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.

ibpatti: It was during the PSO cruise to the Mexican Riviera. A wonderful way to play while looking out at blue seas and sky.

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

ibpatti: My husband and I travel mostly the western United States building Post Offices where the USPS determines a new one is needed. We keep some but sell most for capital to build the next one. It give us an opportunity to play poker in a lot of places we wouldn't otherwise travel to. We have a combined family of 5 children and 2 ½ grandchildren.

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?

ibpatti: I am not sure but think I started in 1998. I know it was before the big poker boom. I love playing online but nothing beats live play. I really like the social aspect of poker. My favorite place to play is probably here in Albuquerque at Sandia Casino. I know the players and we really have a good time while we play. I like to play ring games but because I'm very competitive tournaments are my favorite. I find myself signing up for a tournament before I even know what the game is going to be. I prefer no limit texas hold'em but will play almost anything. On the ship we even got a good game of HORSE going.

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

ibpatti: I have been a member of PSO for about a year and a half. What a bunch of great people. I wish I had found it sooner.

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

Ibpatti: When I'm strong in a tourney it's because I'm willing to risk losing. Fear of being knocked out is generally my biggest weakness.

NewJane: Do you remember any key hands you want to tell us about? Positive or Negative outcomes…

ibpatti: Some of the key hands were against players I had played no limit with the night before. If I could tell they were making a move on a pot I made big bets and they folded. I made a few great bluffs during this game.

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

ibpatti: More just not being able to see the players you are playing. I know you can get some reads online with betting patterns but it just isn't the same as live play.

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?

ibpatti: Dan Harrington hands down. I would ask him why he would write a book that is going to make so many players that much better. I'm not sure I would want everyone to know what I know.

NewJane: What poker books have helped your game?

ibpatti: I've read most of them and Dan Harrington's is hands down the best. I almost feel you could throw the rest away after reading his.

NewJane: What new poker games are you interested in learning?

ibpatti: I play most poker games (none well) except Chinese Poker so that might be a new one to learn.

NewJane: Here is your chance to address anything I neglected to ask that you are dying to share.

ibpatti: I just want to thank Mark and Tina for starting PSO. I do think it has been good for my game and I have really enjoyed the people I have met along the way.

NewJane: Thanks for talking with me today about poker! Good luck in the Live Tour Grand Finale. Congratulations on making it two years in a row!