AOL is sending twelve lucky winners to the World Series of Poker 2007 in Las Vegas this year. Were excited to have such fine players represent our team. AOL games are running a series of winner interviews of our top players. These players beat out tens of thousands of other players to get a shot at the World Series of Poker Championship.
Our first interview is of Scott Auerbach.
Scott, how do you feel about representing AOL in the World Series of Poker?
I am quite pleased to be able to represent the "AOL Games Team" at the World Series of Poker this year.
What is your occupation?
My wife and I are both physical therapists and we ran one of the largest physical therapy private practices in New York City for the last 20 years. In September of 2005 we sold the practice and I began an Internet based business which helps physicians and rehabilitation specialists/physical therapists with patients who have balance and vertigo problems.
Tell us about your family and who will be accompanying you to the WSOP?
My wife and I will be attending the event and we will be bringing both of our children.
What is it about poker that so engrossing for you?
I have been a poker player for about 30 years and I was always intrigued by the game since my great passion has always involved games of skill.
In 2006, having more free time than ever before in my adult life I decided to attend the entire World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. The whole family and I stayed there for 2 months.
The family had a great vacation and I played in about 40 one table satellite games winning 20 and I played in about 10 WSOP events and cashed (38th place) in the $ 2,500 Pot Limit Hold-Em event.
We enjoyed it so much that we decided to relocate to Nevada! We are planning to do so sometime in August or September of 2007.
Because we are so busy at home in New Jersey with the move it seemed as though it was going to be impossible for me to play this year at the WSOP, which was disappointing, but having won the entry through AOL we will now get to attend the WSOP which I believe I will play in for the next 50 years straight (hopefully).
Is there any advice you would give to the online poker playing public?
As far as my advice for on-line poker players I would suggest that they learn to play many different styles. For instance, you need to be able to change gears and play loose aggressive vs tight aggressive depending upon the players at the table and the point at which the blinds are compared to your stack... So [online poker players out there in cyber space] practice different styles so you will feel comfortable with them...
Do you havelucky items?
As far as "lucky items" I lean toward being a "math guy" type player so you wouldn't think I believe in lucky items, however, all humans have some sort of idiosyncrasies or superstitions so I do use a card protector which is a huge medallion given to NYS medical practitioners. It was given to me by a special friend who has always brought me good luck in life so I use it to perpetuate that good luck into my poker game. By the way, the medallion is such a "stand-out piece" it has been examined by all the TV poker player personalities. Daniel Negraneau gave it some serious accolades during last years WSOP.
If you win a huge prize, what will you do with the money?
If I win a huge prize "I think I will go to Disney World" but only if they are one of AOL's sponsors...
What did you do when you won your online tournament and found out you'd be going to play in the live WSOP?
I jumped up and down for 30 minutes and then walked around saying "how COOL it was" and then I called or e-mailed everyone I know who understands my poker ambitions and I was as proud as if I had won "THE BRACELET".
Do you play other games on AOL?
I play chess. My wife plays the Pogo games.
Are you making any special preparations for the WSOP?
I play poker, read about poker and watch TV poker every single day and believe me there are not many people on this planet who are more prepared than I am.
My best finish in the WSOP, at a circuit event in Atlantic City, was second (2nd) place and I really would have won "the ring" if the guy I played heads up had not gotten very lucky. I have won dozens of live tournaments in Atlantic City and dozens of online tournaments playing for free. (I do not play for money online-only for free).
What is your strategy for playing at the live WSOP?
Strategy: Just like the professional poker tour the main event at the WSOP can be broken into 4 parts.
1) Building your stack slowly and steadily in the early rounds.
2) Collecting blinds and antes to develop a stack that can put pressure on smaller stacks afraid to bust.
3) Maneuvering towards the final table.
4) Bold aggressive play at the final table.
