly rational so i hate him with a passion. Vince VP is actually one of my favorites even though he's an average player since style points go a long way with me.

What i found to be interesting is how much i hated Daniel N. when he commentated briefly on HSP. Obv. it was a bit of a gag since he went to the booth from the table but I found his comments very annoying and childish, no composure really.

Sexton reminds me of a toad but i happen to like toads.

[y_burro]

Sexton makes WPT seem too much like a game show...this schtick worked a few years ago when televised poker was looking for an audience but has grown tired.

While perhaps not everyone gets Kaplan IMHO he is by far the best.

Barry Greenstein(sp?) is the best pro/host, especially for people that tune in to learn the game.

[burns-1986]

what show did barry commentate on?

[Self Made]

[ QUOTE ]
what show did barry commentate on?

[/ QUOTE ]

Cash Poker certainly. Probably other shows I can't remember right now too.

[yimyammer]

Best-Bozo the Clown