Poker Caddies

You may remember the blog I wrote about first major online victory. In it I explained that two of my best friends (Brad and Siccy) watched almost all of the tournament and provided me with moral support throughout.

Since that time, almost every time I have played a major online tournament I have had friends and family in close attendance watching the action and helping out. When I say “helping out” I do not mean advising me on strategy or actions during a hand. Rather they compliment my play (where appropriate) and when I am out of a hand they ask me strategic questions and we make observations about how opponents are playing, both of which help me to focus.

They share my celebrations when I rake in a big pot and they calm me down if I start steaming. They also bring drinks and snacks on request which increase stamina and help me to relax. For all these reasons it occurred to me that they do a similar job that a caddy does for a golfer and so I nickname them my ‘poker caddies’.

Big PokerStars win

My group of poker caddies is ever extending. In addition to Brad and Siccy some of my other friends have recently taken an interest and my dad is an ever-present source of support. My brother-in-law Eli also played a leading role as a poker caddy in my big PokerStars win and my more recent Paradise success was witnessed and helped by my uncle Sammy and my first cousin Jimmy in Paris.

Lucky charms? I don’t think so. The chance to show off my wares and to gain the recognition and approval of those close to me inspires me. The need to impress makes me play my ‘A’ game and stops me from losing focus. All of these and the factors mentioned above mean that it is no coincidence that my greatest poker successes have occurred in the presence of my poker caddies.

So my advice to you is to give it a go. As long as those watching are poker literate and know when to respect your need for silence (when you are mid-hand, straight after elimination or a bad beat etc) there is very little downside for you. There is certainly much to gain for them. They get to share in the adrenaline rush, they learn a lot about the game and if I ever get a big pay-day while they are watching, then just like any loyal caddy they get to share in some of the wealth!

Until next time …..

All the best,

David aka "thekid08"

24 June 2006

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