| 15 Outs ... One Time! |
| Join LA Mike in finding out a little more about these players and what makes them do the things they do. |
| Featuring : Roy Winston |
LA Mike was able to slow down the ever-busy Roy Winston for a quick session of 15 Outs… in between tournaments at the Bellagio. Winston, also known as “The Oracle,” is a doctor/pilot turned professional poker player. In twenty-four months time, he has recorded nearly $2.5 million in tourney cashes, including a huge WPT win at the Borgata Hotel Casino. Let’s get to the interview.
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LA: Any preferences between big cash game play versus tournament play?
RoyWinston: Cash games, without ever increasing blinds, allow me to sit back and be really patient. The lack of randomness in table and seat selection also allows you to control more variables. (LA: Little known, and I’m not sure LA should share with the rest of the class, but it’s been proven that seat six in a cash game always gets hit in the face with the deck!) |
LA: What are the differences for you mentally or physically between being a doctor versus a professional poker player?
RW: Much more stress as a doctor, especially when I was dealing with life and death issues in an operating room or the intensive care unit. There is always another poker tournament. In medicine you can't count on another chance. (LA: LA always has fun playing doctor at home…that is what you meant right?)
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LA: If you were named WSOP commissioner, what changes would you make effective immediately?
RW: I really liked the cell phone rules from the WPT Falls View Canada event where if your cell phone rang while at the table you received an automatic one lap penalty. (LA: Seems that some players would be on a constant penalty?) |
LA: People messing with their cell phones can definitely slow down play. Anything else off hand you’d like see changed?
RW: I definitely think there should be a consistent policy in place for “time to act” on a specific hand.
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LA: Do you think there are too many 10k events at the WSOP in a six-week period?
RW: I guess we will have to see after this WSOP, but I certainly think so. To make it worse, the format of the smaller events promotes a gambling luck fest. |
LA: Online poker, still a money-making opportunity for you or a leak in the bankroll?
RW: I definitely still play regularly online. I don’t crush it by any means, but I still make a little bit on the side. |
LA: What are your thoughts on the game of online poker, security-wise and such?
RW: Although I only play a little online, I would definitely stick to major sites with solid reputations within the industry. (LA: Hmm, so in other words, two sites?) |
LA: How about all the laws and potential government regulation?
RW: I think government regulations will relax and poker online is definitely here to stay. (LA: Seems odd, the economy is really struggling, people are losing their houses, we’re at war, but the government is worried about online poker? Umm seriously?) |
LA: Travel question: favorite place you've ever visited, whether poker related or just for fun?
RW: I loved my trip to Australia, and not for the poker, but the people and the country. The beach and ocean were terrific. I also really enjoyed the food down there. |
LA: What’s on your iPod when you’re trying to relax on a long flight to Australia?
RW: My taste in music might really scare you!
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LA: (sits back in chair) Alright, let’s hear it.
RW: Everything from Outkast to Mozart, throw in a little Johnny Cash, Fergie, Jack Johnson and Maroon 5. (LA: Holy diversification, what a portfolio of music!) |
LA: Does the music differ if you’re grinding for twelve hours in a tournament?
RW: No, same stuff. |
LA: What’re the poker goals that you’ve set out to accomplish for 2008?
RW: Win a WSOP event or two. Continue to learn more about the game and teach others. Finish my book up. (LA: LA hopes to finish up his book too, tentatively titled “Play Like a Poker Donk In 12 Hours!” It should be a fascinating read.) |
LA: A random, fun question: you can select one super power. What do you choose?
RW: Flight, I want to be able to defy gravity. I am a pilot and love flying; I think that would definitely be the ultimate for me. (LA: Man, so many possibilities if this existed, so many!) |
LA: Wrapping things up here, what’s your upcoming poker schedule?
RW: I’ll be at the Bellagio for most of April and, of course, all of the WSOP at the Rio. |
LA: Thanks Roy, we’ll see you at another final table soon! |
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