Poker Interviews

Interview With Mark Leah
By Mark Napolitano

Congradulations to Mark Leah (Slimmouse), the winner of the PokerPage's inaugural WSOP Warm-Up.

Where and when were you born?

I was born in Nelson, Lancashire, on the fair and sceptred British isles.

Where did you go to school?

I went to Colne Grammar School, followed by Nelson and Colne college, before reading History, and a PGCE from Lancaster University.

At what age did you become interested in poker?

At about 19. As a student I used to go play at the casinos in Southport, and I saw the poker tournaments there and thought I'd give it a whirl!

When and Where did you start to Play Poker?

I played a lot of 7 card stud when i was about 20 for a couple of years. Then the casino game in the UK suddenly switched to Texas Holdem, which I firstly thought was all luck! I started again about 31/2 years ago, having read Big Deal by Anthony Holden, a must in my view for any poker player.

Does anyone else in your family excel at the game?

No, I'm the only victim of the pokerbug.

Have you played in tournaments all over the world?

Yes, I've also played in Paris, Las vegas, and Bradford < ;-)> , but mostly around the british isles.

What has been the highlight of your tournament career?

I'll give you three guesses! Winning round 3 was unquestionably my crowning moment hitherto. I should say I've finished in the money in approaching 100 small tournaments though, and thats always a nice feeling too. Had a couple of minor placings in EPPA events.

Would you like to see poker have corporate sponsors?

Absolutely! Poker, the no limit tournament version in particular, is more of a science than a game, requiring all the qualities you need to be successful in life; tenacity, patience, focus, humility, courage, and of course luck. Moreover, its a growth industry. Its time the big boys got behind us more!

What is your occupation and where do you live now?

I have recently moved to sunny Blackpool, on the English riviera (hehehe). I am currently playing poker for my corn.

Do you enjoy playing live games as much as you do tournaments?

Nothing beats the last 2 hours of a poker tourney to me, although I enjoy the live games too.

Do you play other casino games?

I throw the odd spare chip on the roulette some evenings as i cash in, but not really.

What advice for somebody starting to play?

From the moment you decide to give it a go, watch, listen, learn,and read. Always think about what you did, and how you might have done it better. Finally, learn the numbers, especially for the live games!

Poker Players you most respect?

TJ, the greatest living tournament player, and Stu ungar, possibly the greatest there ever has been. Anyone who thinks poker is luck should dig out the tournaments records of these guys!

What would you do to improve the Poker Industry?

Act faster to deal with bad player attitude. We all have our moments I'm sure in certain situations, but theres no excuse for ignorance and disrespect in the card room. If you cant lose with dignity, don't tarnish the image of the game with childish antics. Go back to your room, or a quiet place, THEN scream!

If you could implement one new rule for Poker - what would it be?

In England we have this crazy rule in local live games allowing a player behind the antes, or in any other position to post. If thats a fair and sensible rule, then im father christmas.

Ambition?

I'm coming to the W.S.O.P. to fulfill it ;-) Favorite Poker Game?

Nolimit Texas holdem.

Do you have any good luck charms?

I have a little chrystal mouse, sent to me by a special friend. I'm not sure if its brought me too much luck yet, but it was in the vicinity when i won round 3, so!

Do you think that Poker on the internet will take over from the Old fashioned Card Rooms?

I doubt if it will ever do that completely. Live interaction is life. But do feel its gonna get a lot bigger.

The future of Poker, where do you see it going?

This may sound daft, but if we can dispel the myth that poker is purely a gambling game, played by smokers drunks sharks and general good for nothings, and concentrate more on the maths of it, and the other general skills involved in playing it successfully, I think it has a place somewhere, somehow in educational circles.

Chess, bridge and Backgammon all seem to enjoy at least some limited support in the educational sphere, so why not poker. Inter-school tournaments would be great fun, and would breed the next generations of players for sure!

Hobbies?

Most sports, more in a watching capacity these days, golf, movies, backgammon, music, making friends.

All time Favorite Movie?

Way too hard to narrow down to one. Notable favourites include: The Shawshank Redemption, Midnight Express, Terms of Endearment, Without a clue, and a powerful low budget Maouri movie, called Once Were Warriors.

What Music do you like to listen to?

Almost anything. Favourites include George Michael, Eurythmics, U2, Elton John, and ol blue eyes!