| 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 : Scott Fischman |
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| LA Mike was able to track down two-time WSOP bracelet winner Scott Fischman to answer a few questions in between hands at this week’s Five Diamond Poker Classic. Fischman, a Las Vegan, is known as “EmptySeat88” to the online crowd. He’s accumulated over $2.1 million in “live” earnings alone. Let’s get to the questions. |
LAMike: Hey Scott, easy question to start things off. What is it in particular that draws you to poker?
ScottFischman: I play poker for one very specific reason, the competition. I love that the game involves a very high level of concentration and that it is an individual sport. |
LA: Thoughts on tourneys versus Cash games?
SF: I prefer tourneys way more than cash games because there is always a distinct beginning, middle and end point for each event. (LA: For this exact reason, LA prefers cash games. My ADD prevents me from concentrating on one thing for more than an hour or two at a time.) |
LA: You can choose any super power, what do you select?
SF: The super power I’d select would have to be being invisible for two main reasons. First and most obvious, so that I can go into the women’s locker room! Secondly, I’d be interested in observing people when they aren’t aware that they are being watched. When, I was actually thinking about going to college, I was considering majoring in psychology. I’m fascinated by people’s thoughts and corresponding actions. I guess that leads to why I’m addicted to reality TV! (LA: Assume that also explains why you’re a successful poker player, a huge psychological side to the game.) |
LA: Is there a can’t miss TV program, reality show or otherwise?
SF: Well, basically there isn’t just one show…it’s the TIVO that I can’t live without. Some of the programs that are constantly on there are: Criminal Minds, House, Survivor, Entourage, Dexter, the Ultimate Fighter, really the list goes on and on. (LA: LA also recommends “Dexter” on Showtime to those reading at home, quality entertainment programming.)
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LA: One can’t miss concert or band?
SF: Screw concerts, way too many people in one small confined place.
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LA: Alright, music on your IPod while you’re working out or just relaxing?
SF: Really, there is no such thing as working out or for that matter relaxing either. (LA: LA is shocked you aren’t hitting the gym twice a day!) |
LA: I know you listen to music when you play poker?
SF: Ya, while I’m playing poker, I’m generally listening to XM radio. My favorite channels are BPM, The System, The 90’s, The 80’s, and Top 20 on 20. (LA: So in other words, anything and everything over the last 30 years or so?) |
LA: After the Five Diamond wraps up, there’s some dead time from “live” tourneys. What are your plans?
SF: Probably just be hanging at home mostly, playing online and getting plenty of sleep before I go to Australia at the beginning of January. Oh, and I’ll definitely be eating a lot too! (LA: The “Great American Pastimes”, historians claim its baseball, LA claims it sleeping and eating.) |
LA: Online poker, still a huge money making opportunity or a leak in your bankroll?
SF: Uhh, BOTH! (LA: snickers) |
LA: Alright, what is positive for you in regards to online poker?
SF: Definitely MTT (multi-table tournaments) are a huge opportunity. SNGs are also positive for the bankroll.
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LA: And now the negative leaks in your bankroll, besides being cheated of course?
SF: Online cash games are a huge leak in my bankroll. Actually, poker stars in general is a leak in the roll. (LA: LA was really expecting you to say it’s been a terrible year on Absolute and UB!) |
LA: This should be interesting, you obviously play online a ton. However, with the Absolute mess and apparently how easy it seems to be cheated, do you still have faith and confidence in online poker?
SF: Well, I must say you won’t find me playing at Absolute or UB since the scandal. (Absolute purchased UB.) With that said, I really have the utmost faith and feeling of security when I’m playing online. The bottom line is, if you’re playing online (which was proven by the Absolute mess) and feel unsafe or like you’re possibly being cheated, you can contact support. They have every possible tool to investigate the situation. They really can see everything from hole cards to where you’re logged in from. They can track who you’re playing with, where your money is going, and of course your patterns of play among many other things. When you add up all those resources, they have a very good idea of whether or not the game is on the “square”. (LA: Every time LA loses a buy in during a cash game session, clearly there’s some sort of suspicious activity going on.) |
LA: Compare that to if you think there’s something fishy going on in a “live” event?
SF: If you are playing in a “live” game, and suspect you are being cheated in one way or another, you go to the floor person to complain. Most likely, he will say “Ok, I’ll keep an eye on this matter”. What does that mean? He really can do absolutely nothing at the time! |
LA: The beginning of the year is always super busy, tourney-wise. Have you looked at things and figured out your schedule for January already?
SF: Yes, I’m heading to Australia for the Aussie Millions. Probably follow that up with Borgata in AC and then on to Commerce in LA. (LA: Nothing like starting the year out by punching that Frequent Flier Card.) |
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| LA: Thanks again Scott. Good luck, safe travels and I’m sure we’ll see you at another final table soon! |
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