Friday, October 15, 2004

Two questions with Greg Raymer

I will try posting this feature on a semi-regular basis, a "mini-interview" by email (or in person as travel allows) with some poker professionals. First up is the 2004 WSOP champion.

Q. How has your life changed since you won the WSOP?

A. I used to work 9-5 as a corporate-employed patent attorney. Now I travel to major poker tournaments, make public appearances, and am writing a book and putting together a website (www.fossilmanpoker.com). I used to travel about 3 times a year. Now it's 3 times a month.

Q. What advice would you give those aspiring to follow in your footsteps?

A. First and foremost, never gamble with money you can't afford to lose. Second, you have to treat this like any other profession. You have to study, train, practice, and work hard at improving yourself. I'm sure you can't imagine becoming a world class athlete in any sport without training hard for years, and the same is true about poker. You have to train mentally to become one of the best. Because of the luck factor in poker, somebody who is not the best will win sometimes, but in the long run, you must work at it to become one of the best.

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