Keith "The Camel" Hawkins: In the Well

[The Camel]

Any views on this WSOP ME FT debacle?

Another example of Harrah's screwing the players in order to make a few extra quid.

Imagine the stress of trying to sleep at night for 3 months knowing you are chip leader in the ME. Might well send some players insane.

[The Camel]

Hi Keith, great thread!!

Certainly gave me an idea of what to expect when i finally agree to do an 'in the well'

I'm doing my first vegas poker trip in 4 days time, playing mainly the venetian & ceasers deep stacks.

What advice would you give in terms of how to approach these tournies and the type of standard i may expect to come up against.

Finally, u said u would struggle with stainrod & bowles, what if you had to choose between bowles & dichio? 

thanks in advance

vinny

Hi Vinny,

If you're on the direct route..  it looks like we'll be on the same flight!

Not sure what size stacks you play online, but the standard in the comps you'll be playing will be significantly lower than, say, the 100rebuy on stars.

99% of the good players will be playing the wsop. You'll be left with a nice mixture of rocks, calling stations and maniacs.

Play tight early, move through the gears in levels 3-4 and then abuse the bubble period liberally.

You'll do fine.

Dichio carved out an entire careeer from one goal (it was an amazing strike away at Wolves). He got a transfer to Serie A on the back of it!

[Titmus]

I am definitely guilty of having frozen at final tables when big money is at stake. The 2002 final of the European Poker Classics at the Vic and the 2006 final of the MasterClassics at Amsterdam particularly stick in my mind as ocassions when I totally bottled it.

That's because I had 10% of you, you choker.

[The Camel]

I am definitely guilty of having frozen at final tables when big money is at stake. The 2002 final of the European Poker Classics at the Vic and the 2006 final of the MasterClassics at Amsterdam particularly stick in my mind as ocassions when I totally bottled it.

That's because I had 10% of you, you choker.

Typical Titmus.

First post for 3 years is a rubdown.

[FuglyBaz]

A brilliant read this thread has been. A few small questions from me if that's okay?

1) When it was first announced that poker could be played online; a) what was your initial reaction? b) how long did it actually take you to embrace the online game? c) what was the highest stake you could play?

2) You have talked about Keira Knightley and Angelina Jolie as two of the hottest ladies around (can't disagree with you). But without getting you into too much trouble, who would you rank among the top 5 best looking lady poker players?

3) How long did it take you to get used to the new attitude of SOME poker players - with the whoops/hollas etc? When exactly did you notice the change? Would it be around 2003 WSOP ME time or before that?

4) If you was only allowed to play in one tournament ever again before saying farewell to poker, which tounament would you play in?

5) Run it once or run it twice?

6) Greatest lay down you've ever made?



Cheers,
Baz

[Karabiner]

Thanks for a very entertaining and insightful well Keith.

All the best of luck in your quest for the big score in LV, and please keep us posted if you can find the time.

Ralph

[The Camel]

Hi Keith, I hope are well.

Do you think there is a difference between the top UK/European players and the very top players from the US in terms of the standard of play?

Have you found as you've got older and wiser that some players from your generation have tightened up to not only adapt to the game but because they have more to lose now/they aren't as fearless?

In your past, when you've had bad downswings, did you have trouble with moving down levels?

As a neutral, what is the best poker game/session/hand you have witnessed?

Who is your tip for Euro 2008? (sorry if you've been asked this already)

Very much appreciated

Hi Aaron,

I do think many of the so called "top American" players are over rated. They have a much bigger culture oif celebrity and all it takes is one or two big results for a guy to be a "star". And of course, virtually anyone can win a tournament or two. The way the regular players treat the big names over there is amazing.. I remember sitting at wsop table with Hellmuth a couple of years ago. Some guy said "I hope I lose my chips to you Phil, at least it will make a good story for the guys at work". And proceeded to give him his chips! In Europe it is totally different. The big names have to fight harder than anyone for chips because everyone want to knock them out and knock their ego down a peg or two!

I think that's the same in any walk of life. When you're young you can take risks because you have no responsibilities and if it all goes pear shaped, you can can start all over again. When you reach a venerable age (like me!) you have more things to consider. I have to make sure there's food on the table and money in the bank to pay the bills. Hence I am much more risk averse than I was 20 years ago. I alos tend to think I was a much better player when noone knew who I was than I am today.

