Our mission statement

When I returned from my extended leave I had about 300 emails waiting for me, mostly from Ante Up! listeners. Also, I read over comments on the blog and on the forum (I didn't have much of a chance to look at either when I was laid up), and I came to this conclusion: A lot of people are missing the point of our blog and podcast.

Scott and I started this venture for one reason: We love playing poker (and talking about it), so we felt we could help beginners, and by teaching you it would make us better, too. We NEVER claimed to be professional players. We're just avid fans of the game who happen to have read a lot of poker books, logged a lot of hours at the tables and now we have a vehicle to pass that knowledge on to you (and no, I don't mean Scott's new Toyota sports car). As our listeners increased so did the demand to make the show longer, etc., so we needed to find more and more content for everyone.

Having a show's premise be rooted purely in instruction would've been too problematic because there's just not enough to fill a whole show over the course of a year or two and beyond. We could've exhausted all of the games and aspects in about four months and then been left with nothing. The other reason this wouldn't work (and this gets to my original point) is we just aren't THAT good to pull that off. Nor did we ever claim to be. When listeners post insulting comments on the blog or forum (or other forums for that matter) about us, they're just showing their ignorance. And almost all of the time they post under the anonymity of the Internet, which can tick a lot of people off, especially Sicilian substitutes filling in for me out of the goodness of his heart. But that's the price we pay for having a public product floating in cyberspace. Idiots will find us. They think because they hear us on the show that they now know us and can say whatever they want. Again, that's the price we pay.

Obviously we're going to make mistakes or analyze hands incorrectly from time to time, otherwise we wouldn't be doing this show, we'd be in Vegas making tons of money and ignoring our families. We're hear to entertain you, give you a different perspective on the game and offer advice that you're welcome to accept or not. It's up to you. But we're not Daniel Negreanu, and we don't want to be. We believe that's the charm of the show: our "chemistry" (for lack of a better word) and our willingness to be honest with you about our ups and downs. We offer something no one else does, a show about current poker events (locally, nationally and worldwide), amusing anecdotes (we hope), a journalistic approach to interviewing the people important to the poker world and some instruction or hand analysis. It may not be the greatest analysis, but it offers a couple of perspectives you may or may not have considered. And we do it consistently and professionally. Contrary to rumor you won't go broke listening to our advice, and I would venture to say we've won more money for our listeners than we've lost. And if you want to listen to pros yuck it up like third-graders on recess then the kiddie game's down the street.

I received an email from someone telling me I should take down or edit my bio on this blog because it made me seem like an amateur. Newsflash: I AM an amateur! I have a real job that pays the bills and I play poker for entertainment and to take some cash off my friends if I'm good enough that day. That's it. A lot of times I'm good enough to win at a listener's home game or I will final table occasionally in AIPS or at Derby Lane, or I'm good enough to last longer than most amateurs in a WSOP event, but I'll never make it my living, nor do I want to. I had the chance to be a pro in a sport (if you're reading this Jim Rome you'll say I had a chance to go pro in a hobby. You know what you can go do, pal!) and I turned it down. It's too damn hard. Scott and I have seen the underbelly of poker and it's not pretty, but on the surface we love it and will continue to produce the best poker podcast on the planet for as long as we can.

Just remember, we're not pros, so please don't treat us that way.

-- Chris

   

Comments

[Rob from NJ]

Well put.

I think the most important word you didn't include in your statement would have to be...Fun.

This game is fun. This show is fun. This show has provided countless hours of entertainment to everyone here. That's why we all come back every week. We know that the boom is probably over and may never get back to what it was, but we keep coming back because this game is fun. And this *show* is fun.

So I thank Chris and Scott (and Fasso, and Engineer Dave, and the telemarketers who pepper the Ante Up hotline...) for everything they've given us.

[Sharkey]

Ahhhh, screw them!! I got the point brother. What you did do was create a "family". One I am proud to be a member of. It's cool we all trust each other, we do money transfers, make bonds, give each other advice, joke around and get together for meet ups. Most of us have never met face to face. But there is that "closeness" that is special. You guys did real real good.

Be Proud
Shark

[Berliner77]

AMEN Chris.

