Nickname: Panaphonic1
Location: Munich
Age: 28
How did you get started in Poker and what made you choose CDPoker?
I got started in a home game, like many other people, too. It was a 0.25/0.50 mixed Hold 'em/Omaha Hi/Omaha 8 game, and I got rather good at it. I then decided to dabble in online play, and promptly cashed in a freeroll. I decided to take the few dollars I won there and try my luck at Hold 'em heads-up Sit'n'Go's, and had a rather good win rate. It didn't take long for me to move from the micro tournaments up to the $10 and $20 ones. I then decided to move to other ipoker skins to CD poker, because the VIP program is good, and the customer service prompt and friendly. Also, as on every ipoker skin, my bankroll can be kept in €, not $ - a good thing at the moment. I was well rolled for $50 tournaments when the company I was working in closed down, so I took the plunge and started grinding in earnest. I haven't looked back since, and am now comfortable in the $200 matches, with the intention of moving over to the 2/4 heads-up cash-tables soon.
What are the advantages/disadvantages of playing online?
There are many advantages, most notably the fact that you can play in the comfort of your own home, and multiple tables at once. Play is faster, more agressive and 24/7. The downsides are that the social aspect of the game, which makes poker so much fun live, is reduced to only a chatbox, and you have to make your decisions based on less information, because you cannot actually see your opponent. You have to rely on betting patterns, timing tells and your notes.
Is this your first big win?
As i normally don't even play tournaments, yes
What is your most memorable hand of this event?
I limped from early-middle position with 33 and an M of around 20, one further caller and the button - quite a loose agressive maniac - 4-bet me. I tanked and decided to shove on him, as my stack was only minimally smaller than his, and he normally backed down when he got pushed back. He thought about it and called with AJo, and the flop came JJx. The turn came blank, I typed "3 plz" in the chatbox, and voilia - a 3 came on the river to give me a boat.
Tell us about your most memorable bad beat story, either for or against you..
It would have to be the classic flopping of quads with my opponent shoving on me, only for him to runner-runner the straight-flush. In a heads-up match of course.
What would you recommend to those of us who want to improve their game and become professional?
Analyse your game every day. Read as much literature as you can. Take a break when you hit a losing streak. Always play well within your bankroll. When playing poker, only play poker. Don't surf the net, watch TV or similar things. And of course: don't play too much. You'll be playing for years, don't burn yourself out. Treat it as just another job, but with more freedom. You're playing poker with the goal of enjoying life and being your own boss - enjoy it, otherwise you might as well get a 9 to 5.
Do you have any plans regarding your winnings?
Well, I'll actually have to cash in the main event before I make any plans for that.
Anything else you would like to add?
The more you get sucked out on, the better you are. Don't let it tilt you.