I never had trouble moving down in stakes at all... as long I was still in action!! Having a big ego is the most expensive failing in gambling. If you are playing above your bankroll you will almost certainly play scared, losing poker (unless you are a total sicko like RiverDave!). Better play within you roll and make logical decisions rather than let yourself be bluffed out of potsw because if you're wrong about calling you can't pay the electricity bill.

I will never forget the way Phil Ivey played in the Grand Prix de Paris in 2003. It was before he was acknowledged as the best player in the world. I was sat at his table for about 10 hours and he drove me absolutely up the wall. Every time I had a hand he folded, every time I was bluffing he reraised me. It was amazing. He totally and utterly owned me. He actually bubbled in this tournie after taking two horrendous beats, but I have honestly never seen a poker performance like it.

I haven't studied the Championship too deeply but I have had 2 outright bets.. I've had £3,000 on Spain at 6/1 and £2,000 on Portugal at 8/1. Not because I particularly fancy these two sides, but because I think they are very likely to trade at considerably shorter later in the tournament. Indeed, I've already laid off my Portugal bet at 11/2 so I win £5,000 with no risk if they land the trophy...

[RED-DOG]

Hi Keith, I hope are well.

Do you think there is a difference between the top UK/European players and the very top players from the US in terms of the standard of play?

Have you found as you've got older and wiser that some players from your generation have tightened up to not only adapt to the game but because they have more to lose now/they aren't as fearless?

In your past, when you've had bad downswings, did you have trouble with moving down levels?

As a neutral, what is the best poker game/session/hand you have witnessed?

Who is your tip for Euro 2008? (sorry if you've been asked this already)

Very much appreciated

Hi Aaron,

I do think many of the so called "top American" players are over rated. They have a much bigger culture oif celebrity and all it takes is one or two big results for a guy to be a "star". And of course, virtually anyone can win a tournament or two. The way the regular players treat the big names over there is amazing.. I remember sitting at wsop table with Hellmuth a couple of years ago. Some guy said "I hope I lose my chips to you Phil, at least it will make a good story for the guys at work". And proceeded to give him his chips! In Europe it is totally different. The big names have to fight harder than anyone for chips because everyone want to knock them out and knock their ego down a peg or two!

I think that's the same in any walk of life. When you're young you can take risks because you have no responsibilities and if it all goes pear shaped, you can can start all over again. When you reach a venerable age (like me!) you have more things to consider. I have to make sure there's food on the table and money in the bank to pay the bills. Hence I am much more risk averse than I was 20 years ago. I alos tend to think I was a much better player when noone knew who I was than I am today.

I never had trouble moving down in stakes at all... as long I was still in action!! Having a big ego is the most expensive failing in gambling. If you are playing above your bankroll you will almost certainly play scared, losing poker (unless you are a total sicko like RiverDave!). Better play within you roll and make logical decisions rather than let yourself be bluffed out of potsw because if you're wrong about calling you can't pay the electricity bill.

I will never forget the way Phil Ivey played in the Grand Prix de Paris in 2003. It was before he was acknowledged as the best player in the world. I was sat at his table for about 10 hours and he drove me absolutely up the wall. Every time I had a hand he folded, every time I was bluffing he reraised me. It was amazing. He totally and utterly owned me. He actually bubbled in this tournie after taking two horrendous beats, but I have honestly never seen a poker performance like it.

I haven't studied the Championship too deeply but I have had 2 outright bets.. I've had £3,000 on Spain at 6/1 and £2,000 on Portugal at 8/1. Not because I particularly fancy these two sides, but because I think they are very likely to trade at considerably shorter later in the tournament. Indeed, I've already laid off my Portugal bet at 11/2 so I win £5,000 with no risk if they land the trophy...

What a great post! (Football aside, I don't do football)

Thanks for this well Keith, I've enjoyed it immensely.

My question.

Did you know that despite us having completely opposite opinions in many things, and having knocked a fair few sparks off each other in the past, I Have always liked you as a person and respected you as a player?

[The Camel]

A brilliant read this thread has been. A few small questions from me if that's okay?

1) When it was first announced that poker could be played online; a) what was your initial reaction? b) how long did it actually take you to embrace the online game? c) what was the highest stake you could play?

2) You have talked about Keira Knightley and Angelina Jolie as two of the hottest ladies around (can't disagree with you). But without getting you into too much trouble, who would you rank among the top 5 best looking lady poker players?

3) How long did it take you to get used to the new attitude of SOME poker players - with the whoops/hollas etc? When exactly did you notice the change? Would it be around 2003 WSOP ME time or before that?

