I lived with Phil Laak for over a year,he was my roomate.He knew backgammon very well,and when i met him,he was just starting poker.I taught him most everything he knows.But i can tell you one thing,he is a smart guy.He knows how he comes off,and yes it is an act...but hes like a child in some ways,very immature.Fun to be with though...i know things about him that one one else does in the world.There are quite a few things actually im sure he would like to sweep under the rug and forget(Thailand,cheating,drug stuff etc). I cant even get in contact with him now cuz hes so famous...shame really.
Aside from all his antics, he is a genius ...only another genius can know this,so i can label him with safety.
I can tell you he would LOVE being warned at a game about his behavior,he loves confrontation,arguements...taking things to the next level.Any questions people might have i can answer...i probably know him better than anyone...