Will Kassouf: The Speech Play Master of Poker

Will Kassouf became one of poker's most talked-about personalities after his legendary 2016 WSOP Main Event run. His relentless speech-play tactics and the unforgettable phrase "nine-high like a boss" divided the poker community—some loved it, others couldn't stand it. Here's everything you need to know about the man who turned table talk into an art form.

Who is Will Kassouf?

Will Kassouf is a British poker player born in 1982 who works as a lawyer by profession. Before his viral poker fame, he was a relatively unknown player grinding the European live tournament circuit. His legal background—specifically his experience in courtroom argumentation—clearly influenced his approach to poker.

Kassouf had moderate success before 2016, with some five-figure tournament scores, but nothing that would prepare the poker world for what was to come. His combination of legal training, psychological insight, and willingness to push social boundaries at the table created a unique playing style that would either captivate or infuriate everyone who watched.

While some dismissed him as an amateur creating drama for attention, Kassouf's results tell a different story. His deep run in the 2016 WSOP Main Event—finishing 17th for $338,288—proved that his unconventional methods had genuine strategic merit, even if they tested the patience of opponents and fans alike.

Speech Play Strategy

Kassouf's signature tactic is what he calls "speech play"—a form of verbal warfare designed to extract information from opponents while simultaneously putting them on tilt. Unlike the silent, stoic approach favored by many professionals, Kassouf talks constantly, probing for reactions and emotional tells.

The Method: Kassouf asks direct questions about his opponent's holdings, comments on their body language, and narrates the action as if providing commentary on his own hand. Phrases like "you want me to fold?" and "what are you going to do?" are delivered in rapid succession, creating psychological pressure.

The Psychology: The strategy works on multiple levels. First, some players genuinely give away information when peppered with questions—a slight hesitation, a defensive answer, or avoidance of eye contact. Second, the constant talking can frustrate opponents into making emotional rather than logical decisions. Third, it projects confidence, making opponents second-guess their reads.

The Risk: Speech play is a double-edged sword. While it can yield valuable information, it also draws attention and antagonism. Players who use this tactic must be prepared for clocks to be called, complaints to the floor, and a generally hostile table dynamic.

Famous WSOP Moments

The 2016 WSOP Main Event featured several unforgettable Kassouf moments that cemented his place in poker lore.

"Nine-High Like a Boss": In what became the defining moment of his tournament, Kassouf made a gutsy bluff with nine-high and got it through. Upon showing his cards, he declared "nine-high like a boss," a phrase that instantly became a poker meme. The hand demonstrated that his constant talking wasn't just showmanship—it was setting up opponents for precisely these moments.

The Griffin Benger Confrontation: Kassouf's most controversial moment came against Canadian pro Griffin Benger. After extended verbal jousting, Benger finally snapped, telling Kassouf to "check your privilege" and calling him out for perceived harassment. The tense exchange divided viewers—some felt Kassouf had crossed a line, while others believed Benger's emotional reaction validated the speech-play approach. Benger would eventually eliminate Kassouf from the tournament, but the confrontation overshadowed the actual poker being played.

Repeated Clock Calls: Throughout the Main Event, opponents and the tournament floor called the clock on Kassouf numerous times. His deliberate pace, combined with the constant talking, pushed the boundaries of acceptable play. Whether this was strategic time-wasting or genuine deliberation remains debated.

The Controversy

Kassouf's 2016 run sparked serious debate about acceptable behavior at the poker table and the boundaries of psychological warfare.

Slow Play Concerns: Critics accused Kassouf of deliberately stalling to frustrate opponents and gain an unfair advantage. Multiple clock calls suggested his pace exceeded normal deliberation time. Defenders argued that talking through decisions—while unconventional—is not inherently against the rules.

Harassment vs. Strategy: Where does aggressive table talk cross into harassment? The Benger confrontation highlighted this gray area. Kassouf's supporters saw legitimate psychological tactics; his detractors saw behavior that made the game unpleasant for everyone involved.

Rule Changes: Following the controversy, discussions emerged about clearer guidelines for speech play and shot clocks in tournaments. While Kassouf technically violated no rules, his behavior prompted the poker community to reconsider what should be permitted.

Entertainment Value: Despite—or because of—the controversy, Kassouf was undeniably compelling television. ESPN's coverage leaned heavily on his antics, and viewership benefited from the drama. This raised an uncomfortable question: is poker better off with characters like Kassouf, even if they annoy other players?

Table Talk for Home Games

Inspired by Kassouf's approach but want to keep your friendships intact? Here's how to incorporate strategic table talk into your home games without becoming that guy.

Keep it Light: Friendly banter is welcome; relentless interrogation is not. Asking "do you have it?" once can be strategic—asking it fifteen times is obnoxious. Read the room and adjust your approach based on the atmosphere.

Respect the Pace: Home games should be fun for everyone. Taking five minutes per decision while monologuing will kill the energy and get you uninvited from future games. Make your speech play efficient.

Watch for Tells: The real value of table talk isn't the talking—it's the reactions. Pay attention to how players respond when questioned. Do they get defensive? Do they over-explain? Do they clam up? These reactions are more valuable than any verbal answer.

Accept the Consequences: If you're going to talk, be prepared for others to target you. Speech play invites conflict, and you shouldn't complain when it comes back your way.

Know When to Stop: If someone is genuinely uncomfortable, back off. Home games thrive on everyone having a good time. Winning at the cost of ruining friendships isn't worth it.

Will Kassouf showed that psychology is as important as cards in poker. But remember—he was playing for hundreds of thousands of dollars against strangers. Your Thursday night game has different stakes, and the relationships matter more than the pot.