Dan Do: Poker
Today’s interview is of a personal friend of mine who was actually my neighbor for at least 12 years. Dan Do has been playing poker online in tournaments for several years. He currently majors in Computer Engineering at San Jose State University. For Dan, playing poker turned from a hobby into a feasible part time occupation while he studies in school. He has participated in multiple online tournaments including winning 10th place in a tournament consisting of 7000 players. He has earned several thousand dollars from playing online.
1) When did u first develop a passion for poker and what aspect of poker drew u into the game?
Dan: Originally, the aspect of easy money was the reason that I first went into poker. The more I played, the more it became a part of the way I lived. The strategy that’s involved in every single move is more complex than what everyone else thinks. Bluffing, semi bluffing, re-raising, calculating odds and reading opponents; All of it is intellectually stimulating.
It’s also a game that you can increasingly get better at as you play. There really is no limit. There’s a prime age for physical sports such as football and soccer, but for poker there isn’t. This is a sport you can play for the rest of your life.
2) Who is your favorite poker star and what about him/her has motivated you in your poker career?
Dan: Daniel Negreaunu is by far my favorite poker player. His wits and style of play far exceed most of the people there. He plays a style called small ball, which involves a lot of small play. His style brings in money slowly, but also decreases his chances of losing. He’s also quite a social guy that most people can relate too. His most impressive ability is reading people’s emotions. Many say that he’s virtually un-bluffable.
3) Where do you normally play poker and what are some of the best ways for amateurs to learn the game?
Dan: I play poker wherever I can. As long as I have a chip set and some cards, I can play poker anywhere. That’s the beauty of it. The best way for any amateur to learn is by simply playing.
Dan: Improving involves playing with people who know what they’re doing. You need someone to tell you what you’re doing wrong and what you can improve on. Honestly, just watching poker doesn’t help all that much unless you already know how to play.
4) Do you have any future goals for poker?
Dan: My future goals in poker are the same as most other poker players. To get better. As I said earlier, this game has no limits when it comes to improving. Poker is something that I see myself still playing in the next 30-40 years.
5) Do u have any advice for people who are interested in poker?
Dan: My advice for those of you who are just starting out is to find someone that has been playing for a while and ask him for advice. And of course, PLAY PLAY PLAY. The more you play, the more mistakes you make, and the more you can learn from those mistakes.
If you are interested in online poker, check out some of the sites Dan often plays on.
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