How should you handle a disconnected heads-up opponent?
Erik Seidel was the rare subject of criticism this week for the way he handled a sat out opponent in the $10,000 Heads-Up Championship.
You never hear Erik Seidel's name mentioned in a discussion of poor sportsmanship, indeed he is usually looked upon as the model professional for this game.
It was quite the surprise, therefore, to see this happen over the weekend in the $10,000 Heads-Up Championship.
Watching Seidel Just snap blind out the recreational is crazy to me. Ya think you know somebody. pic.twitter.com/p1s1dGFSLl
— Patrick Tardif (@IrEgption) August 8, 2020
Seidel had drawn footballer Max Kruse in the tournament and Kruse appeared to be away from his PC. Seidel then proceeded to raise every blind while he was sat out.
This is by no means cheating and not uncommon in low stakes SNGs/MTTs. However, in online HUSNG circles it is considered poor sportsmanship and even more so in a bracelet event.
Seidel was quick to point out he did it by mistake, not knowing what the online etiquette was in these circumstances.
Was a mistake. Didn’t know who it was but shouldn’t make a diff. Plan was if he blinded out would give nim back entry & %. It happened to me twice live. 1st time, 1st round guy waited, 2nd time was semi WSOP Europe, got blinded out for most of stack
— Erik Seidel (@Erik_Seidel) August 9, 2020
It’s a useful discussion & I always want to be held to the highest standard. What would @ikepoker do or Chidwick or @JasonKoon that’s where I want to be. If I fall short that’s a problem
— Erik Seidel (@Erik_Seidel) August 9, 2020
If you look at the mentions to the original tweet you will see a very fascinating discussion on how to handle spots like this by some big names including Olivier Busquet, Patrick Leonard, Giraf Ganger, Kevin Martin and more. Most believed Seidel should have also sat out while Kruse was getting back to his PC but the counter argument to that is he could get 'freerolled' - ie. his opponent could return and only sit back in when they are dealt a good hand.
Owning up to one's mistakes is a hallmark of a consummate professional and Seidel's reputation remains intact as a leader in this regard. We posted this story because it is an important consideration for poker players, how they should act when their opponent is disconnected through no fault of their own.
What is the right way to handle a sat out heads-up opponent? Let us know in the comments:
