NewJane: Congratulations on your excellent finish at the Live Tour event! Tell us about the event that qualified you for the Live Tour Final tourney next year.

Megabit: That would be the WSOP Circuit at Harrah's Rincon (in north San Diego County). This was by far the largest tournament I have ever played in with 639 players. I took the Friday before the event off to go play a single table sat. That worked out good because when I got to Harrah's about 09:30 the place was empty and the room was closed. The crowd of pro rounders had not yet descended on this little poker room (about 10 tables). I got lucky and played against 9 other locals (I live about 30 miles from Rincon). The table was softer than a freeroll sit-n-go. J I took 2nd when I got out drawn by the early chip leader. That paid a $100 voucher and $30 cash. So I got in to the tournament for half price.

This was a huge event and we started off 11 handed. I'm used to weekly/monthly local tournaments and the 40-minute levels were a great change. I felt like I had enough time to play tight and watch what was going on. Early I had AA and won the 15T in blinds with my raise to 100T. That was one of maybe 2 or 3 hands I played that 1st level.

NewJane: Tell us some interesting facts about your life, such as place of employment, family matters, hobbies, or educational background.

Megabit: I'm a software engineer by trade. I tend to get very deeply evolved in my hobbies, some might say obsessed. Before poker I was very much into taking my Camaro SS out to road race tracks across SoCal. Thing with that hobby is that there is no chance of making any money. My wife much prefers my poker playing as I don't make a lot, but I do win more than I lose.

NewJane: Give us a little glimpse into your poker background. How long have you played? Do you prefer online play or live? Where is your favorite place to play live? Do you like tournaments or ring games? What is your game of choice?

Megabit: Hey that is five questions not one. :) I started playing in October / November 2003 after getting hooked on the WPT. Funny thing is I hardly watch poker on TV anymore (I'm generally playing).

I prefer live play to online but enjoy both. It is hard to get much of a read online compared to live. I also enjoy the social interaction.

I like both tournaments and ring games. They take a different strategy but I enjoy both. I really like tournaments with fairly long levels so I can afford to wait for cards.

I mostly play at either Oceans 11 (in Oceanside) or Pechanga in Temecula. I have more success at Pechanga but love the people at Oceans 11 I guess you could say that is my home casino. I typically play there 4 to 5 times a week.

You mean there is a game besides NL Hold-Em?

NewJane: How long have you been a member of PSO?

Megabit: Joined 1/1/2004.

NewJane: What do you think was your greatest strength in the tourney? What was your biggest weakness?

Megabit: Strength: Being disciplined, waiting for the right moments and catching some good cards at the right times.
Weakness: Not catching the right cards at the right time. I busted with pocket tens against pocket jacks. Tony likely would have called if he had pocket nines too and I might be the one with the ring. :)

NewJane: What are some of the differences you notice in online play as opposed to live play?

Megabit: You have to get dressed to play live. :) You have more information and fewer distractions live.

NewJane: If you could have dinner with any current poker tourney pro, who would it be and what would be the question you would ask first?

Megabit: Daniel Negreanu and I have no idea.

NewJane: What poker books have helped your game?

Megabit: I don't think books help any, hell I only have ten or twelve. All of them have helped. I like the titles from 2+2 best. Action Dan's new book is very very good, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who I might play against. :)

NewJane: Thanks for the interview, and best of luck at the Live Tour Grand Finale!