At the poker table, both online and live, don't try to shut Argyris Argyrou up. It's a hopeless quest. Argyrou's constant chatter prods, pokes, cajoles, infuriates, and mostly entertains everyone within shouting distance, while at the same time gathering precious intelligence.
"I try to profile every player and to understand the way he's thinking," said Argyrou. "To consistently win against the best players, you have to be able to adjust your game and switch gears, as often as necessary, according to the dynamics of the table."
Argyrou's covert operations have been extremely profitable; the results speak for themselves: 10th in the 2006
European Poker Tour Baden Championship for $24,000, third in the PokerStars
World Championship of Online Poker for $130,000, fourth in the PartyPoker
Sunday Million for $60,000, fourth in the
Paradise 500K for $30,000, and many more wins in the daily rebuy events across every top online site.
A native of Cyprus, Argyrou, 24, plays online as Crazy Cypriot; it's a name that fits like a snug straightjacket for the unpredictable and dangerous player.
Card Player struck up a dialogue with Argyrou, not really knowing what we were getting ourselves into.
Craig Tapscott: I understand you're rather … how should I put this, loud at the table.
Argyris Argyrou: (laughing) I'm talkative, lively, and loud. I'm always willing to talk a lot and have a good time. I use that as a strategy to get more information from opponents. However, I also realize that I'm giving away a lot of information, as well.
CT: How do you use this gathered intelligence?
AA: Well … you first have to assess the tendencies of each player. I use PokerOffice a lot and know how to translate what the percentages mean. I also like to assess each player's understanding of position; for example, I believe it's very important to know what each player raises with from under the gun, as well as how he plays aces and kings. I'll also assess the willingness of each player to make calls. Many players play a tight game, but once they enter a pot, they don't have a fold button.
CT: Share your blind-versus-blind strategy. It's so important late in a tournament.
AA: I used to play it very aggressively. Nowadays, with players becoming more prone to being reckless, it depends on your opponent. If he's tight, your cards don't matter; just move in every hand. If he's reckless, trap him and double up.
CT: Why does poker intrigue you?
AA: I've always loved all forms of strategy games, especially those with uncertainty in them (I'm not a big fan of chess). Also, I'm very analytical, and by nature I view all situations analytically. I also love the strategic aspect and the levels of thinking against very strong players. I love the, "I know that you know that I know that you know …"
CT: How would you describe your style of play?
AA: Hmm. I don't even know. I used to be one of the true maniacs of the game. I was one of the first very successful, very aggressive players in the game. I used to exploit all the weaknesses I found in my opponents. However, my aggressive style was always calculated and a result of many hours of poker research conducted at the table.
CT: Slip us a key to your success.
AA: One thing I learned during the second day in my MBA program is that success is the result of the effort you put into something. Effort means not the hours spent playing poker, but the overall effort, the mental energy. I also think a big part of my success is my efforts away from the tables, my research, and constant review and evaluation of my own game.
CT: What part of your game do you think needs improvement?
AA: I need to study more. I don't have that much time lately. I've neglected studying the game for a while; other players not only have caught up, but have passed me. I need to recalculate the optimal plays against the new breed of players. Also, I need to continue to work on my patience and frustration control during the game.
CT: It sounds like an easy game for you.
AA: Not at all. My advice for players looking to improve is simple: work hard, study the game, and be patient - as you can't move to the top in one day. Also work hard at the table; it's better to devote less time with more focus than more time without focus.
