'Horseplayers' on ESQ TV -- Debuts 1/21, 10p ET

[Calzone Lord]

Poker tournaments had been televised on ESPN long before Poker caught fire.

What eventually made a difference was putting cameras underneath the table, which showed the cards each player was dealt.

This allowed for taking a painfully long and boring stretch of poker play, and editing it down to the most impactful and interesting hands. Also, placing the mathematical calculations showing what percent chance the hand had of eventually winning, and having a good, funny, commentator like Norman Chad were also major boosts.

In order for this show to be successful -- it has to be presented in a way that the viewer wants to understand and learn the strategy behind it.

I think the idea of following tournament players around isn't a good idea. It's been tried before by ESPN, they did an episode a few years back, and it was horrible TV.

It's easier for filming though, obviously.

Betting horses for a living is an extreme 'what you put in, is what you get out' type of game -- and it is played over the long run. Tournaments are more about chasing after longshots and trying to outscore people over a very limited amount of racing.

There was once a fairly major tournament won by a lady, and she claimed she did it by a mix of selecting gray horses or horses ridden by Shane Sellers. You can get lucky, catch fire, and win a tournament with virtually any off the wall method. However, you're going to get utterly destroyed if you tried to make a living as a bettor, doing that.

In Poker tournaments, you're going to be playing hundreds of hands in a day and making a ton more betting decisions. That reality reduces the luck factor. In horse racing tournaments, your options and opportunities are greatly reduced.

[pweizer]

I am not sure I agree. There are a million silly reality shows that are very popular because viewers like the people and want them to succeed.

These are all people chasing a million dollar prize. That, in itself, is intriguing.

To be successful, I am not sure anyone really need to understand horse play (although it would help). As long as the people are ones people want to root for, it could work.

The show ESPN did before was just the NHC. There was no way anyone would care since they didn't know the people. This is a season long chase of the big prize. That is why I am disappointing in some of those chosen for this show. There are many others who would be more compelling and are good people. Instead, they chose some who will come off as cartoon characters.

Paul

[Calzone Lord]

Originally Posted by pweizer

I am not sure I agree. There are a million silly reality shows that are very popular because viewers like the people and want them to succeed.

I should have said successful as it relates to the greater good of horse racing.

If cameras weren't hidden under the table in Poker...it never would have taken off.

[pweizer]

Originally Posted by Calzone Lord

I should have said successful as it relates to the greater good of horse racing.

If cameras weren't hidden under the table in Poker...it never would have taken off.

Totally agree with that statement.

Paul

[Benny]

Here it is. Look under the tab for channel finder for your TV source

http://tv.esquire.com/shows/horsepla...tncrew-wrapper

[freddymo]

Originally Posted by Calzone Lord

I should have said successful as it relates to the greater good of horse racing.

If cameras weren't hidden under the table in Poker...it never would have taken off.

That part about poker on TV is 100% true.. So the show should show the results of race first and then the handicapping build up

[pweizer]

Originally Posted by freddymo

That part about poker on TV is 100% true.. So the show should show the results of race first and then the handicapping build up

I doubt the show will be about the handicapping process at all. It will be like the Amazing Race for horse players where you follow a group of people competing for a million dollars.

Paul

[my miss storm cat]

They should change the name to Douchebags...

[PatCummings]

Originally Posted by pweizer

I doubt the show will be about the handicapping process at all. It will be like the Amazing Race for horse players where you follow a group of people competing for a million dollars.

Paul

I really don't quite understand the reason to rag on it without seeing it. As I mentioned, I saw about ten minutes of it, and roughly 2 of the 10 were actually devoted to dissecting the form of a race, and why players were picking who they were picking in a mandatory contest race.

It's like you guys are trying to handicap the show on handicappers. Wait for it, watch it, review...or just enjoy.

[pweizer]

Originally Posted by PatCummings

I really don't quite understand the reason to rag on it without seeing it. As I mentioned, I saw about ten minutes of it, and roughly 2 of the 10 were actually devoted to dissecting the form of a race, and why players were picking who they were picking in a mandatory contest race.

It's like you guys are trying to handicap the show on handicappers. Wait for it, watch it, review...or just enjoy.

You are correct. And, I will give it a chance if I can find it (I don't get the channel). My main point was that knowing some of these individuals, I worry how the "horseplayer" will be portrayed.

Paul