Name: Ivan
Nickname
(how'd you get it): Ivan the Terrible – It must be my style of play, because
when I win pots with good hands, people don’t get to see them… but then every
once in a while, I’ll take down a huge pot with a crazy hand, and all I hear is
people say “wow, that was terrible…”
Age: 30
Location: Long Beach
Favorite
hand to play:
8-6 offsuit. I have a lot of faith in that hand. So much that my
friends at the home games call it the “Crazy Ivan”.
Favorite
pro player:
Phil... I’ll let you guess the last name. Ok, second favorite is
Jesus, even though I’m a jew.
How did
you learn about the 4SPT:
Heard about it from The Cooler. Just wanted an
excuse to play with him… but in 5 4SPT outings, I have not had the chance to
contest a single pot against him.
When
did you join the 4SPT:
11/30/05… First game of the Winter Season.
Best
thing about winning the 4SPT:
I still get no respect, and that can be a good
thing when you play poker.
Most
exciting/best hand you've had on the 4SPT:
The hand that took out one of the
strongest players in the tour, Richie Rich. It involved a “Crazy Ivan” (read
above). If you can’t outplay him, just try to get lucky against him.
4SPT
player you don't want sitting next to you (why):
Cheyenne… he’s so good, he’ll
beat your pocket Kings with pocket eights.
Where/how
did you learn to play poker:
Still learning, but the first time I played Hold’em
was in Las Vegas, at the Aladdin/Planet Hollywood Hotel. I was in town doing a “How to play
bettern poker”-type video, and the producer gave each crew member from California $75 and a
seat at our own $2-$4 limit table. We played and got the basics, and I just got
so lucky that I walked away with over $200… I fell in love with the game so
much, that decided to learn how to really play. The more I play, the more
interesting details I learn to appreciate about the game. Who wants to play
chess when you can do another activity where the object is to take your
friends’ money?
Any
other interesting stories or whatever else you want people to know:
I think
it’s awesome that Slim and the First Lady are so dedicated to making an
enjoyable experience like this one happen almost every week! It may not be as
profitable as the tables at Commerce on weekends; but the people are much nicer,
everyone speaks English at the table, and better players… which makes it more
fun for me. Thanks!
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