There's a reason this podcast is the best poker podcast in the world. Us regular poker players love listening to other regular poker players talk about their regular experiences with the game.

It would be so mundane to listen week after week about the technical aspects of poker. Poker is more than a game. Poker is about hanging out with your friends and making fun of each other. Poker is about spilling beer all of the felt and everyone yelling at you. Poker is about talking sitting down at a table with 9 strangers and feeling comfortable. Poker is about being a part of the Ante Up Nation.

Keep it up.

[bfos7215]

I've been listening since it was the other Ante Up podcast.

I love the show. But, honestly, I would prefer a shorter or less frequent show. It's definitely noticeable that you are trying to find things to fill a show.

If you've got a great interview, make it a long show. If you don't have much in a given week, let it be a 15 minute show. That's another aspect of podcasting. You're not trying to fill an entire slot. Don't feel like you have to.

[Chris Cosenza]

bfos7215: That's something to think about. Thanks. We always reflect on the past year when we pass milestones and I think every year we say, "Let's only put what's needed on the show, no fluff." And then inevitibly we use fluff sometimes. Thanks for the suggestion.

[aka_BigAl]

Thanks for the clarification.

So if my limo driver shows up ready to take you to the private jet for our monthly Vegas trip, can you just tell him there's been a mistake.

[AlanStewart]

Good post, Chris.

I don't think some occasional fluff hurts. Listening to you guys is like listening to poker talk at a virtual water cooler, which is a good thing. There's a reason why you all have made it 140+ straight shows. You obviously have a recipe that works.

Keep rockin' and don't let the whack-job blowhards get you guys down.

[Boil]

I disagree with Bfos often the filler and banter is the show - like Seinfeld was a show about nothing, thanks to your show though I have never been to Florida I still feel involved with Derby Lane etc.

[ante_up_fan]

Glad you're feeling better Chris. Ante Up is a great show and we all appreciate all the efforts of yourself, Scott, Fasso, Columbo, Debbie etc to put the shot together every week. thanks, james.

[bfos7215]

bfos didn't say that he doesn't like the banter.

Heck, I want more Fasso. I'm just suggesting that they don't need to feel like they have to come up with some awkward topic just to make sure they have enough for a 45-60 minute show.

If they don't have a good topic to talk about, no problem. Put out a 15 minute show. That would be better than trying to force a topic that they really don't know a lot about or care a lot about. Plus, maybe that would help cut down on comments from idiots who don't get that they don't know everything.

[loser64]

The thing is I feel, that like me, you guys were not as good a player as you are now, you only played Hold EM and together we all took a journey into greater poker knowledge and other games. That may sound corney but poker is a journey not a destination and you folks kinda help steer the the group.

[Chris Cosenza]

I couldn't agree more loser64. Well-put, thanks.

[daedalus]

I'm so disappointed at the posters who've flown this criticism your way. You all have busted you butts for 2.5 years with no pay to give us such great entertainment. The effort you put in has resulted in the strong following and the fact that your podcast has far outlived others who are paid to do this very thing. I hope this mission statement stops the anonymous punks but I'm sure they'll just move on to some other venue in an effort to get a reaction. Viva La Ante Up Nation!!

[Blazman]

Anyone who thinks that you are a pro is OBV not a regular listener, and if they are looking for strategy tip they are obviously listening to the wrong show. The show is fun and light and sometimes great and sometimes sucks. It is what it is and you fill a niche. IMO if you try changing you are going to fail. Ok, well the fake laughter is annoying so you can change that, but otherwise I think you are best to just keep doing what you are doing. Don't take the criticism personally.

-Blaz

[daedalus]

From listening to this show, I've learned to play and truly enjoy games that I never would have played before (Stud, Stud8, Omaha, O8, Razz, Chinese Poker). So for me you've nailed your Mission Statement. Also the general B.S. poker banter is priceless....why do you think people enjoy Fasso so much...it's not the analysis, it's just another guy like us sharing his opinions and love of poker.

[SlickSlySly]

You guys have the BEST DAMN POKER SHOW there is. I've have listened to a bunch of them. Many of the them aren't around anymore. The reason. Most sucked! A couple were okay, but Ante Up is the only one I look forward to. It's not all about the poker. The Ante Up Nation is a family. The banter, the bell ringing, the stories about new cars is what makes it a family. Keep up the good work!