4) If you was only allowed to play in one tournament ever again before saying farewell to poker, which tounament would you play in?

5) Run it once or run it twice?

6) Greatest lay down you've ever made?



Cheers,
Baz

1. I was really sceptical at first.. I was concerned that the game might be bent and really didn't trust the sites would just do a runner with my money. I started off playing very small and not risking too much money. I soon loved it. Playing poker in my boxer shorts without anyone complaining. Bliss! I used to play $10-$20 heads up limit holdem against Erik123 in those days. We used to play marathon sessions of 8-10 hours sometimes. While he's kicked on to be a muliti zillionaire, I'm still skint!

2. Ha! I can't possibly comment except to say Jennifer Tilly is pretty damn amazing seeing as she's older than Tikay. She's a pleasure to play with too, no airs and graces and really good fun.

3. I still haven't got used to it. I hate it. Winning a 50:50 shot is not reason to jump around like a goon. You actually haven't done anything great, except get lucky. So many players have got absolutely no empathy these days. When you've won a big pot and given yourself a chance to win a big tournament someone else has just had their hopes crushed and feels absolutely dreadful. Put yourself in their shoes for a minute, will they feel worse if they see you overcelebrating? If yes, don't do it. There will be plenty of time to celebrate at the bar later, sitting at the table isn't the time for whooping and hollering imo.

4. Hmmm. My favourite tournie is the Mastclassics of poker at Amsterdam. They treat the players superbly (added money, lots of comps and great staff) and the city is great fun. Although there will always be something special about the wsop however much Harrah's try and ruin it, I think Amsterdam would be my last ever tournament.

5. I would never ask to run it twice but if someone asks I will say ok. I like everyone at the table to be happy and will go out of my way to do this. If a player, (esp someone who is losing) wants to run it twice, that's fine by me. I was once playing omaha at the Commerce and all the money went in on the turn in a pot. We turned the cards over and he wanted to run it twice. He didn't notice he was drawing dead! I said ok and obv, I won... 10 minutes after the pot was over he realised he couldn't win!!

6. I am not exactly known for my great laydowns! I always think the opposition is probably bluffing and call them down!

[The Baron]

Hi Keith, I hope are well.

Do you think there is a difference between the top UK/European players and the very top players from the US in terms of the standard of play?

Have you found as you've got older and wiser that some players from your generation have tightened up to not only adapt to the game but because they have more to lose now/they aren't as fearless?

In your past, when you've had bad downswings, did you have trouble with moving down levels?

As a neutral, what is the best poker game/session/hand you have witnessed?

Who is your tip for Euro 2008? (sorry if you've been asked this already)

Very much appreciated

Hi Aaron,

I do think many of the so called "top American" players are over rated. They have a much bigger culture oif celebrity and all it takes is one or two big results for a guy to be a "star". And of course, virtually anyone can win a tournament or two. The way the regular players treat the big names over there is amazing.. I remember sitting at wsop table with Hellmuth a couple of years ago. Some guy said "I hope I lose my chips to you Phil, at least it will make a good story for the guys at work". And proceeded to give him his chips! In Europe it is totally different. The big names have to fight harder than anyone for chips because everyone want to knock them out and knock their ego down a peg or two!

I think that's the same in any walk of life. When you're young you can take risks because you have no responsibilities and if it all goes pear shaped, you can can start all over again. When you reach a venerable age (like me!) you have more things to consider. I have to make sure there's food on the table and money in the bank to pay the bills. Hence I am much more risk averse than I was 20 years ago. I alos tend to think I was a much better player when noone knew who I was than I am today.

I never had trouble moving down in stakes at all... as long I was still in action!! Having a big ego is the most expensive failing in gambling. If you are playing above your bankroll you will almost certainly play scared, losing poker (unless you are a total sicko like RiverDave!). Better play within you roll and make logical decisions rather than let yourself be bluffed out of potsw because if you're wrong about calling you can't pay the electricity bill.

I will never forget the way Phil Ivey played in the Grand Prix de Paris in 2003. It was before he was acknowledged as the best player in the world. I was sat at his table for about 10 hours and he drove me absolutely up the wall. Every time I had a hand he folded, every time I was bluffing he reraised me. It was amazing. He totally and utterly owned me. He actually bubbled in this tournie after taking two horrendous beats, but I have honestly never seen a poker performance like it.

