I first played Poker sometime before most of the Phat dogs were born. I started poker at University; playing 5 card draw, which was about the only poker format going. Draw was pretty boring for a 20-year-old student (in fact pretty boring full stop) and I soon progressed to Canasta and Bridge, which I still play; bridge occasionally, Canasta often. In fact most card games including Whist, Black Maria and Cribbage and a few really weird ones my son’s bought home from school!

I came across Modern Poker by accident when I turned on Sky sports to watch rugby and saw No-limit Texas Holdem (I was too late for the rugby). I can't remember the details but having seen one program it seemed like everyday there was poker on some channel or other. I guess it was only natural to want to play myself.

I signed up online with Empire, played about 30 minutes with "play" money and then got out my credit card. This was about 15 months ago and I've been playing ever since. I started with 100 pounds - around 165 dollars - and built it up to around 850 dollars. I've actually cashed out part and my bankroll online is still around 800 dollars despite some ups and downs. I play on Party Poker and PokerRoom.

I play low limit ring (cash) games - grinding it out, which suits my style. Sometimes I play 10 dollar +1 SNGs but I'm not so successful; probably I set the record for 4^th places.

Early last year (2005), while browsing the web, I saw a post on the Hendon Mob forum about a home game in the Wokingham/Reading area. I e-mailed (Lindz it turned out) and turned up in Wokingham for my first Phat Dogs. Something of a shock I might say!! A table of Maniacs made me feel totally out of my depth. However they turned out to be a really friendly bunch and I kept playing when I could get a game. I've really enjoyed playing poker with this bunch - everyone a star!

I track my online play with Poker Tracker and have tuned my play to tight/aggressive. I'm still trying to play looser at Phat Dogs games and making some progress. I was lucky to get a decent payday at the Keep mobile Charity tournament, which from my rough records, means after a couple of wins at the Wednesday night games and a couple of placings, I'm showing a small profit on the time I’ve been playing with the Phat Dogs.