| 15 Outs ... One Time! |
| It's Shronk Daddy. It's 15 questions. It's all the poker knowledge you can handle |
| Featuring : Chino Rheem |
| If you're around the tournament circuit, you know David “Chino” Rheem. He hangs with some of the best tourney players in the world (including J.C. Tran and Nam Le) and is in action at pretty much all the major stops. Chino's calm demeanor at the table isn't to be taken at face value though, as many say it’s just a cover for his maniacal and tricky style. Recently, he jumped into the mainstream poker lexicon by becoming one of the WSOP’s much talked-about "November Nine." We are poised for an onslaught of information about these nine players in the upcoming months, and as the final table’s most experienced member, a healthy dose of that media blitz will be about Chino. Here is your first course. |
JustinShronk : I've been asking people what they think of the final table delay. So, how did you feel about it when you first heard, and has your opinion changed now that you're one of the people it actually affects?
ChinoRheem : At first I was hesitant about the three month delay, but now that I have time to soak it all in, and get all the necessary things in my life in order, I appreciate the time off.
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JS: How long after you were down to nine players were you approached about sponsorship and management? And what are your plans as far as those things go?
CR: Sponsorships and management is all something very new to me and I plan on just trying to make the best out of this situation and do what benefits my family and me.... |
JS: What was the first thing you wanted to do once you got down to the final nine players? Sleep? Celebrate? Vacation?
CR: Making it to the final nine was a long battle. I celebrated somewhat with my friends, but getting back home to my girlfriend in LA was a good treat for me. There is still a long battle to be fought. |
JS: As of the time the final table ended, who did you feel was your strongest competition? Do you think he will still be your toughest competition when you come together in November? Or do you expect someone else to improve greatly?
CR: I think that all nine players at this final table are tough and that it will not be an easy fight. I am just going to go in there and play like my life is on the line, and hopefully I can come out the victor!
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JS: How much training/studying/watching tape do you plan to do?
CR: For the most part I played a lot with the other eight players at the final table, so I can't really say how much studying I'm gonna do. In poker every hand plays out differently, so you never know what you're gonna do until that actual moment, so it's kinda hard to say.
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JS: Finish this sentence – I’ll be disappointed after the final table if _________.
CR: I don't win [laughs]!! No, seriously you never know how the cards fall, so I just hope they fall my way on that day. |
JS: What are your thoughts on Dennis Peters, the current chipleader? Seems as though most people don't think much of his game.
CR: That's what Dennis wants everyone to think. Poker players are good people but not always so trustworthy at the poker table. Every one of the final nine can play. |
JS: At what point in the tournament did you really feel like you had a chance to make the final table?
CR: I lost one of the biggest pots of the tournament with two tens vs two nine's when we were eleven-handed I think, but after losing that pot for some reason I wasn't rattled. I think having the composure and understanding of what was going on, and what was at stake, was reassuring to me and I thought that I could make it…although I will admit I wasn't 100% sure until we were down to nine! |
JS: Some people have criticized former Main Event champs for not being good “poker ambassadors” in the years after they won the title. What responsibilities as “Poker Ambassador” do you think the Main Event champ has? What would you do if the title of "Poker Ambassador" was bestowed on you?
CR: Well, I think in all fairness to all poker players, and former Main Event winners especially, there is an etiquette or grace to the game that should be better understood and demonstrated because of the fact that poker is a form of gambling and is not suited for every person. If I happen to win the Main Event, I will definitely accept it as an honor and treat it with a certain class and dignity that the title deserves. When played responsibly, poker can be a very fun and entertaining sport and a game that anyone can enjoy! |
JS: How would winning the Main Event change your life? Would you keep playing the tournament circuit, or retire and invest?
CR: inning the Main Event would change my life obviously, and in the biggest way, financially. I've always told my girlfriend that I would play poker until the day I died. I just love it. I love the competition and the constant decisions that need to be made in every hand that you play. I'd definitely travel more if I won, and probably play more of the higher buy-in tournaments as opposed to some of the tournaments I've played the past couple of years, but I will never give up the love I have for poker.
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JS: Who is the best NLHE tournament player in the world right now?
CR: The best NLHE tournament player in the world right now....hmmm, it's close but I'd have to give it to my friend J.C. Tran. He has just consistently shown strong results year after year. David “The Dragon” Pham is also a very strong player! |
JS: If you could play any "famous" pro heads-up for their entire bankroll, who would you pick?
CR: [Laughing] I wouldn't do it for entire bankrolls, but I would love to have a rematch with Allen Cunningham since he is the player who beat me when I had my first shot at a bracelet. He played very well that match and had much more experience than I had. He was ready, I wasn't. Well done Allen, you da man! |
JS: Who is most responsible for your success in poker? A friend? Your family? A mentor?
CR: If anyone of my friends reads this, they already know the answer. All of my success that I will ever have in poker is ALL due to my friends. You guys all know who you are! The simple truth is without my friends I never would have had any of the opportunities that I have been blessed with. Thanks fellaz!! |
JS: What's the first thing you'll buy if you win the whole thing?
CR: If I happen to win the whole thing, I think the first thing I'll buy is a new home or condo. I've already got a new car with my ninth place winnings, so I guess a nice garage for that car is in order.
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JS: Finally, who will win the 2008 WSOP… and if your answer is yourself, who is going to come in second?
CR: Me of course. And if I don’t win, then I hope I come in second.
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