PRO CHAT TRANSCRIPT - May 12th 2009
QUESTION FROM robferguson7: What do you think is the most profitable for beginners with small bankrolls? Sit n Go's? Micro Cash Games? MTTs?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: cash games will alway be more consistent. But you should play them all and see what you enjoy the most
QUESTION FROM nikee33: Hi Howard.What is your favorite music?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: I like it all. From U2, to Jay-Z to Radiohead to Jazz
QUESTION FROM nanerpuss26: did u watch your sister last night?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: was in the audience. It was very disappointing. I don't think she had a chance.
QUESTION FROM raskull_com: with the extremely large fields some of these FTOPS events generate, do you feel it's worth the entry for such a small chance of winning if you're not a professional player?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: You shouldn't worry about the big fields. Just take of your own business at the tables your at, and you can go deep
QUESTION FROM kekzee: howard whats the best way to start building a solid bankroll?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Poker takes time. Play a lot at stakes that make sense, and as you get better your BR will grow. Juat manage your money it comes with time. I lost for 2 years at the beginning of my career
QUESTION FROM Next_Protege: Howard how strong pre=flop do u play pocket 9,8,and7's early in the tournys??
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: In NL, I will open for a raise, but I won't get too involved unless I flop a set
QUESTION FROM Arnold552: Hey Howard, would you recommend the life of a pro poker player?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Only if absolutely love it. I always suggest that you decide you MAY want to be a pro. You keep your day job, and if you are making more money playing poker after a full year, then you consider it.
QUESTION FROM Mailmann20: who do you think is your toughest competitor?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Ivey. He is great at all forms of poker. Cash games and tournaments.
QUESTION FROM Theclap00: Skill wise and variance wise heads up, Is Stud 8, stud or O8 which do you like best and why?What adjustments do you make?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: I don't really love any of the stud games HU. I prefer limit HE
QUESTION FROM max_em87: any thoughts on your hand from High Stakes Poker against Durrr? the AK vs 86
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: t was the worst play I have ever made on TV. That being said, he made a super creative 4 bet, he simply confused me. Given the stack situation, there was no excuse to not move in. If he had AA or KK, oh well...
QUESTION FROM Arnold552: What "spark" turned your poker career around. was it a confidence thing?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: The is no turning point in any career. You simply commit to getting better day by day. Over time, you suddenly see that you are much better than the players you are playing against. Then you move up and start the process all over again.
QUESTION FROM Arnold552: How does living the life a poker pro fit into your family life, does it make it difficult?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: don't it's more difficult than any other job, if we're talking about cash games (you can control your hours). Being on the road playing tournaments can be tough. But you also get long stretches where your home. So it's not too bad
QUESTION FROM tanker1919: Why was the HORSE game changed to HEROS?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: t's made up of the same games, but it's much better. First of all, the stud games are broken up more, so people don't sit out as much. Second, in HORSE the switch from Stud to Stud 8, is confusing (same forced low card). In HEROS that doesn't happen,
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: so players don't play the wrong game as much
QUESTION FROM Theclap00: What do you think about the Durrr Challenge? Is the money the reason why you wouldn't play? Unless you got staked
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: I could never beat him at that game. The 4 tabling would kill me. Too old. LOL
QUESTION FROM lukasz_krz: hey howard, what in your opinion is the poker variant which requires the most skill?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: ood question. I think NLH is the game where skill will win out most often. But, Stud is a very difficult game to master.
QUESTION FROM nanerpuss26: What are some good books for beginning players?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Most of the Sklansky books, Harrington on Hold 'em and of course, The Full Tilt Poker Guide to Tournaments
QUESTION FROM GregHsieh: how can i get better at reading people online
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: It's all about experience. The only way to read people online (except for the accasional timing tell), is to recognize betting patterns. You have to deduce what they have based on when the bet.
QUESTION FROM Mike Serrano: Howard, some people feel that online play can mess with a person's live play. Care to comment?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: You just have to realize that they are two very different kinds of poker. Kind of like th difference between limit and NL. Getting better at one type helps with the other. But don't think that all skills for one translates to the other.
