Who Needs A Drink?

Daniel Negreanu is truly one of the superstars of poker. His uncanny ability to read players has been well documented on countless World Series of Poker broadcasts. He is coming off a disappointing 13th place finish in the $50,000 buy-in H.O.R.S.E World Championship at the 2008 WSOP. Cardplayer caught up with "Kid Poker" during the first break of the $1,500 buy-in H.O.R.S.E event to get his reaction on his bustout, as well as his feelings toward the game itself.

Rafael Guerrero: Can you describe your disappointment from yesterday's 13th place finish in the $50,000 H.O.R.S.E?

Daniel Negreanu: (Laughs) It's tough to put to words, but yeah. That's one event I want to win more than any other one. That's two years in a row where I was chip leader with about 22 players and both times just "boom!" I took a bad hit. There's disappointment in not making it (to the final table) but at the same time, I'm very very confident that every single year I play that I'll get down there and I'll get my shot. That's a tournament that I think I'm destined to win one day.

RG: What about the game attracts you so much? I heard Allen Cunningham comment that "you've been playing H.O.R.S.E for days."

DN: Well yeah. I like playing different kinds of games. I like overall poker skill, not just playing one game. Hold'em is a great game and what not but I like breaking up the monotony by mixing it up and playing different kinds of games.

RG: Could you describe the swing from playing in that event with, basically, the major league talent to the minors?

DN: Yeah it's very difficult. Going from a $50,000 H.O.R.S.E to a $1,500 H.O.R.S.E is very difficult and I'm surprised I haven't had a drink yet. I've been fighting the idea of just slamming down like 20 beers.

RG: How's that plan going for you?

DN: I haven't had any beers yet, but we'll see how it goes. I'm not focused, obviously but, whatever.

RG: Lastly, are you rooting for anybody in the ($50,000) H.O.R.S.E?

DN: Yeah I got a lot of friends. I'm rooting for someone that's a big name because I think it's important that event is always won by a big player.

RG: Alright Daniel, thanks a lot and good luck

DN: Cheers.

Card Player's Live Player Database – Daniel Negreanu

Daniel Negreanu plays online at PokerStars