With the skill and poise often reserved for a more seasoned professional poker player, authority poker blogger and Bodog's blogger tournament series host Smokkee has become a hot topic for conversation in the poker blogger community.
We decided it was time to interview Smokkee and reveal to all what it is that propels the madness behind this online poker playing machine, who also happens to be the only player in the blogger tournament record books to capture his own bounty.
The Bodog Poker Blogger: How did the name "Smokkee" come about and what question do you get asked most often about your blogger avatar?
Smokkee: My poker screen name and avatar are borrowed from the movie “Friday”. When I was first introduced to the movie, I thought it was ridiculously hilarious. I wanted to have the image of a broke street hustler and pot head at the poker tables. Players ask me if I smoke out and also assume I’m black. I’ve been called the “n” word many times. In fact, several early readers of my blog assumed I was black as well. I used to put up posts in internet slang for laughs which came off as a form of ebonics. The gig was up when I made an appearance at my first live blogger tournament in Las Vegas, July of 2006.
BPB: What made you start your poker blog smokkee.com and what can you tell us about your writing style?
Smokkee: I was first introduced to NLHE and poker blogs by Blinders. We used to work together and he hosted a monthly home game. He started a blog and I found several other blogs through his. So, you can thank him for all the crap I’ve posted over the years. I’m a hack writer. I don’t have any particular style other than just trying to get a chuckle out of my readers on occasion. I really don’t mind if I appear to be a talented player or a complete jackass. I do it to have fun and meet other online players who I respect. It allows me to be a part of the poker blogger community.
BPB: How would you describe your playing style and which do you prefer, playing face-to-face or online poker?
Smokkee: My playing style changes depending on the dynamics of the game. I would say I lean more toward a slightly loose TAG style if that makes sense. I adjust my starting hand requirements based on my position at the table and where players based on their style are seated in each particular hand. I prefer playing online because it’s convenient and I can multi-table. But when I first got into poker, I spent many hours playing live cash games and tournaments at local casinos. Most of my live play has been at Ocean’s 11 in Oceanside, but I’ve also spent countless hours at the “Bike”, Commerce Casino and several others. I’m completely comfortable playing a live game, but there are just too many benefits when you play poker online.
BPB: How do you feel about being a bounty in your own tournament? Does it change the way you play any?
Smokkee: I really don’t mind playing with a bounty. Players will attempt to bust me and end up gifting me their chips but, bounty players are still at a disadvantage because the whole table tries to get involved in pots with you.
BPB: What do you like best about the structure of the Bodog blogger series?
Smokkee: The consistently good players who take the series seriously will be near the top with the exception of a few who are unable to compete in every tournament and may be experiencing a bad run. IMO the number of tournaments in the series will bring the best players during the 15 tournament series into the TOC and the structure in the final tournament allows for a lot of play.
BPB: Who are some of your biggest contenders in this series and what do you think are their strong points? Are there any underdogs to look out for?
Smokkee: Everyone who sits down at my table every week is a contender. Anyone can win any given tournament. While I do have a history with many of the players, I don’t go into a hand with a perceived notion of how I expect opponents to play against me. That being said I do have a pretty good memory. There are no underdogs in my mind.
BPB: In your opinion, who has the most entertaining poker blog online and is there a poker blogger that you feel deserves more recognition in terms of professionalism and skill?
Smokkee: I have over 150 blogs in my blogroll I visit consistently. Every single one has something to offer whether its entertainment, strategy, personal struggles, rants or even girlie pics. IMO most bloggers know who the professionals are.
BPB: Who do you admire most as a professional poker player and what would you say to them if you met them in person?
Smokkee: There are many players I admire and respect including several old-schoolers and young guns. I can’t really name just one. But, just to name a few in no particular order Negreanu, “AJKHoosier1”, Eric Lynch, Tuan Le, “JohnnyBax”, Gavin Smith and Barry Greenstein. If I met them in person I would just shake their hand, tell them I respect their game and wish them good luck. But, inside I’d be screaming “teach me pleeeeeese”.
BPB: Were you surprised when Bodog first approached you to be the host of their poker blogger series and what can you tell us about your experiences as the host of one of the most popular poker blogger tournaments online?
Smokkee: It definitely came as a surprise but, the timing was right. I had made Bodog my new home site for online poker after discovering so many fish there. I started making money right away and only go back to other sites on occasion. The one thing I was missing was participating in the weekly blogger games. It’s been a fun ride watching the Bodonkey grow from just one-two tables in the beginning. There’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes. I’m glad I was chosen to host it and appreciate all the hard work Nadia puts into it as well. Without her, this series would not exist and bloggers would not be playing regularly on Bodog.
BPB: Do you play any other tournaments at Bodog and what tips can you provide players who are new to the software?
Smokkee: I usually play the nightly 4k and 6k Guaranteed tournaments along with several others. I’ll sometimes play the 15k when the buy-in is $69-6. I also play the 100K Guaranteed tournament when I’m around and can afford to. But, I’ve never really had any success in it. I don’t consider myself a good tournament player. I make a lot of mistakes and just try to minimize them. I’m a cash game and sng grinder. That’s where I make my money. The only tip I can give players new to the Bodog software is to make sure you’re completely familiar with it before you risk any real money. Also, don’t have too many other applications running while you’re multi-tabling. This will minimize crashes.
BPB: What are some of your accomplishments in poker and is there a moment you are most proud of?
Smokkee: Most people attribute a successful player to tournament wins. A tournament win is considered a big accomplishment. I haven’t had any big wins, just a few small ones. I hope to have a five figure score, but I don’t play many tournaments that payout five figure scores so, it might be a while. I am proud of the few small wins I’ve had at Commerce, Ocean’s 11, Planet Hollywood and online. I’m probably most proud of my Commerce Casino win in October of 2006 for $6k.
BPB: What is your most prized possession?
Smokkee: I’m not very materialistic but there are a few things I have as keepsakes. I have autographed baseballs from the ’77 and ’79 California Angels I picked up when I was a kid. That’s right bitches, Nolan Ryan, Frank Tanana, Don Baylor, Bobby Bonds, and Rod Carew! I also have a 1955 Sandy Koufax Topps rookie card in near-mint condition.
I have a few trophies from playing basketball including one MVP trophy and I received a gold plated card protector from my win at Planet Hollywood back in February of 2006. It was one of my first live wins. I met the boxing legend “Smokin’” Joe Frasier at a convention in Las Vegas several years ago. Joe graciously shook my hand and handed me an autographed picture of himself in the ring. My dad is a big fan of Joe so I gave the signed photo to him. He immediately hung it up in his shop (he was an auto mechanic) and told all his friends his son knew Smokin’ Joe. He was all too proud of his boys. My family and wife are what I prize the most.
BPB: We know you are a Chargers fan. Are you a season ticket holder and what do you think about the season they are having this year?
Smokkee: I’ve had San Diego Chargers season tickets since 2000. My first year as a season ticket holder a young phenom Quarterback by the name of “Ryan Leaf” led us to a miserable 1-15 record. The Chargers give me a headache most Sundays and are having a terrible year but, it does not compare to that 2000 season.
BPB: Any last words?
Smokkee: Thanks to everyone who visits my site and participates in the Bodog Bloggers Series. Best of luck at the tables!
