FAQs (part 1)

1. So, you're a professional poker player now ?

Well, I suppose I must be insofar as I will have no other source of income! That, surely, is the operative definition. Of course, "professional" connotes "profitable" and "expert" as well, and these descriptions are wide of the mark unfortunately.

Obviously my motivations are different to the "standard" professional, if there is such a thing.

In reality, "retired to play poker" is what we're talking about.

2. When will we see you on TV ?

I really have been asked this question by about 50% of the people whom I've been chatting to about my change of direction. I always have a laugh about it. Mind you, with so much coverage these days, there actually is a chance that eventually I may get caught on camera.

At the least, I'll probably be there as a dot in the background. If I play enough tournaments then you never know ! Not all the coverage is of the final stages, so there is some chance that I get randomly drawn onto the TV table. It's not exactly on my list of aims but it would be fun I guess.

3. Are you holding a farewell tournament ?

The poker events I have organized at work in the past 2 years were tremendously popular. Often I was being asked about the next one anytime from the day after the one before. Now, there is some concern that they won't continue after I leave. This has led many soon-to-be-ex-colleagues to suggest I should hold a "leaving tournament" in lieu of (or as well as, perhaps) leaving drinks.

I am undecided. I have considered it, but tended to err on the side of "not". At the moment, it would be accurate to say I'm still considering it. If it happens, imagine the pressure on me to win it !