Q: I read somewhere that you guys skipped Reno and went to Pendelton, Oregon. Why?
Karina: If you have never visited Wildhorse Casino for their semiannual poker roundup, you are missing out. We were treated like royalty by everyone from the Poker Room Manager Roland Waters to the celebrity host Vince Burgio, and all the local players. We made lots of new friends and saw plenty of familar faces, including Marsha Waggoner, Tahoe Andrew, Tom McEvoy, and Clonie Gowen. We are already marking our calendar for the next one this fall.
Chip: Being a "Suzie player, aka a bounty, in Oregon was a blast. Each day, around 20 players were designated as "Suzies." If you bust one or one busts you, you are entitled to spin their wheel to win prizes ranging from a free latte to a free handwoven tribal blanket. I enjoyed dishing out the bad beats and then telling the recipient to spin the wheel. As usual, my buddy Mike "The Shoeman" Gambony from Arizona dominated the tournaments and narrowly missed the best all-around player title. In the pot-limit Omaha game, I had the pleasure of meeting a guy from Montana who goes by the name of Fast Eddie. This guy is a legend in the making, and makes Andrew Dice Clay look conservative.
Q: What are your views on the typical tournament payout structures?
Karina: Back when Chip used to occasionally win a tournament, I loved the top-heavy payout structure. But lately we have been on the short end of that stick and I am beginning to see the beauty of a flatter distribution of prize money.
Chip: The current 40% – 20% – 10% – 5% structure is a joke. It was designed when tournaments had like 50 people in them. I believe it is still used because it promotes dealmaking, which allows the tournament staff to get home in time for CSI: Miami. A better breakdown is something like 28% – 22% – 16% – 9%, whereby you still have 75% in the top four spots, but it all but eliminates the need for a deal and lets the players play. Tournament-ending deals are bad for the image of the game and create problems for best all-around player competitions and Card Player points. Don't be scared. Play it out!
Q: Do you have any advice for the new players who are cashing in on the poker boom?
Karina: Manage your newly acquired wealth, responsibly. Do your homework and find an investment you are comfortable with, where your money is working for you but is still accessible in case things go sour at the tables.
Chip: Pay your taxes, and stay single.
