Meet Pam Brunson - Part I

Pam Brunson - yes, she is Doyle's daughter - is quite the poker player. She recently won the $1,000 buy-in ladies event at The Bicycle Casino Legends of Poker tournament, which qualified her to play in the 2007 World Poker Tour Ladies Night. I had the opportunity to play against Pam on Ladies Night, and found her to be charismatic, entertaining, fun, and a serious poker threat. You don't have to wait until this special airs on television to learn more about Pam, as she agreed to do this two-part interview.

Pam was born in Fort Worth, Texas, but currently lives in Las Vegas. In addition to playing poker, she is an investor, mainly in commercial and residential real estate. A big believer in education, Pam earned a B.A. in sociology from the University of Texas at San Antonio, with a minor in psychology. She also took many continuing-education classes in computer programs, accounting, marketing, and human resource management.

Pam was very enthusiastic about doing this interview, as she is about life in general, so … enjoy!

Linda Johnson: Who are your mentors both in poker and in life?

Pam Brunson: My parents are my mentors, each for very different reasons. My dad is strong, determined, and driven. He can rise to the top in any situation. He lives every minute to the fullest and isn't afraid of anything. He also has a soft, playful side that not everyone gets to witness. He has a zest for life that is truly refreshing. I love this side of my dad! My mom is a very strong Christian with high morals and principles. She is a Southern belle - charming, talkative, friendly, kind, intuitive, and conservative - and has a very good head for business. I think that I'm like both of my parents. I'm blessed to have two such wonderful, extraordinary parents!

My ex-boss from the retirement industry, Scott McNutt, is also my mentor. Scott saw something special in me and encouraged me to grow and learn. I worked my way up in the industry from front desk receptionist to executive director. He taught me that no goal is unattainable with hard work and dedication. I am forever grateful to Scott for helping me become the person I am today.

My poker mentors are my brother, Todd, and Hoyt Corkins. My style is solid-aggressive, like Todd's, but I'm also adding a few of Hoyt's moves to my game. I think a combination of the two styles makes for an incredible player.

LJ: What's your favorite poker game?

PB: My favorite game currently is no-limit hold'em, but I still enjoy limit hold'em. I also like Omaha and Omaha eight-or-better, and am learning razz and practicing my stud games. All of my games are a work in progress. I enjoy playing gin and Chinese poker, too … I guess I love playing any card game, really.

LJ: What's your favorite poker book?

PB: Super/System and Super System 2, of course!

LJ: At what age did you realize that your father was a famous poker player?

PB: I was in the sixth grade when my teacher announced that my dad had just won the World Series of Poker. I really realized that it was a big deal in seventh grade when Good Morning America came to the house to film dad and the family. I didn't want to be on televison, so I played sick and stayed upstairs in my bedroom. I'm finally getting over being camera shy (laughing).

LJ: Do you have any unusual poker memories from your youth?

PB: I remember dad being away from home often when we lived in Texas. After we moved to Vegas, we got to see him a lot more. I always remember him coming in at 4 or 5 in the morning and sleeping during the day. We really weren't around poker at all, and didn't go around the casinos except for Sunday brunch after church. We saw other poker players only at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mom would cook for dad's friends: Jack Binion, Chip Reese, Sailor Roberts, Puggy Pearson, Stuey Ungar, Eric Drache, Bobby Hoff, Billy Walters, Billy Baxter, and many of the old-timers were part of those holiday get-togethers. Those were fun times!

LJ: Is Doyle happy that you're playing poker?

PB: When I was younger, he didn't want me to play poker or be a part of the poker community. I played regularly in California back in 1990-92. My parents were thrilled when I stopped frequenting the poker rooms and became involved in the retirement industry. When I moved back to Vegas in 2000, I started playing poker again. The industry has changed, and it's a different environment. Dad is supportive of me playing poker now. He's even staked me in a few tournaments!

LJ: Have you played against Doyle or Todd?

PB: I've never played poker against my dad, but I've played against Todd many times. Todd used to criticize me at the table in front of everyone, which is why I like to beat him so much now. I especially enjoy giving him bad beats. I love Todd dearly, but nothing gives me more joy than kicking his butt at the poker table.

I played at a final table on the Ultimate Poker Challenge with Todd. Neither of us won, but I outlasted him. He got annoyed at me for talking so much at the table. I also outlasted him last year in the World Series of Poker main event. It's become a running joke that I'm the "last Brunson standing." I keep winning our last-longer bets, and it drives Todd crazy. What can I say? We're siblings, and I'll enjoy annoying him until the day I die. I'll also be his biggest fan and supporter. I'll stand beside him through thick and thin, but not at the poker table if we're in the same game!

In my next column, Pam will tell us about her poker heroes, ambitions, strategy, table image, and more.

Now, let's play poker!

Linda is available to host seminars, charity events, and corporate functions. You can contact her through her website at [email protected].