Meet Pam Brunson - Part II

This column continues my interview with vivacious Pam Brunson, daughter of legend Doyle Brunson. Pam has had some big wins and finishes in poker tournaments lately, and will soon be seen on the 2008 World Poker Tour Ladies Night.


Linda Johnson: What are your thoughts about dealmaking in tournaments?



Pam Brunson: Hmm … I want the whole enchilada! I probably wouldn't initiate making a deal, but I might consider one.



LJ: Which poker players do you most respect?



PB: Of course, I'd say my dad. He is truly an amazing human being, and definitely one of a kind. He is the strongest person I know, and he improves with age! He is very aggressive and lets his money and his play do his talking. My dad has been through the ringer and has come out on top … in poker and in life! Don't let it get out, but I also respect Todd's poker abilities. He has tremendous patience and understands the mathematics in poker. He's a very solid player who deserves more credit than he gets.



Hoyt Corkins is a great poker player, as well as one of my dearest friends. He is truly from the old school of poker players. He has a very aggressive style, but he is not as reckless as he seems. He is a very focused player. When he gets to a final table, he's in it for first place, and will gamble, move all in, and intimidate his opponents. Hoyt and I talk about poker a lot.

Chip Reese also makes my list of most respected players. My dad always says that Chip was the best all-around player. He never got upset or raised his voice. It's something I strive for in my game. Chip was an incredible card player and human being. He and my dad were like Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble. They were the best of friends for 30 years.

Jennifer Harman-Traniello is a force to be reckoned with on and off the poker table! She plays and wins in the highest-stakes cash games in the world, and isn't intimidated by the men … she intimidates them. She's like part of our family. Marco Traniello is not only handsome and loveable, but he's done incredibly well even though he hasn't been playing poker for long.



I used to think Gus Hansen was crazy; now I think he's more of a genius. I love watching Daniel Negreanu. He's witty, charming, and a great player. I love to listen to him talk his way through a hand.



I'm fortunate enough to personally know all of these pros. Hey, y'all … will you give me some private lessons?



LJ: When you aren't playing poker, what do you enjoy doing?



PB: I like socializing and spending time with my family, friends, and animals. I like games – anything from Monopoly to darts, pool, card games, and so on. I'm very competitive! I also like traveling, country dancing, watching lighthearted comedies, walking, swimming, and yoga.



LJ: What is your table image?



PB: I talk a lot at the table and have a kitty as a card protector. I might be thought of as easy money and a bit of a pushover. Once opponents learn that my last name is Brunson, some are intimidated, which helps to balance out my silliness at the table. I'm more in tune to the cards, table, and players than people realize. I'm good at multitasking and know when to focus and pay attention. Don't let the kitty and chatting fool you!



LJ: What advice do you have for beginning poker players?



PB: Read some books, especially Super System 2. Pay attention! When you sit down, play tight at first while observing the other players … see who's tight, loose, bluffs, and so on. Play hands in position and don't be a calling station. Be the first to put your money in the pot. Change gears. Keep session logs. Play tight-aggressive. Play quality hands and don't get too fancy. Practice, practice, practice!



LJ: What has been your favorite poker experience so far?



PB: I really enjoyed Ladies Night. The WPT staff was amazing, and the women pros were nice and fun. I was a bit nervous about people seeing my holecards and criticizing my play.



LJ: What do you believe is the difference between ladies-only tournaments and open events?



PB: Women are more intimidating! When I first played ladies tournaments, I didn't like them. Women are harder to bluff and make lay down hands! It's a different game. Now I enjoy playing with women. There's a lot more socializing and chatting. When I played the World Series of Poker ladies event last year, there were many amateur players, so I decided that I was going to bully them. That strategy sure didn't work! I busted out quite early and learned a huge lesson: Don't try to bully women! You'd better have a hand, because they're not going to fold. They'd call me down and go for draws to the end … and get there! Next year, I'll have a different approach.



Men are easier to play against. They almost always underestimate me. Sometimes they take it easy on me at first, but once I start beating them, they change their tune. After a hand, they will usually show their cards if I ask. I can get a lot of information by being nice. It's great being a girl at the table!



LJ: Pam, I enjoyed the interview. Thanks for your comments.



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].