From a long time listener, seldom poster.

[Aquaman]

Chris is back! And he's as cranky as ever! LOL

[heffmike]

Wait, you mean this isn't 2+2?

"But beware of the dark side. Anger, fear, aggression; the dark side of the Force are they. Easily they flow, quick to join you in a fight. If once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny, consume you it will"

Meh, screw the haters. Let Yoda set 'em straight. See you later tonite at the tables....

[aces88ss]

Chris, Scott and if there is a poker god, a soon to be returning Mike...

First, I was a lurker/listener for over a year before I ever posted. I went back and listened to the earlier shows before I ever posted. Before i ever tried to become an active part of the community, I felt that sense of friendship that comes from spending a hundred plus hours together. So, when I started posting, I felt like I was at the water cooler, talking with buds. I started joking about Chris's rants and Mike's card toss like I had earned the right. If I was part of the problem, I am sorry.

The internet is a wonderful thing. However, it also is a terrible thing. It gives the illusion of equal importance from an anonymous poster who possibly has never listened to more than one show (if that many), will never return, and thinks that being insulting is the same as being clever; compared to a long time listener, frequent poster, active participant in AIPS and CHIMPS, appreciative and polite. It's human nature to weigh a negative heavily, but take a moment to give extra weight to those of us that try to be more active. We are the core of the nation, and there are lots of us out there!

As to your mission statement. Speaking strictly personally, 2 years ago, I could not have imagined playing anything but the "Cadillac of poker". Now, thanks 100% to ANTE UP, I am playing HORSE tournaments (2 days ago, I took 4th in one of the Full Tilt's nightly $24). But, more important than the money (by just a little), I am having more fun and more challenged now than in the last 25 years of playing.

Finally, as to the witty banter...Keep it up! I liken you guys to REGIS and KELLY. They always start their show with 20 minutes of unscripted "happy talk". It is the highest rated part of the show. The best part of your show is when Crusty old Regis (Chris) yucks it up with happy go lucky Kelly (Scott), and every once in awhile, from the corner, up pops Gelhman (Fasso).

[Sheriff]

Chris and Scott (and Fasso),

You have thousands of listeners that enjoy your show immensely every week, like me. Most of them don't post, just listen and maybe read the blog. But there are a lot of jerks out there who love to post crap just to see their name in print. There comments are usually not worth the virtual paper they are written on.

Please keep your show just the way it is. Perfect. Your fans recognize your true love for the game, not just poker, but everything that surrounds the game and makes it wonderful. And there is a great community of people that now makes up the Ante Up Nation.

I got to meet Scott and Fasso at the LA meetup last year and I can say I felt as if I already knew them before we met. It was really like a home game (except for the rake). You guys keep it real. I'm really looking forward to getting to meet you at an Ante Up meetup in the future too.

Thanks for the shows and keep 'em coming.

[Justin]

I can't say anything else that hasn't already been said. Everyone working on this show does it the right way. We're all lucky to have found this show and this community. Thank you, and: "Go do that voodoo that you do so well."

[Snuffy]

One of the great things is if you don't like the show, don't listen! If you like the show, listen!

[Gary]

WOW!!! SOMEONE WOKE UP ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE BED THIS MORNING!!

You must of got some hateful email to make a post like that. But then it is the internet and their are people that just like to complain so I can understand.

But then I was thinking maybe the people you have helped dont say anything. Well I am one of those people.

I started playing Texas Holdem less than a year before you started your podcast. I even had some my email read on the show. One of them was my first trip to a casino to AC. which I cashed in the my very first casino tournament.

Right I am a profitable poker player. currently I just played texas holdem. but I am learning the other games as we speak. even though it just on my psp playing world series of poker. but I am familiaring with games then going to go back and listen to past issues to learn more about it. My goal is to start playing the AIPES next year. so watch out DETOURGLR is in training. lol

but anyway you guys have made me the profitable poker player I am. Yes you guys are amateurs but also teach very well to other amateurs.

if people want pros they can pay $1500 to listen Phil Hellmuth mostly tell you how good ofa poker player he is. and also show up late.

