With so many people in the poker world offering up their two cents on what Foxen should have done in the spot, we won't bore you with our own analysis of the situation. After all, there's not much to say that hasn't already been said.
The discourse... and the discourse about the discourse
Understandably, Foxen's decision to fold pocket kings generated all manner of commentary, criticism, and armchair opinions – from both qualified and unqualified sources alike.
Scott Seiver, a decidedly qualified source, expressed his disdain for much of the discourse surrounding Foxen's play. In his eyes, too many of the negative comments came from those unfit to criticize.
"There is something so beautiful (disgusting) about this innate thing in humans to be so confident on things they don't know," Seiver wrote. "SO much arrogance and hubris from so many people that have no reason to have ever earned any respect. Everyone loves an opinion, everyone loves feeling smarter than someone who is clearly smarter (and far more talented) than them, if only for a moment."
Sam Greenwood, another unquestionably qualified source, took up the other side of that argument. In his Punt of the Day Substack series, Greenwood analyzed the hand from both a theoretical and mathematical perspective while also accounting for table dynamics and individual playstyles. If you're looking for an in-depth breakdown of the hand, Greenwood has you covered.
In the post, Greenwood outlined his own stance on the outpouring of criticism – aligning himself in direct opposition to Seiver's take.
"What consistently baffles me is how any time anyone’s play gets criticized by anyone, there is a reliable contingent of people saying 'Well they are playing high stakes as a pro and you aren’t.' These non high-stakes pros aren’t criticizing the pro or saying they’re unskilled, they’re criticizing a specific one-off play," Greenwood wrote.
"Everyone makes mistakes; there should not be an Omerta around saying 'I think this poker play was bad.' If someone says 'I think this person a stupid fish who sucks at poker and also they have bad breath,' feel free to rush to a punter’s defense. Poker is played for high stakes, but it is just a game; people can criticize how someone plays a game."
Patrick Leonard offered up his own take on the situation – outlining, in brief, what he would have done as each of the players involved in the hand.
Martin Kabrhel, unlike most, praised Foxen's decision to lay down the kings – labeling the move a "completely standard GRO fold."
It's not entirely clear if Kabrhel was being genuine in his post, but we're going to take him at face value this time.
What do you think of Foxen's fold? Sound off in the comments.
