All about discipline
All three players say they have a system in place that lessens the risk of such crushing swings.
First of all, they have a network of support in place. They bounce ideas and poker theories off each other. They support each other emotionally, if not financially. And they help talk each other out of downswings when things aren’t going well.
“We’re all friends,” says Khan. “It’s important to have truthful and earnest friends you can actually count on. Not moneywise, but actual coaching.”
Of even more importance is discipline. Keenan says part of that is having balance in his life, making sure to set aside time for his friends, his girlfriend and for working out.
Both Keenan and Khan say maintaining control is the biggest key.
“Online I usually play eight tables at a time, simultaneously,” Keenan says. “When I move up (in stakes), I usually play four tables and take it slow and easy. I set a limit (for losses). Usually, it’s 10 buy-ins.”
For example, if Keenan is playing at $5-$10 no-limit hold’em, the maximum buy-in is $1,000. So if he loses $10,000 at that level, he will drop down to a lower — and presumably easier — stakes level. Then, when he builds his bankroll back up, he’ll take another shot at the higher level.
“You really have to be disciplined and play within your bankroll,” Keenan says. “Just keep grinding up and focus on the long term, and eventually you will be making big money.”
Indeed the money can be big, with the largest online games being $300-$600 stakes (meaning a buy-in of $600,000). Noted online player Brian Townsend was studying for his PhD in electrical engineering when he took off in online poker. Townsend told “Bluff” magazine that he has had sessions where he won $500,000 and $600,000. Needless to say, he did not complete his PhD.
But while the money can get huge, be advised that not everyone can handle the pressure, Khan says.
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Now Khan gets a chance to test his skills at the final table on Tuesday, with the possibility of winning the first-place prize of $8.25 million, the second largest poker prize ever. And what will Khan do with his money should he win? Remember, it’s all about discipline.
“I’m going to talk to my brother Aifal, who is the smartest guy I know in the world,” he says. “I am going to figure out the ultimate way to never, ever, EVER have to work for money again. And that’s about it.”
He pauses, before adding, “I’m going to go meet girls, I’m going to get in shape, and that’s it.”
Winning lots of money and going out to meet girls? Maybe the new face of poker isn’t that different after all.
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