Since selling The Pony Club I’ve had a renewed vigor for poker. It feels like an unassailable appetite to play. The fact is, that if I had no job and was single it’s all I’d do. But luckily neither is the case. So I’ve had to make a call. Of course the statement on this site that I’m an “aspiring pro” is not true. God knows I’d love to be a professional poker player, at least for a while, but if it was something I really wanted to do I’d quit Target, and convince Amber we should be following the circuit. I guess my point is this. If it IS something you’d like to do then do it. Don’t waffle around hoping one big win will make you a poker star. Being the best in the world at something (This should be your goal, not just to be pro) requires immense sacrifice. I know that sounds like a give ion, but too many people think there some kind of slow progression to success. That’s not true. You may win a small event, then focus more, then make enough money to quit your job, then focus more, then finally make the one off trip overseas to compete then focus more. But it will take years. It’s my belief that no what it is you’re interested in pole-vault or poker find out where the best in the world are then submerge your self in that culture. It’s one of the key downsides to living in New Zealand (Unless you want to be a rugby player as we have the best coaching etc here) We are so isolated that it often seems to much to just up and move 12,000 ks to where the action is at BUT guess what, starving here, starving in Las Vegas, it’s all the same.

Simon Watt is a case in point. After winning the APPT last year he went overseas and drenched himself in poker. Now he’s New Zealand’s first WSOP bracelet winner and he has a cash in the World Series Main Event. Had he stayed here he’d never know just how far poker could take him.

So, there you go… Book your ticket.

BHS