QUESTION FROM trent 2 douce: I've been playing poker for seven years now, not just as a hobby. I love the game. I've studied countless poker books by top pro's, new, and old, but there's something missing from my game and it's huge. Do you know what that might be?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Ha, ha. The beauty of the game, is that you have to recognize what those things are and be honest with yourself about them. Until you admit your own failing, you are doomed to not improve
QUESTION FROM sidey2007: how can gus survive his massive downstrings in the cash games online their huge?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: He is a very volitile player. He has massive upswipngs as well. I could never stomach it. But he has a much higher loerance for pain. LOL
QUESTION FROM Arnold552: Hey Howard, What No limit hold-em Book do you recommend?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Harrington on Hold 'em
QUESTION FROM ted8100: On the bubble, more aggressive or more tight?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Mostly more aggressive. As long as you're comfortable going out on the bubble, you will give yourself the best chance to go deep. And that's where the big money is
QUESTION FROM GitRdoneCoug: Hey Howard. . .Can you give us your top 5 or so All-Around players in the world....the ones you would expect to excell at a HEROS type event?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Ivey Antonius Chau Giang Doyle
QUESTION FROM XXX_Xenia: How much does, chess really help in playing poker? and in what way?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Less than you'd think. Chess is a game of "perfect" information. All the information you need to make the perfect move is always available. Poker is game where the perfect move is never clear. It's about adjusting to beat your opponents strategy
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Also really good chess players have to learn to accept the luck factor in poker. That's hard
QUESTION FROM lukasz_krz: what do you think are the chances that online poker will be legalized soon? And if it will be, do you think the casinos will make less money because more people will prefer to play online rather than brick and mortar games?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: I think we have really good chance in the next year or so. If it happens, B&M poker rooms will benefit big time. More players will play online, but they will also want live. It's a win-win for the entire poker community
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: BRB
QUESTION FROM raskull_com: howard have you ever made any really terrible prop bets?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Too many to remember. I have made great ones and bad ones. It comes with the territory
QUESTION FROM raskull_com: what do you think about durr as a player?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: He is enourmously talented and will probably become a fixture in the biggest games in the world for a long time. But he is young, and I have seen many talented young players flame out. We'll see
QUESTION FROM sidey2007: howard whats ur views on stu unger and what was he like in person to meet?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Stuey was simply the best NLH tournament player I ever saw. However, he was not good cash game player. He had too much steam in him
QUESTION FROM John Howitzer: what odds would you give for Obama to win a WSOP bracelet lifetime?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Ha ha. I hope he never tries. Who wants to deal with the ridiculous security! LOL
QUESTION FROM pops0204: Howard would u suggest fairly new players learn limit well before playing no limit?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: es. But you want to play both. First, better variety will accelerate your learning. Second, you never know what your best game might be.
QUESTION FROM magician22: hey howard whats your best mix game
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: I really like HEROS. The more games the better
QUESTION FROM BigSlick112: what is your and worst game?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Could be limit O/8. Ironic, as that is what I won my first bracelet in
QUESTION FROM floppynuts3: whos gonna win the NBA finals?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: I'm a big Celts fan. But, without KG, I don't see anyone beating the Cavs
QUESTION FROM BigSlick112: meant to say best and worst game
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Best would be limit HE
QUESTION FROM Shazi5: Do you think its possible for a young internet poker pro to make a living entirely from playing on full tilt? Or do you suggest playing lots of live games as well?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: I would always suggest mixing in plenty of live play. It will make you a better player to play both
QUESTION FROM sidey2007: whats ur views on ilari ziigmund sahamies style of play wild but fun to watch dont u think?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: He's a very tough player. Very high variance though.
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Anyone watching the Celts game! Wow.
QUESTION FROM MerryMary2: How many tournaments do you plan to play at the WSOP this year?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: I will play a full schedule. I usually take 3 or 4 days off. How many is hard to say. The deeper you get in each event, the more events you miss. Basically, if I only end up playing 20 events, that will mean I did really well. If I play 30, not so good
QUESTION FROM uyb: You are hosting the HEROS tournament, do you watch the show HEROES? if so who is your favorite character
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Ha ha. My kids love it. I guess I have a soft spot for Hiro.
QUESTION FROM kamakazy59: Do you ever get venture capital to enter larger dollar tournaments? Or just win enough to enter always?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: I think you are always better off playing for yourself. Let your BR grow naturally and you won't have to worry about backers. I also, think it's easier to play hard for your own money
QUESTION FROM Rsully0: howard do the pros use there own money on full tilt or does full tilt stake them
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Own money
QUESTION FROM Trojan65: Any plans to play in the next season of High Stakes Poker?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: If I'm invited.