I am thinking maybe I shouldnt have said anything. you might make this a paid podcast instead of free podcast

hmmmmm.. let me rephrase.. you guys suck.. you guys dont know how to play poker.

sorry had to put that in so cris head doesnt get too big. BTW Chris.. Give Scott a tissue he is crying about this message... lol

anyway i just wanted to says thanks for the podcast. Yes I am not a pro but I am a profitable poker player. It is all due to the show.

keep up the good work

[MCMC]

I have to join the lovefest. After listening for over 2 years, I feel like I could show up at one of your home games and feel right at home. The banter is great, the padding is great, responding to everyone's emails is a class act, and Fasso's monologues are superb. The fact that you have not missed a week really tops everything. People who have nothing better to do than criticize the show need to realize that there is more to life than playing .25/.50 at 3AM.

[Howard]

Not to be hypertechnical, but I think that was more of your Manifesto(a public declaration of intentions, opinions, objectives, or motives) rather than a mission statement(a summary describing the aims, values, and overall plan of an organization or individual).

Regardless, I have been a loyal listener for quite some time and believe your contributions to the poker community are immeasurable, showing up in countless local cardrooms and home games speckled across this and other countries. For the average joe poker player this show means the difference between making that crying call knowing you're beat and laying down a hand you no is beat. It means the difference between making that raise to find out where you are in the hand and simply calling and getting milked all the way to the river.

It's those things that this show has given to it's loyal listeners, not to mention funny pointless banter.

Why do I get this feeling that this rant was made knowing it would illicit this type of ego filling response?

[Chris Cosenza]

Just before Howard posted I was about to comment that I appreciate all of the positive feedback, but wanted to make it clear I didn't post this "Manifesto" to have our egos stroked. BTW: It started as a mission statement and grew into a manifesto. 8-)

I just felt like people didn't get it and I needed to clear things up. If you want advice we'll give it, if you want to be entertained we'll provide the one-liners, if you want your hand analyzed on HOTW then Scott will butcher reading it and I'll do my best to see where you went wrong.

But a lot of listeners think they know us because we've answered their emails or mentioned them on the show or merely because they listen to the show, and that's just not the case. So I hope this
helps quell the "Hey, I'm gonna say whatever I want because the guys are like family" comments, etc.

Again, thanks for the support.

[Croker]

Listeners think they know you not just because they listen, get mentioned, and get responses to their emails, but also because you share parts of your personal lives, you entertain visiting listeners, you meet up with listeners when you travel, others write about their meetings with you, and your style on the show is very informal and conversational.

People don't feel like they know other talk show hosts like Paul Harvey or Larry King or within the poker world, Joe Sebok or Phil Gordon, because they don't do any of these things.

We may not know everything about you and you may not be comfortable with listeners proclaiming they know you based on what little you have shared, but we do know the personalities you have presented to us. Those personalities may only be snippets of the real persons behind them, but that doesn't stop us listeners from identifying with them and "knowing" them.

[Chris Cosenza]

I know what you mean, Croker. We know each other because we met at Binions. That's different. I also know Blaz, Gambit, Snarf, Snuffy, AZSlick, JLBSox and a few others, but that's because we met and played together and hung out. It's the people who have never met us who make the personal comments that I'm referring to and that's what sparked this post. And no I didn't get one particular email to set me off. I just wanted people to understand where we are coming from and who we are (without getting personal). Plus those comments are coming in a very public place. It'd be different if we were hanging out together and someone says something to us face to face or whatever. But to post something (or even email something) that is unprovoked and personal and then to do it anonymously sans spine then I get a little aggravated.

[Nikademus]

"I just felt like people didn't get it and I needed to clear things up. If you want advice we'll give it, if you want to be entertained we'll provide the one-liners, if you want your hand analyzed on HOTW then Scott will butcher reading it and I'll do my best to see where you went wrong."

I also want to hear Scott impersonating his dad, your tirades (seriously stop watching the Hellmuth/Duke thing though), and want to hear more about Fasso hitting people in the head with cards. I also appreciate your advice on Razz, PLO, and other games I'm still getting comfortable with. If you ask what I would like more of, I would say high-profile interviews and sponsorship from some companies in the poker industry. But you can't always get what you want.

