Jim Rockford's writers couldn't've scripted this any better....

Finally dealt to the poker brat. Today was actually my second time to do so. The other day, tho, I had John? D'Agastino, M"TM"M (Mike "The Mouth" Matusow), and Phil Helmuth on a table. Nothing REAL exciting as far as shit talking and such going on, however. I guess D'Agastino goes by the "Urbanized" nickname of J-Dags. Blech..whatever..you're white, John - get over it. Anyhow...Phil shows up in his typical style (an hour late) and gets to the table just before I do. 20 minutes into my session on the table, PH is bb. A few people limp in for 50, and he raises to 275. Everyone folds except some d00d, one before the button. This is where I need to explain the subject....

If' you've ever watched The Rockford Files, you'll know what I am talking about. In every episode, there is typically some sort of con going on, and about 40 minutes into the show...just about when you think everything is going to work out for Jim...shit happens and the whole plot does a 180! My old college buddy and I used to call this "Pulling a Rockford" Also, at one point in any given show, Rockford is usually caught up in a car chase, and eventually does a 180 with his car to elude cops, or some thuggish types that are trying to do him harm. This is the second definition of "Pulling a Rockford". But anyhow...back to the hand.

PH is UTG in this situation, and the "Rockford's" are in full effect. Flop comes 4 J 7 rainbow. "Some d00d", who is s'posed to act AFTER PH, starts checking, and PH, who was just about to check (so he can check/raise) sees this and pauses for a second, and bets. Some d00d calls quickly. Rockford's are being pulled left and right. These two are playing each other like fiddles already, and I am the only one who sees it *as I am the only one paying attention*. Granted, I have no idea who is the Devil, and who is 'Johnny' from Georgia at this point...but the rosin is flying off the bows!

The devil opened up his case and he said, "I'll start this show." And fire flew from his fingertipsas he rosined up his bow. And he pulled the bow across the strings and it made an evil hiss. Then a band of demons joined in and it sounded somethin' like this: aka Phil Bets.

Some d00d quickly calls.

Turn = rag. PH goes all in.

When PH finished, Some d00d said, "Well, you're pretty good, old son, but sit down in that chair right there and let me show you how it's done. aka Some d00d calls quickly.

River = blank.

PH (devil) = AJ os.
Some d00d (Johnny) = pocket 7s...set.

PH bowed his head because he knew that he'd been beat. And he laid that golden fiddle on the ground at Some d00d's feet. Some d00d said, "PH, just come on back if you ever want to try again. 'Cause I told you once, you son of a BITCH, I'm the best that's ever been."

So PH exits, stage left and doesn't throw even the remotest of tantrums. DAMMIT. The table settles down a bit and M"TM"M chimes in with some thoughts on PH. I won't repeat the stuff that was said, but put it this way, the closest thing to a compliment (directed to or about PH) was: "He's a great ambassador to the game"