Cell Phones and Poker don't Mix

I know this strays from my typical posts but I felt the need to visit this topic after witnessing a really stupid argument between a poker player and tournament director a few weeks ago. Here is how the scenario played out.

We are sitting down in the first level of a deep stacks poker tournament. Everyone has their drink of choice and things appear to be going well. No big hands have taken place and the players are still exchanging pleasantries as we move forward with the action. Outside of the poker room as well as on the tables there are signs indicating that cell phones are to be turned off and you must leave the table in order to take calls.

Sure enough someone at the table gets a call in the middle of a big pot. Instead of excusing himself he argues that he is in a pot and has to take the call. One of the players then begins to read the clearly marked rule on the dealers part of the table indicated cell phones cannot be used. This marks the beginning of an argument between the two and the tournament director is called over.

In the end the person that took the call lost the pot and lost his buy-in and was escorted out of the casino due to his lack of comprehension skills. So do yourself a favor when you are about to play a tournament. Turn your ringer off and relax and enjoy the game. Don't be a party pooper. Cell phones and poker do not mix.