DF: Why did you decide to play poker?
GB: Online poker gave me the freedom to do what I wanted with my days. It also gave me the chance to travel because the great thing about poker is you do not need to be based in one area to play. Another point is that there is no cap on how much I can earn in one day, whereas, when I am working at a 9-5 job, my earning potential is limited.
DF: For how long have you been playing poker?
GB: I have been playing for six years, but only two and a half ‘professionally’.
DF: On which website/s do you play?
GB: I play online poker at Pokerstars, Devilfish and Chilli Poker.
DF: You mentioned earlier that one of the reasons you wanted to play poker is so you could travel, where are you currently situated?
GB: At the moment I am living (for the time being) in Prague, Czech Republic. I am originally from England.
DF: What ‘sets you apart’ from other players?
GB: When I am grinding the Sit and Go’s, I have been told that my play is fearless and aggressive. I believe that if you want to be a success you need to bring aggression to the way you play, as long as it is calculated.
DF: What games do you play online?
GB: I play 180 player SNG Turbo’s, $12 and $36. I also play $3 re-buys 180 players and various MTT’s as long as they are within my bankroll.
DF: What is your best achievement so far?
GB: I would have to say it was cashing in the EMOP (European Masters of Poker) in Lisbon. While it was not particularly a big win (in terms of money), I am proud because I played about 17 hours with little help from the cards! However, I picked some good spots and played patiently so I could make the cash positions.
DF: What three bits of advice would you give somebody looking to become a grinder?
GB:
1) Get good coaching, do not try and go in by yourself. I am not saying that you will not be a success but you stand more chance if you have help from somebody experienced.
2) Understand the ins and outs of successful bankroll management, before you start playing.
3) Never get disheartened by downswings, they happen to the best of players. Your success as a poker player can be defined by how you deal with these swings.
DF: What does an average day hold for you?
GB: I get up anywhere from 11am to 1pm local time. Then I go about a ‘regular day’, watch a bit of television, go about my daily errands, go food shopping, or relax by walking around Prague. Then I start playing poker at about 4pm until about 11pm. My goal is to play 6-8 hours a day. Therefore, if I start at 6pm I play until the early hours of the morning.
Gavin plays mostly at Pokerstars. If you want to join him on the world’s biggest poker site then please follow our dontfish.com links to the site so you can get your full bonus.
