Answering your poker questions, furthering your poker game....
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q: Whenever I move up in level to bigger blind games my style seems to suffer. I’m an extremely fortunate player in my comfort zone but the moment I feel out-gunned everything goes wrong. Any thoughts? A: Your question contains the biggest clue. You should never play in a game where you feel out-gunned. It implies your bankroll always feels under pressure and no player can play aggressively if they feel constrained. You wouldn’t ask Wayne Rooney to play upfront but only allow him to jog. Go back to your comfort zone and play with your natural free-wheeling attitude. Confidence is the seed for aggression. You must be able to afford to lose in order to be a winner.
Q: With the World Series of Poker 2006 in full swing I was wondering who had won the most WSOP bracelets? A: Actually, it’s a tie. Both Doyle “The Texas Dolly” Brunson and Johnny “Orient Express” Chan have ten bracelets apiece.
Q: What are the chances of landing a Royal Flush? A: From five random cards approximately 650,000 to 1 so extract value when it comes your way. If you can remain expressionless when it does you should turn professional on the spot.
Q: Who’s your favourite poker hero from the past? A: There are several. Certainly Thomas Austin “Amarillo” Slim Preston and Johnny “The Man” Moss would be in the top three but I’d probably single out Walter “Puggy” Pearson as my personal favourite. Almost every year he still returns to the casino where he won the WSOP title in 1973 from Johnny “The Man” Moss and despite his years still plays poker regularly. What the poker world loves about Puggy is the sight of a 76 year old continuing to drive around in an RV with his famous 40 year old challenge still emblazoned on the side: “I’ll play any man, from any land, any game he can name, for any amount that I can count.” The small print under the famous slogan reads. “As long as I like it.”
MOST EXCITING GAME Q: What’s the most exciting game of poker you’ve ever witnessed? A: Again. Quite a few come to mind. One that immediately shows up on my radar is a famous game where Greg “Fossilman” Raymer was looking like he might reclaim his WSOP title during the 2005 event. Notorious for launching well disguised bluffs, Greg raised with 10-8 off-suit to steal the blinds only to be re-raised by the big blind. Greg didn’t blink, re-raised all-in, causing the big blind to pause, consider the situation and fold. Pulling that little rabbit out of the hat with a disconnected 10-8 was a classy move and enthralling to watch.
