Results
1st in just two live, events, although as Dave likes to highlight they have only been joint 1st'! GSOP super satellite and POC ?10 rebuy. Did get 4th in the 1st POC event but as you all know I had a fourking nightmare that evening :o(. Have made final table at southampton Grosvenor twice aswell. Big losses? I think the word your after is VARIANCE!
In his own words
Been playing hold'em(sort of) since about 2002 back in the day's when there were just a handful of online sites. If only I knew how to play back then, I coulda made a fortune out of all the fishies instead of being one.
Started getting a little obsessed with the game around November 2004 when I had just gone back to Uni and had oodles of time (if not money) to burn. Found out I could win in 5-6 sit and go's per day and then lose all the winnings in no time at all playing with all my bankroll in high stakes cash (high stakes for a student)!!.
I sometimes think i would make a perfect demo model of the major flaw in the design of a reasonable poker player who can't control his finances. I'm sure that really big win is just round the corner though, so it will all be irrelevant.
Live poker for me began at the start of 2005. I played cash games with my brothers mates. Lost ?90 first night there, but have been winning between ?60-?130 almonst every visit I've made there since, much to the host annoyance :o). He actually takes a beat less graciously than G, it is beautiful to watch!
But as you all, know last year found me trekking between 30-50 (each way!) miles every wednesday to play with las Chiens Grosse. I must admit, the first time I visited (Las Bagshot) the Dogs I was honestly S**tting it. Who are these people? Are they a group of sharks who will coaxe me into putting my bank balance on the line? Yes, perhaps some of my behaviour in my teens/ twenties made me a tad on the paranoid side!!
Oh for those of you who don't remember, I won that night, and thus the ego landed, so you lot only have yourselves to blame for my delusional impression of my ability. I do remember The Coroner running his AK into my cowboys
"Lindz!!! I think I'm going out!! S**T, F~%K" ( or something along those lines)..
playing poker is much like making love to a beautiful woman. First you find out you have a lovely pair in your hands. Then, knowing that ladies likes a long slow build up you play it nice and slow, not rising to the occasion just yet, just calling her , whispering sweet nothings....
No raising just yet, not before you flop it out, to hear crys of delight at what a beautiful flop it is. Now its bout time for a big raise, and then evena re-raise. But you dont' want to do that by yourself, because well, thats a bit rude isnt it? You let the lady start the action, and then check raise her hand!
Now the session is in full flow, and you feel you can really milk this one, you don't want to get it all in just yet so maybe just slip a fraction of your stack into the pot(depending on how large your stack is).
Perhaps now you want to show her your finesse, perhaps a change of position, perhaps its time to roll her over, aka, the TURN!!!
Things are really heating up now, I doubt you can raise anymore now, get it all in, to the hilt, ahemm sorry getting a bit carried away there :o0. So now your all in, she's accepted your all in and its time for the RIVER!!
All over in a couple of minutes aswell???? :oP
What the other members say about Craig
Lindz - Craigs is alot of fun, and along with jesus makes the games very entertaining. He probably, along with G, has the biggest ego in the group. He has a very strange way of keeping his chips on the table... a random pile, not even stacked, I think he does that to make people think he's as random with his play as he is with his chips... not so.
G - The best player in the UK.
Steve - DISCO man - apparently. I never quite understood that nickname, as Craig's taste in music isn't that dated or gay. So, if its not music... ? I digress. Craig isn't too bad at poker, but he lacks confidence. His assertion that he's "one of the best players in the country" had us all in stitches, and ably demonstrated both his excellent sense of humour and inability to bluff. Aggressive and calculating, Craig is one of the few Dogs that seems to play the players more than his cards. That strategy might work at a higher level, but at Phat Dogs? Despite that, I expect Craig to fully realise his potential this year - about 6th.
Top tip: Ignore the above, Craig really is one of the best players in the country. (Arf! Arf!)
Phil - Craig is great to have in the Dogs. Partly because he's a interesting chap to talk to, and good player, but mostly because, no matter how stupid a thing I might do to lose money, Craig will have a tale to put mine in perspective. Plus I also love the look he gives you as he assesses whether to call your raise. He usually squints quizically, while scratching his chin and attempting to 'look into your soul', then he'll nod to himself, satisfiedly, as he folds. The message he sends is: "I know what you have, and I'll let you take it ... this time". It's class.
Pete (slag) -
Baz - Now this man is the equivalent to a man on speed when he plays his poker,,, he is without doubt a poker junkie… Love his sodding wild shirts which looks like he has bought form barnardos charity shop, had a few laughs with this geezer.. I can see the pain in his eyes when he loses a hand, even when he should have won.. Wild player at times, but always there at the end….. love you disco, remember that name will stick like shit forever now…J
Andy - Hates being behind. He hold his chips like dice on a craps table and has even started to chuck his chips in like he's throwing the dice as well! A solid player who would do very well in most tournies. He wears his tells on his sleeve. And I hope he looses hours of sleep wondering what the hell they are!!
Dave - Starts every game believing he is going to win. This is a greatattitude to have. Has a tendency to go on tilt after a bad result, but he's a solid player with a good ability to penalise weakness. I expect Craig to do well in the league this year.
Marty - A funny character that loves the game but is currently experiencing all the negative aspects of it. Those bad beats and losses can be difficult to come to terms with, believe me, I know! A great bluffer that's sometimes very reckless. Has the ability to go on tilt easily and
has some very clear tells. Donˇ¦t be fooled though, he's a good cash player and when heˇ¦s on form can clean the table and your pockets with ease
has some very clear tells. Donˇ¦t be fooled though, he's a good cash player and when heˇ¦s on form can clean the table and your pockets with ease
Jesus - What can I say about Craig, respect respect respect. Bar the exception lucky hit by an inferior player and the occasions touretts moment he rarely lets you down. Craig is the reason I'm playing with the PDs and many thanks for that mate! I look forward to the day when I can say "now I am the master" before taking you out in a big money torney; obviously I'll wait till we have taken everyone else out 1st!
Del -
Nick - I love this guy. With a bit more discipline, you would struggle to find a better poker player in the Phatdogs. Everyone has the occasional brain meltdown and Craig's no exception. His just seem to happen at the worst moments. A true gambler.
Pete (new/doc) - Hmmm? Talks a great game, nice guy, plays good poker but... He makes some great moves and also some strange ones. The interesting thing is that he doesn't seem too worried when he gets caught playing marginal hands; it must be supreme self-confidence. However he's great company at the table.
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