QUESTION FROM secret10124: Does playing in 20-30 WSOP events ever get tiring when you sit and play for hours on end?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Yes. But it gets your poker stamina up. I think you get much tougher and more prepared for the Main Event that way
QUESTION FROM behind666space: What is the worst beat you've ever suffered?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: couldn't tell you. I think it's really important to quickly forget your tough beats. I just move on mentally, so I truly don't remeber the bad ones. I sleep much better that way!
QUESTION FROM Trojan65: Do you think its ironic how internet sensations like Dario Mineri' aren't invited to be pros on a site until they make a splash in real world games?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Yes and no. Until they do it on TV, the public has a hard time "putting a face" to the rpo. Without that emotional connection, a pro has limited value to a site.
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: elts!!
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Big fan. Amazing game. Starbury??! Wow
QUESTION FROM civic97: where did the name full tilt originate?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: We just like the multiple meanings of the name. We wanted to have a name that stood out and spoke to many of the facets of being a poker player
QUESTION FROM god_funkd: whats your number 1 advice to poker players?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Love the game and realize that nothing comes easily in this game. It takes time. You will need patiance.
QUESTION FROM deuce5ofdiamond: Howard is there any progress being made in the legalization of online poker in the U.S?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Yes. Barney introduced a bill last week. With a new Congress and a president who gets poker, we have high hopes
QUESTION FROM floppynuts3: how do u think annie did on celebrity apprentice
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: I think she did great. It's very disappointing that it appears that she had no chance to win the other night. But, given that the game is essentially arbitrary and dependent on the whims of Trump, she was fortunate to get that far. I'm very proud thoug
QUESTION FROM Kentucky809: who is the best sports poker player u know
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: I can't really think of any big name sports guys that are great poker players. However, there are many great poker players who were very good at sports. TJ Cloutier played Canadien FB. Benyamine was a top ranked French junior tennis player. Doyle was d
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: drafted into the NBA before breaking his leg
QUESTION FROM civic97: Do you ever play in Atlantic City, and if so how do you think Borgata stacks up to the Vegas major casinos?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: I have a big distaste for AC. Most of the casinos are dingy and very poorly run. Borgata is the only decent hotel there. It is head and shoulders above the rest. It would be considered a nice average+ hotel in Vegas; like Mandalay Bay.
QUESTION FROM Poopflavored: Were you offended by the things Joan Rivers was saying about Annie and her friends?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Of course. But what really bothers me, is Trump basically condoned that kind hateful language in the workplace. I think he did real damage.
QUESTION FROM BigChief8: When playing online, do betting patterns dictate the style of play or is there another way to read opponents.
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: That's basically it. So when you play online, focus in on that and you'll become a really good hand reader. I think players rely on physical reading too much live, so developing your betting pattern reading skills will make you a much better live playe
QUESTION FROM Kenny_Penetrate: howard, is one WSOP bracelet this year enough to get me on team full tilt, or will i have to win two?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Ha, ha. Winning two is really tough these days. Stick to a nice atainable goal like one bracelet and let the rest take care of itself
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: BRB
QUESTION FROM Sasuke Uchiha0: how long were you playing poker?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: I have been playing seriously for 28 years. It took me 2 years to start winning and 10 years to start beating the biggest games
QUESTION FROM BeerPolice: orel hershiser?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Great baseball player. Not a great poker player. Not bad, but not great
QUESTION FROM deuce5ofdiamond: Have you ever used performance enhancing drugs at the poker table? I heard steroids is becoming a big issue in poker
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Ha ha. But serously, I do think the neuro-enhancers could be an issue. Attention drugs like ritalin offer a clear advantage. I could see a day when we are teted for them.
