I was lucky enough to catch up with poker professional John “Cowboy” Land of Dallas, Texas and ask him a few questions. John is a two-time WSOP Circuit gold ring winner and has been traveling around the country on the poker tournament circuit. His most recent tournament series was at the WSOP Circuit Events at Harrah’s Casino in New Orleans, LA.
Below is a list of the questions that I asked John in a recent interview along with his answers.
Tom: Hi John. How and when did you begin playing poker?
John: My mother taught me how to play poker in the early 80′s as a teenager, among other card games. In the 90′s when I was in the construction business and on the road many nights me and my crew would play poker in the hotels. In the last 5 years I started honing my poker skills in the Dallas underground poker rooms and local casinos. In 2010 I became a pro.
Tom: Was the 4th place finish in Event 15 of the 2009 WSOP Circuit at Harrah’s Rincon your first major tournament cash? Tell us what hand you went out with and how you played the hand.
John: No I’ve won and cashed in several tournaments in the local area and around the US but they were not that prestigious so they were not publicly recorded. I can’t really recall the hand that I actually was knocked out on but the hand that crippled me was when I had pocket kings vs. A2 off suit all-in pre flop and he spikes an Ace on the river. I think I just went all-in on the next hand with some garbage with a short stack because I was completely on tilt LOL.
Tom: What was your final hand when you won your first gold Circuit ring at Harrah’s Tunica? What do you feel was the most important reason why you finished in 1st place?
John: I was determined to win, stayed focused and stuck to my game plan through day 1 and the final table. When it went to heads-up I was in a chip disadvantage by 2 to 1 but wasn’t worried and had plenty of confidence and I knew I had more experience than he had in heads-up play. I was very aggressive and was able to chip up little by little until we became even stacked. He finally made a mistake and I took him out with pocket queens.
Tom: You finished in 12th place in Event 22 of the Venetian Deep Stack series in February 2010. Dwyte Pilgrim, who has 3 WSOP Circuit rings, finished in 5th place. Are you friends with Dwyte Pilgrim? Has he given any advice that has helped you improve your game?
John: Yes I am friends with DP “he’s my brotha from a different motha” and in fact we tour together often. We often talk shop about strategies and how to play certain hands. I think any time you surround yourself with successful people you’re going to get positive feedback.
Tom: You won your second WSOP Circuit gold ring in Event 9 of the 2010 WSOP Circuit tour at Harrah’s Rincon. Was it more satisfying winning the second ring? Tell us about your final hand.
John: I don’t think there’s anything more satisfying than winning your first ring so I would have to say no. But it’s cool in other ways because there is only a distinguished group that have 2 rings.
Tom: Many players today begin playing online then go into live events after they have improved their skills. Do you play poker online? If you do, what do you feel is the biggest difference between playing online and in live events?
John: Yes I do play online but haven’t at all this year because I’ve been focusing on live events. There’s lots of differences, for instance I think you can pick up more tells by seeing the person live. The good thing about playing online is you can take out your frustrations verbally when you get a bad beat without getting a penalty – oh and the bathrooms a lot closer LOL.
Tom: I have been following your play over the past several months while covering the WSOP Circuit Events. You have played in several Circuit events since you won your last gold ring. Is there any specific reason why you believe that you have not had an opportunity to win your third ring?
John: Unfortunately there’s “variance” in the game of poker whether it be bad luck, card dead or you’re not playing your 100% A game. Phil Hellmuth said it best “if it wasn’t for luck I’d win them all” – I don’t believe this in it’s entirety but there is some truth in it.
Tom: I’ve noticed that you have been receiving some bad beats in recent tournaments. Do you feel that opponents will play differently against you because you have two gold rings? Do you feel as though you have a target on your back at times?
John: Yes bad beats are unfortunate, it’s always disappointing when you get your money in good when you’re a 90% favorite to win the hand and someone sucks out on you. I do feel it’s like a double edge sword sometimes where you get respect on being a champion but people will take a gamble on a hand just to try to knock you out.
Tom: Do you have any advice for poker players who would like to travel the tournament circuit around the country?
John: If you’re on a poker budget stay out of the pit games, blackjack, roulette, etc. I’ve seen a lot of people lose their bankroll in the pits.
Tom: I have heard that the WSOP Circuit rings are very large and not many people can actually wear them. Do the WSOP Circuit rings fit on your fingers?
John: Perfectly, I have fat fingers.
Tom: The 2010 WSOP will begin on May 28th. Do you plan on entering into any events at this year’s WSOP? Which events? Will you try to satellite your way into the 2010 Main Event or buy-in directly?
John: I’m going on vacation to St. Thomas with my family for the first part of the Series. I plan on playing the last 2 or 3 weeks – I don’t have the schedule completely narrowed down on which events I want to play but it will include satellites into the main event.
Tom: What do you enjoy doing in your free time when you are not playing poker?
John: We have a lake house and do lots of lake activities such as boating and jet skiing. I also like to take my Harley for night cruises or short little trips. Music has always been a big part of my life and I used to be in several bands in the Dallas area. I still enjoy playing my guitar almost every day. But most importantly hanging out with my wife and son and just chillin.
You can follow John on his Twitter account at http://twitter.com/Cowboy1965
– by Tom Sangenito
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