Matt Savage

If you’re a regular reader of my column or play in any serious poker tournaments, you already know who Matt Savage is. He was one of the founders of the TDA (Tournament Directors Association), and runs tournaments all over the United States, Europe, and Asia. He may even be ready to take my place one day and run the Todd Brunson Montana Challenge; baby steps, Matt, baby steps.

My wife, Anjela, and I recently met Matt, his wife, Maryann, and their friend Brian for dinner at the Aria Resort and Casino. After I got a few drinks into Matt, I whipped out my iPad and sprang this interview on him.

Todd: Could you explain your new role with the World Poker Tour?

Matt: I am the World Poker Tour tour executive. Basically, I was hired to forge a better relationship with poker players and our casino partners.

Todd: So, the WPT has that much money to waste?

Matt: Well … (long pause) … yes and no. On one hand, I don’t think they see it as a total waste of money. On the other hand, they’re not paying me very much.

Todd: The WPT has been making a move into Europe. What are some of the new venues?

Matt: I just ran the WPT Vienna. It was very successful, the biggest WPT event ever in Europe, with 555 players. After that, we had Bratislava, London, Paris, and Spain, and are looking to sign a few more deals in the coming year.

Todd: That leads to my next question: Any new events on the horizon?

Matt: I think we’re talking about doing a WPT Malta. Last year, we also had Marrakesh, which I ran, as well. So basically, we’re all over Europe and the rest of the world. Hopefully, we’re going to have some events in Asia in the coming year.

Todd: Are you still involved with the APT?

Matt: The Asian Poker Tour — yes, I am. I run the Macao event, which is the only event that’s large enough for them to hire me for. Macao was huge last year because of the cash games that Phil Ivey and Tom Dwan played in. They were the biggest cash games in the world.

Todd: How long have you been married to Maryann?

Matt: We’ve been married for six years, which is a record in the poker world, outside of you and Anjela. I don’t think anybody has been married as long as you two.

Maryann: Almost seven, this year!

Todd: And what dirt did you have on her to get her to marry you?

Matt: Well, she was working at Binion’s, and as I looked around at the cocktails, there wasn’t a lot of talent. So, I instantly went for her. As soon as we started dating, I retired her, and now she’s just a diva.

Todd: I know that work takes up much of your time. What do you like to do when you have free time?

Matt: I like to watch hockey games. The San Jose Sharks are kind of my passion. And I like to play golf. Most of my friends are hustlers — like Brian over here, who’s one of the biggest. But if I try hard, I can hold my own and stay out of trouble.

Todd: Do you play much poker?

Matt: I do, whenever I can.

Todd: What’s your favorite game?

Matt: My favorite games are Omaha eight-or-better and stud eight-or-better. But I like mixed games, as well.

Todd: Where do you play?

Matt: During the World Series, I like to play. When I’m working during Commerce Casino tournaments, I’ll go down and play sometimes when I have a chance, and during the Bay 101 tournaments, as well. Whenever I’m working and have a few extra minutes, I’ll go and play.

Todd: What’s the biggest challenge to running a poker tournament?

Matt: It’s the consistency, because as I travel all over, I see different ranges of dealing skills. And with different floor staffs, I kind of have to bring my rulings to the events. Vienna was a good example. Over in Europe, they have their own way of doing things, and I had to bring the TDA rules to them, and that was challenging.

Todd: There’s going to be a TDA meeting coming up, right?

Matt: Yes. There’s going to be a TDA summit June 29-30. It’s going to be held at the Rio in Las Vegas, which was nice enough to provide a venue for us. We’ll be discussing a few new rules and some pretty hot topics; for example, do you have to give an exact chip count when asked by another player? One of my biggest issues in poker right now is people stalling. Players are taking too much time to act on their hands. I’m sure that you see this all the time.

Todd: Who’s the biggest pain in the ass to deal with?

Matt: Biggest pain in the ass? Hmm … probably … you!

Todd: Besides me. I almost prefaced my question with that.

Matt: Besides you? I don’t really have a problem with too many players. I think we have a mutual respect.

Todd: I’m looking for a specific answer.

Matt: It would have to be another Montana boy.

Todd: Layne Flack.

Matt: Layne Flack. I had an issue with him in the last tournament. He thought a decision was wrong, and I told him it was right. It’s going to be on TV on the WPT season 9, at Bay 101, so watch for it. But, he was definitely wrong.

Todd: Have you ever barred anyone?

Matt: Yeah, recently I had an issue at Commerce Casino. I usually try to get in the way of anything before it gets to this level, but we had a fight break out and had to bar the players. Other than that, no; I’ve been pretty fortunate in my career to never have had to bar anyone.

Todd: What happened in that situation?

Matt: Basically, it was a fight between players. Somebody used a racial slur toward another player, they both jumped up, another player started defending one of the players, and it became a bit of a brouhaha.

Todd: What’s a perfect night out for you?

Matt: Dinner with friends, cocktails. Maybe a nightclub. Maybe live music or a concert; I think I prefer that to a nightclub here in Vegas.

Todd: Anything else you wanna talk about?

Matt: Let’s talk a little about the Federated. I’m involved with this new Federated League with Annie Duke. While the whole plan doesn’t seem perfect, anytime you can add money to the poker community, I think it’s a good thing. And hopefully they’ll be able to achieve that goal.

Todd: Anything else you’d like to talk about?

Matt: No, that’s it.

Todd: So basically, you like to throw players out of tournaments? Very nice, Matt. ♠

Todd Brunson has been a professional poker player for more than 20 years. While primarily a cash-game player, he still has managed to win 18 major tournaments, for more than $3.5 million. He has won one bracelet and cashed 25 times at the World Series of Poker. You can play with Todd online at DoylesRoom.com or live at his tournament, The Todd Brunson Montana Poker Challenge, in Bigfork, Montana. Check his website, ToddBrunson.com, for details.