QUESTION FROM Ringer 18: when is your next visit to toronto
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: I have no idea. But I really enjoyed my stay in Canada. So it will never take much to get me back there
QUESTION FROM deuce5ofdiamond: Prof. Lederer, why don't I ever see you wearing the old school full tilt hockey jersey anymore?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: I just feel like, somewhere between 40 and 45, it becomes immpossible to pull it off. LOL
QUESTION FROM Kentucky809: could camp help a player like myself is 27 and have been playing for a while
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Yes. I think the poker camps are great vlaue for players who are really serious. You come away with lost of great instruction and a little inspiration. I think it's a little pricey if you're just a fan and looking for a fan experience
QUESTION FROM deuce5ofdiamond: howard who do you like in the NFL this year?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Well, I'm a hug Pats fan. With Brady back and younger defense, I expect a lot.
QUESTION FROM Santiago78: I miss samy farha in HSP .. why his don't play ? he is a good showman
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: I love watching him play. The bottom line is this. Each season is taped during a few days. So if a player like Sammy is busy those days, he misses an entire season. I don't think there was a particular reason he didn't play this year. Just worked out t
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: that way
QUESTION FROM deuce5ofdiamond: Do you think a pro will win the wsop me this year?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: I think a well know pro will win it soon. This year? Maybe
QUESTION FROM Poopflavored: which Poker Pro do you believe is over rated?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Whoever has won on TV recently. That goes for me when I won a few times early on in the TV era. Players put so much weight on TV final tables, when in reality, each individual final table can swing on a ahnd or two
QUESTION FROM sebby55: how do you think PPA is doing in Washington with the UIGEA stuff
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: I think the PPA is making great progress. It has become a real force and gets a lot of respect now. When you are the voice for over 1M people, poloticians will listen. I think we'll have a lot of success in the coming years
QUESTION FROM deuce5ofdiamond: i take you are from boston? pats/celts/sox/bruins?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: I grew up in NH. So I root for all the Boston teams. I love the heart the Bruins have shown the last few games. If they pull off the comeback against Carolina, I think they win it all
QUESTION FROM berty1867: where was your favourite place to visit on the circuit?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: I love Paris. Mostly because my wife actually comes along to my Paris events. We love the restaurants and she loves the shopping!
QUESTION FROM Menasha Jim: Howard, where can I find a listing of HAND ODDS?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Not sure what you mean by that. If you want a good hand odds calculator, I'd suggest www.twodimes.net
QUESTION FROM deuce5ofdiamond: i like Paul Wasicka, He seems like a great player, how do you rank him among other pros?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: He is a really good guy. He also really understands the game as evidenced by that fact that he's a great teacher. As for where I'd rank him? He is solidly amongst the top 50 or so pros. It's really hard to differentiate any further than that. There are
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: so many great players now, that I am giving him high priase by placing him in the top 50
QUESTION FROM buckwheats: HOWARD YOU GONNA BOY COTT ANY OF TRUMPS CASINOS?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Long before Apprentice, you'd have to pay me to stay at a trump hotel. The last time I stayed at The Taj, I just felt perpetually dirty after a few days. Yuck
QUESTION FROM mystical32: Whats your next big tournament?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: WSOP! I'm simply resting up for the grueling grind of the next month. I'm very excited.
QUESTION FROM Santiago78: is the 50 k HORSE event the "true" main event ?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Not at all. It is a very special event and takes a full compliment of skills to win. But the Main Event is the Main Event and always will be
QUESTION FROM sebby55: do you have a over/under on the number of enters to the WSOP this year
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: 6100
QUESTION FROM Table Crusher: Did the Pro's lobby for the deeper stacks this year?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: ctually the opposite. Pros, who are playing all the events, would rather some quick bustouts mixed into their results, so they don't get too worn out. That doesn't happen enough with deeper stacks.
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: So, actually the deeper stacks are designed to give the amateurs more "value". It's all about perception on that issue
QUESTION FROM Andy Bloch: Which is harder, a 36 handicap winning the World Series of Golf, or a poker player winning Celebrity Apprentice?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Ha ha, Juding by your performance today, I'm going with the WSOG!
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: BRB
QUESTION FROM Nealio20: Andy's that bad at golf? lol
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Oh, yes
QUESTION FROM John Howitzer: do math geeks have to post a bond before they are allowed on a golf course?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: a big one!
