a methodical Dwan on Poker After Dark(credit:
globalgamingbusiness)
Cardplayer.com’s weekly excerpt from Phil Hellmuth’s book ‘Deal me in’ focuses on hotshot Tom ‘durrrr’ Dwan, with the shrewd youngster reflecting on the qualities required to play successful poker.
As Cardplayer.com notes, the book, ‘highlights the struggles, obstacles, and tragedies that 20 of the greatest poker pros have overcome in their journeys to the top’.
Dwan has endured a remarkable rise to prominence over the past year. After dominating the online high stakes at Full Tilt Poker, he made a seamless transition to live poker on GSN’s High Stakes Poker. His ability to ‘think outside the box’ and scoop extraordinary pots (think the 8
6
hand against Howard Lederer’s A
K) drew him countless plaudits.
Dwan describes himself as ‘unconventional’ compared to other high stakes pros, with his constant 3-betting and gutsy river bluffs. Dwan denounces the importance of ‘reading’ and ‘tells’, citing the importance of reading ‘your opponents’ ranges and knowing how often they bluff or value bet’. Whilst acknowledging math as a key foundation in poker, Dwan stresses it is ‘important to be conscious of your opponents’ tendencies and moods’.
The player affectionately deemed to be living in ‘durrrrland’ by High Stakes Poker host Gabe Kaplan also notes the importance of watching and learning from other pros. Dwan confirms, ‘there are plenty of great players that I can learn from while watching, such as Phil Ivey and Patrik Antonius’.
You can check out the full excerpt here.