I haven't studied the Championship too deeply but I have had 2 outright bets.. I've had £3,000 on Spain at 6/1 and £2,000 on Portugal at 8/1. Not because I particularly fancy these two sides, but because I think they are very likely to trade at considerably shorter later in the tournament. Indeed, I've already laid off my Portugal bet at 11/2 so I win £5,000 with no risk if they land the trophy...

Great response - ty muchly.

Now be sure and take one of them bracelet thingys home!

[The Camel]

Hi Keith, I hope are well.

Do you think there is a difference between the top UK/European players and the very top players from the US in terms of the standard of play?

Have you found as you've got older and wiser that some players from your generation have tightened up to not only adapt to the game but because they have more to lose now/they aren't as fearless?

In your past, when you've had bad downswings, did you have trouble with moving down levels?

As a neutral, what is the best poker game/session/hand you have witnessed?

Who is your tip for Euro 2008? (sorry if you've been asked this already)

Very much appreciated

Hi Aaron,

I do think many of the so called "top American" players are over rated. They have a much bigger culture oif celebrity and all it takes is one or two big results for a guy to be a "star". And of course, virtually anyone can win a tournament or two. The way the regular players treat the big names over there is amazing.. I remember sitting at wsop table with Hellmuth a couple of years ago. Some guy said "I hope I lose my chips to you Phil, at least it will make a good story for the guys at work". And proceeded to give him his chips! In Europe it is totally different. The big names have to fight harder than anyone for chips because everyone want to knock them out and knock their ego down a peg or two!

I think that's the same in any walk of life. When you're young you can take risks because you have no responsibilities and if it all goes pear shaped, you can can start all over again. When you reach a venerable age (like me!) you have more things to consider. I have to make sure there's food on the table and money in the bank to pay the bills. Hence I am much more risk averse than I was 20 years ago. I alos tend to think I was a much better player when noone knew who I was than I am today.

I never had trouble moving down in stakes at all... as long I was still in action!! Having a big ego is the most expensive failing in gambling. If you are playing above your bankroll you will almost certainly play scared, losing poker (unless you are a total sicko like RiverDave!). Better play within you roll and make logical decisions rather than let yourself be bluffed out of potsw because if you're wrong about calling you can't pay the electricity bill.

I will never forget the way Phil Ivey played in the Grand Prix de Paris in 2003. It was before he was acknowledged as the best player in the world. I was sat at his table for about 10 hours and he drove me absolutely up the wall. Every time I had a hand he folded, every time I was bluffing he reraised me. It was amazing. He totally and utterly owned me. He actually bubbled in this tournie after taking two horrendous beats, but I have honestly never seen a poker performance like it.

I haven't studied the Championship too deeply but I have had 2 outright bets.. I've had £3,000 on Spain at 6/1 and £2,000 on Portugal at 8/1. Not because I particularly fancy these two sides, but because I think they are very likely to trade at considerably shorter later in the tournament. Indeed, I've already laid off my Portugal bet at 11/2 so I win £5,000 with no risk if they land the trophy...

What a great post! (Football aside, I don't do football)

Thanks for this well Keith, I've enjoyed it immensely.

My question.

Did you know that despite us having completely opposite opinions in many things, and having knocked a fair few sparks off each other in the past, I Have always liked you as a person and respected you as a player?

Thanks Tom, I've actually really enjoyed doing the well. The questions have been excellent and really got me thinking. I did one on 2+2 about a year ago and the questions were mostly banal and tedious. I knew I could trust blonde to come up with something more interesting!

I really thought you believed I was a jumped up git who just argued with some of your posts just to be contrary.

You are a treasure to blondepoker and I don't think you realise how much duller this place would be without your contributions. They are gold pure gold. (except for the ones about tournament structures! !!!). And you should definitely play the wsop main event. Sooner rather than later. There isn't a tournament on earth you would be better suited to.

[Royal Flush]

Puke

[TightEnd]

Keith's week in the well is up to day and I think we'd all agree its been an excellent read, so questions today only please

thanks to him and good luck in Vegas.

Hopefully he'll add a post or two to the well when he is Stateside to let us know how things are going

[madasahatstand]

One last one from me - Keith, when you sit down at the table at the start of a game, do you always behave in a standard way - I mean do you sit back and do some watchfull waiting (unless you get a big hand) to suss out the other players or do you bring a variety of approaches? I'm talking about playing with folk you probably don't know much about. Is it different when you do know the opponents?

thanks

Mad

[The Camel]

Puke

Good point, well made.