My first favorite player was Howard Lederererer.I just like the way he was analytical about the game... stone faced... not too emotional (not really emotional at all)when I play live... I happen to be very unemotional... very stoic (I'm not sure how that happened... I'm passionat about the game, but I don't do much fist pumping.)now, my favorite players are Doyle Brunson... I can't really put a finger on what I like about him personally as a player. Obviously, I think he's a legend, and I think Supersystem is still as relevant as it was originally... some would disagree, but I believe it is. I think what you see is what you get with Doyle. He seems approachable.... and he seems to have handled his expanding fame with grace and approachability. I also like Daniel Negraneau. His "character" seems also to be geniune and likeable. He also seems to be one of the players who would help you out... answer questions if he had the time. I like the way he talks out problems with a hand... out loud... he was one of the first players who I could SEE how they were thinking about the hand... because HE TOLD US...I'm fascinated by watching Gus Hansen, although I wouldn't say he is one of my favorite players. It's interesting because I roll my eyes whenever I see online players claim to "play a lot like gus hansen"... or have players justify crappy play by comparing their play to gus hansen's.with that said... at times, in certain games (mostly short handed no limit and pot limit games) I play a lot like Gus Hansen (never intended to, and I don't brag about it... I'd rather they think I suck!)I guess for that reason... I DO like Gus Hansen.Phil Ivey doesn't do much for me... I don't know why... great player.. but his personality just doesn't attract meas a viewer.