QUESTION FROM J-Jay023: Here is a tough one. We all watch Phil "poker Brat" Helm. constantly downing the play of amateurs. What are your feelings about sitting beside amateurs who really are students of the game at the main event?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: erious amateurs and not-so-serious amateurs are what the Main Event is all about. They desrve our respect
QUESTION FROM tanker1919: About How many questions have you gotten so far?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: about 700
QUESTION FROM Andy Bloch: hey, if they didn't put a ringer in our group that was a 16 handicap to play us 25-30+ handicappers, I would have had a good chance
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: It is sad when Danile Negreanu is considered the ringer in your group!
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Daniel
QUESTION FROM THEballer00: Why haven't you answered any questions I've submitted? ARE THEY NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU!? GOSH I TRIED MY BEST
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: I do the best I can at picking them. But I'm playing on two tables still and I miss many of the good ones. Sorry about that
QUESTION FROM XNoLimitPlayaX: Howard, I really enjoyed your dvd's and chapters in the Full Tilt Strategy Guide. Do you have any plans for anything coming up. I'd really like to hear your strategy on some other games, such as stud and omaha.
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: I no plans to do another DVD. Therer is so much great information online these days, I just don't think it makes sense to make DVD's any more
QUESTION FROM Poopflavored: Do you enjoy playing on Poker After Dark? They seem like a blast.
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: They are really fun. The table is usually loaded with tough, but fun players. Second, you are guaranteed a week of worldwide TV exposure if you go deep. Lastly, it's a nice overlay. After the 5k appearance fee, you are getting a nice price at 15k to wi
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: win 120k
QUESTION FROM bcarter6: what tables are you playing on?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: I'm in FTOPS HEROS and mini FTOPS HEROS
QUESTION FROM TRUPLAYA823: do the levels of the blinds at WSOP really last TWO HOURS?! that's AWESOME
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Yes. And the levels are very slow. For example, it goes from 200-400 to 250-500. It takes a lot of patience. The average stack for the meat of the event is usually about 70 big blinds. It's really nice
QUESTION FROM blakeam07: What's your favorite sport besides poker?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: I love to play golf and I love to watch NFL
QUESTION FROM SMOK1N_ACES420: What accomplishment in poker are you most proud of?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: he most important win of my life was my first bracelet. That was a huge monkey off my back. My most valuable win was my first WPT win. It was huge to win early on TV.
QUESTION FROM Spimp: Do you think the WSOP and ESPN should brodcast more than 2 braclet events?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Yes and no. I'd love to see it, but they simply don't get the same ratings with the prelims. It's hard to say a network should cover events, when they don't get the same audience
QUESTION FROM bcarter6: does it ever seem like people call a little more loosely against you to try to get the bounty on you....what is your favorite nfl team?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Definitely. So I have to adjust my strategy accordingly. Poker is all about the adjustments....the Pats!
QUESTION FROM everynameistakn: When asked what you do for a living do you say poker player or business man?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Poker player. I'll be playing poker until the day I die. Not so with business.
QUESTION FROM friendlyfckr: how do you control your temper after taking a bad beat?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: It takes experience and practice. If players didn't make bad plays, then you wouldn't have an edge. But if they make bad plays, some will work out and get lucky. So every time, a player makes a bad play and beats me, I just remind myself, "that's wh I'
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: I'm playing
QUESTION FROM M3G4 M4N: lakers or cavs?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: I think Cavs. Lebron's ready
QUESTION FROM XNoLimitPlayaX: Do you have the same raise or fold strategy, genereally speaking, in other games besides hold'em?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Mostly. There are more reaons to limp in the stud games, but I raise when I enter for the most part.
QUESTION FROM bluebehir: do you think a 24 hr poker channel would be successful?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Once we move to about 2000 channels, I think the Poker Channel will have a great future!
QUESTION FROM Spimp: Have you noticed an impact in the cardrooms becuase of the economy?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Definitely. People are hurting these days. For most poker is a form of entertainment and entertainment will always take a backseat to paying the rent
QUESTION FROM BurnhamL: Connery, Dalton, Moore, Brosnon or Craig. who's the best Bond?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Now that's a stupid question. Connery, of course
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: LOL
QUESTION FROM deuce5ofdiamond: i bet you were on the debate team, you ever consider running for public office in anything?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Actually, I never never debated in school. My Dad was a debating coach. As for public office. I'd rather stick needles in my eye. Everyone wants a piece of you
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: I had a great time chatting tonight. But I'm going to call it a night. Thanks for all your questions!
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: It was fun!