Sign of Change - Phil Hellmuth changes Game Up

Few would argue that Phil Hellmuth is the greatest World Series of Poker player of all time.  Not only does Hellmuth hold the record for the most gold bracelets ever won at 11, but he also set this record at a time when poker was a growing game; as opposed to Doyle Brunson who won most of his 10 bracelets during the 70’s.  And while Hellmuth may one day be passed in one aspect or another regarding his WSOP supremacy, most would say that he’s still on top.

However, even Phil Hellmuth has to make adjustments at one time or another to keep up with current trends.  And the trend that Hellmuth has noticed lately is that the growth of the WSOP has allowed a lot more amateurs into the game; these amateurs are also getting lucky at the table which really irks him. 

Hellmuth commented on this by saying, “This year I decided, let’s play poker.  All those amateurs making all those crazy moves on me that they got away with in the past, this year I’m calling.”  Hellmuth went on to mention that, “This year, when I do have a strong hand I win tons of chips because everybody’s overplaying their hand against me.  That’s been a good strategy for players against me for years, is to just get all their money in, but not this year.  This year I’m playing.”

Hellmuth is normally known for playing conservatively and not going all-in if he can help it.  Hellmuth’s thinking is that his skill will win the day over being overly-aggressive with all-in bets.  However, Hellmuth may go back to his old strategy since he has had a down WSOP this year and did not even finish close to a bracelet.  Sad news considering many people were at least hoping he’d make a run for entertainment purposes.