"But a lot of listeners think they know us because we've answered their emails or mentioned them on the show or merely because they listen to the show, and that's just not the case."

Listen, I haven't met you, but the podcast's format allows us to get to know your personalities, and they are very similar to your listeners. We relate to you and Scott, and I know for me I get the impression you two are someone I would enjoy as friends were I living in your area. Do we truly know you from the 100+ hours we're listened to you? Probably not. But we know you enough to like you and your podcast.

Do what you want with the show. We'll still appreciate it, and you.

[Ranger1989]

What you guys are not pros! I could have sworn that was Chris and Scott I saw at the final table busting Phil Hellmuths chops.

Look I love the show and take something from each and everyone of them. I think everone should sit back and listen and learn. I have never heard either Chris or Scott make claims to be Pros, if any thing they are always talking about how bad they play. People need to chill. Keep up the good work guys and do not change or let donks get you down.

[Actinolite]

Hi guys,

I'm always gutted when any sort of poker medium or forum descends into the "OMFG" "How can you call that?" chat, and even more so when I see it on anything connected to my favourite poker podcast.

I won't repeat what's written above by others, I just want to add my voice in support.

I had explained this post to my wife and as soon as I mentioned Mission Statement she exclaimed "Just like Jerry Maguire!" Well, that's done it. I'm always going to associate my favourite podcast with one of my favourite movies from now on.

So Chris, I guess your Tom as you wrote the statement, ("less multi-tabling, more personal attention"). Er, Scott I guess that makes you Miss Zellweger. Now we just need a firey, ultra competitive, Cuba Gooding Jr replacement... Hmmmm, thoughts anyone?

SHOW ME THE MONEY!!!

[Chris Cosenza]

Fasso = Cuba ... and Deb can be Ray with the glasses... "Hey Chris, did you know the average chip ways 11.3 grams?"

[Filzer]

I'm one of those thousands of listeners mentioned above that feel like we know you and the Nation, but never or rarely post. Every Friday I sit and my desk after lunch and keep hitting refresh on my iTunes Podcast list waiting for your show to post. I listen to several poker shows, but yours is the only one I actively look forward to. Now Let's All play Razz.

[rascony]

I agree with what everyone has said many times above. Keep up the good work. You guys do a great job at what you do, and as said, I feel like it's almost one big(if not mildly disfunctional) family. Don't change a thing and eff the haters!

[OhCaptain]

As I read the Google ad at the bottom of the page for real estate in Isreal (Huh?), I realize, I really just enjoy listening to your show on my walk into work.

Do you know me? Probably not. Do I know you, no, but I do think I'll have the advantage of 2.5 years worth of hand talk to my advantage :-)

In a lot of ways, this is a testiment to the quality of your show. It entertains like no other podcast, ok, maybe PokerRoad is just as entertaining at times...but that's not my point.

What is my point?

Chris...glad your back and healthy. Not because I know you, but at least because you won't fold the hand of the week to the first raise.

Keep up the good work guys!

[Paboo]

Isn't a mission statement suppose to be a little shorter? :)

Great post. Humble, Truthful, and staying true to yourselfs. Keep up the great work.

I think you can have a whole show about "...otherwise we wouldn't be doing this show, we'd be in Vegas making tons of money and ignoring our families."

Tons of truth in that statement. What's the point of being very successful at anything (poker, business) if you can't share your trials and tribulations with family.

Paboo

[st]

I was going to go look around in the comments and the forum posts to see what prompted this cri de coeur, but then I realized - why? What's the point? People who hack on someone else's labor of love, offered free of charge and without coercion, are jerks. Why do I want to spend my time reading what a bunch of jerks have to say?

Ne te confundant illegitimi. Keep on keeping on.

[Shelly]

Good Lord! Where did all this come from? You guys are awesome and you know it! Keep up the good work and ignore the people who have some sort of ridiculous complaint or opinion. After all...it's the internets Chris! All those tubes and stuff make people so silly sometimes. :)

We have our happy little family here, let's keep it that way.

Shelly:)