This Poker Life Part II -- Martin JacobsonPart II Looks At Past Success And Future Hopes With Insights Into Jacobson's Killer Game |
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In part I of This Poker Life Martin Jacobson talks about what he was doing before he became serious about the game and his many close calls in his hunt for a title. Part II sees Jacobson discuss variance, the secret to his success, his true goal, and upcoming busy schedule.
Jacobson’s results pretty much speak for themselves but since he has neared victory so many times, there must be an element of frustration. However the young pro speaks about it with a very balanced point of view, he says, “I’m well aware of variance in tournament poker. As I see it I’ve had variance on my side in most tournaments I’ve gone deep in and even on most final tables, until I’ve reached the heads up. I’m not saying it’s all based on luck but I think the sample sizes we’re looking at are way too small to speculate too deep into.”
He then playfully adds, “That being said, when I lost heads up for the fourth time — to a player I felt I had a huge edge against and on top of that getting a plastic rat shoved in my face — I was definitely on the edge of being frustrated!”
So if Jacobson could go back and play any of the events again, would he do anything differently? “It’s hard to say; maybe,” he says, “But maybe some things I would do worse. I wouldn’t want to replay the season… There is a lot of variance involved. There were a lot of flips where something could have gone wrong and I wouldn’t have made those final tables. On the other hand, I could have ran better, I could have been the first to win two EPTs and do it in one season, but overall I’m happy with my results so far.”
Rejoicing In The Success Of Others
Although Jacobson positively marches on towards taking down his first major title, deep down it’s really a World Series of Poker bracelet that he wants. It didn’t come this summer but that didn’t bother Jacobson as it was the success of a friend that made the trip worthwhile, “I got relatively close to making the final table in a $1,500 no-limit hold’em event for the third year in a row,” he says. “Unfortunately I got a bit unlucky when I lost J-J to 9-9 for the chip lead with 25 left. Other than that I had a couple of smaller cashes here and there. One of my housemates did however win the $5,000 shootout, and to be on the rail watching him go all the way through one of the toughest fields of the Series was one of the greatest feelings I have ever had in poker.”
Secret Recipe
Many people dream of living the life Martin Jacobson is currently enjoying; travelling to different events around the world, eating well, partying, having fun, and earning money, but it’s not as simple as it sounds. At this level, you have to be good, and I mean really, really good. Otherwise you won’t be doing it for long. The many players who work hard at it but don’t seem to get anywhere could do with a tip or two from the chef-turned-poker pro. So, what is it that the Swede has done to his game to bring him to this point? “I used to play a very high variance style of poker where you basically either make a final table or you bust pretty early on. It might sound stupid,” says Jacobson.
“Lately I’ve tried to play a low variance style where you try to avoid the really big pots and flips; they’re unavoidable in some spots, but if you can avoid them it’s always nice because you don’t really want to flip for your tournament life in a soft field. I try to play many small pots and chip up that way.” Jacobson refrains from mentioning any names when it comes to talking about the players who have challenged him in the past but says that the opponents he respects the most and finds the toughest to play against are normally creative players that are very good at balancing their ranges and maximising the value out of each hand without chasing too many pots. “It’s a fine line between a genius and a ‘spewtard’ and there are very few who master this playing style without getting out of line too often,” he says.
Just A Matter Of Time
Born in Sweden, Jacobson, like many other professional poker players, has recently moved to the UK and is currently looking for a permanent residence in London. “I will still spend a lot of time traveling around the live circuit so London suits me great considering its location and all the direct flights,” he says. A convenient base is pretty important when you take a look at Jacobson’s poker schedule for the coming (and recent) months; EPT London, WSOPE, EPT San Remo etc.. “Theres always a live tournament somewhere in the world these days,” says Jacobson, “So if you don’t want to be on the road full-time you have to prioritise where you’re going. Later this year I’m planning on going to Prague for the WPT and EPT and then maybe Vegas for the third event in the Epic Poker League right before Christmas.”
Jacobson attends all of these events off his own back but, according to the pro, sponsorship is something he would be interested in. He says, “I have always managed to finance my poker expenses myself. I don’t have any sponsor at the moment but I could definitely see myself representing a poker site in the future.” Poker sites be on your guard as if, for some reason, the Swede has not already proved himself, it won’t be long before he does. “I don’t think there’s much you can do but try to play your best and just keep playing,” he says. “For every final table I make I feel more and more relaxed and experienced in the situation I’m in. This works to my advantage in order to play better and make fewer mistakes than more inexperienced players that might not perform their best due to nervousness.”
Such a busy schedule makes it even more likely that one of these days the Swede’s name will be in poker headlines and not just for yet another final table, but for the title, the gold, and all the glory that goes with it. Only then will justice be done.
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