Chatting with Poker-Pro Nikki Caballero
This comes from my past interviews . I had interviewed Nikki soon after I had done
the Gary Spitzer interview. At the time my son Earl III , was off to war with the 82nd Airborne over at Afghanistan. He has since made it back safe and pretty much sound......anyhow, I do hope you enjoy the read .
Today we have with us Nikki Caballero . She comes from a long line of gamblers and we are proud to have her here . Nikki says " First! I have been an army brat since the day I was born. I LOVE our troops and respect them! I feel that the government should take total care of our men & women in the field when they get home. Putting their lives on the line for the greed of politics! I'll end this now before I rant. "
1. How and when did you get your start playing professional poker?
About 4 years ago, I went with my partner to the WSOP. We were in the registration line talking when I was passed up by a teller. She assumed I wasn't playing because I was a girl. I am definitely not one of these crazy feminists, but as the day went on, it really started to bug me so I came back the next day, registered and the rest is history (in the making).
2. Hold'em is the favorite these days in the poker world; both online and live. I grew up playing 7-stud and 5 card draw and still have a fondness for draw poker. What did you start off playing and what do you prefer to play ?
I actually started playing Go Fish. Not to toot my own horn, but I kicked some major butt. Growing up, my girlfriends would come over and spend the night, we'd play 7-stud and spades. I never gambled with cards until coming to Vegas, I started No Limit Hold'em and immediately felt very comfortable with the game, though I have a secret passion for Omaha Hi.
3. I've always felt that money management is the most critical step to becoming an accomplished poker player . What would be the first advice that you would tell someone that is new to the game ?
The most critical step is to save your money and if you hit a big payday ........ save your money. I'm sure it's useless to tell a gambler to save anything. Usually poker players, even the "names", are broke most of the time. Be willing to ride the financial roller coaster!
4. What would you consider the highlight to date of your poker career?
There are a couple.
During one WSOP, I registered for three super satellites. They were the multi rebuys tourneys for a 10K seat to the main event. I made final tables on all three, won two and never did a rebuy. Makes me want to pat myself on the back. I won a seat and 10K.
I ended up wrestling Men "The Master" on the final table at a WSOP circuit event. He folded a big hand and tried to catch a peek at the cards I mucked. It's a shame there were no TV cameras for that one. It was hilarious and a fun final table. There are pictures of it on my page.
5.Out of all the folk you've met; who would you say has inspired you the most at the tables?
I get the most inspiration from Gary Spitzer. ( Click here for Spitzer interview ) He gives me constant reminders, pre game pep talks, unsolicited advice and doesn't beat around the bush when I do something really stupid.
Cyndi Violette was a great inspiration in the bathroom one day when I first started playing. Being a woman playing a game of men who targeted and bullied you, how does she handle it. She's extremely down to earth and gave me some great advice, so watch out guys, I have a secret weapon (and, unfortunately, we are not talking about boobs).
6.Any closing statements?
This is still a gentleman's game. Don't forget to be gracious if you win or lose. Suck outs happen and you need at least a couple of those to win a tournament. So good luck to everyone and may the river bring you a miracle card or two in your next game!
Skinski, I hope your son is doing as well as possible for the position he is in.
Thanks for the interview!
Nikki
I thank you so much for taking the time to visit us Nikki , and thanks for keeping the son in your thoughts while he's off at war . For any of you that would like to know more about this lovely player , don't let her looks fool ya tho, you can visit her page by clicking here .
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05.24.2008
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