Player Interview: Karl Mahrenholz

Name: Karl Mahrenholz

Age: 25

Location: London

Screen Name and why you chose it: I have various names, so I can play undercover ;)

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What poker sites do you currently play on now?

Blue Square, Full Tilt and PokerStars.

When or what started you off in playing poker? How were your early experiences in learning how to play?

I was first introduced to the game on holiday where my friends were playing for matchsticks. I didn’t even know how to play but there was something about it that kept me up all night watching. When I got back home I started playing some very small stakes sit 'n' go's online and after that I joined my local Grosvenor and played in their small rebuy tournaments.

How did you start off your online bankroll?

My trusted Visa card.

How much money have you made from online poker in the last two years? Biggest cash?

People make money from online poker? My biggest cash is $60k for 2nd in the Crypto $650k Gtd last year.

Do you play Sit ‘n’ Gos and, if so, which ones are your favourites?

Not really, I used to like the 'Six Paks' on Crypto but don’t play them so much now, as I have found cash games to a better use of my time.

If you play MTTs what are your golden rules?

Never be afraid to get knocked out.

Do you play live, and if so, where/when did you play? Best live results?

I’m fortunate enough to play most of the biggest live tournaments in Europe as well as some in the US. Best live results this year have been 2nd in the Bolton GUKPT for around £40k and 15th place in the WSOPE main event in London for £40k.

Has there ever been a time when things just weren't going right for you while playing poker? What was your worst run ever and what did you do to get through these times?

Nothing major; there’s so much short-term variance in poker that you will always have bad times as well as good times. When I get unlucky in a big pot I like to run the hands through an odds calculator to see how far ahead I was when the money went it. If you keep putting your money in good you have nothing to worry about.

Who is your favorite professional poker player and why?

There are so many I wouldn’t single out just one as my favourite. I did enjoy playing with Hellmuth though - I took the opportunity to have some quality banter with him (and at him) when I shared a table with him in Vegas and that was great fun.

Which adjectives best describe your style of play?

Absolute granite.

What proportion of poker is luck and what proportion skill?

Obviously the longer the time frame you consider, the more important skill becomes. Overall 67.4% skill, 33.6% luck.

What do you consider is your biggest accomplishment in poker?

Having such a great first year as a pro, exceeding all my financial targets and having a lot of fun along the way. Single best moment so far has to be getting heads-up with Praz on TV for the first GUKPT event.

Do you have one memorable hand you would like to share?

I dabbled recently short-stacking the $200/$400 PLO game on Full Tilt. The first hand I sat down in the big blind and was dealt QQ86 dbl suited. Playing three-handed, the button raises, SB (very loose player) re-raises and I shove all in. Both players call, board blanks out and I win a $25k pot with one pair. Don’t try this at home ;)

Which online poker players do you consider to be the best? And why?

I don’t really play enough online tournaments to give a good answer but I have played online and live with Annette_15 and she probably stands out. She wins chips that other people wouldn’t, plays without fear and constantly puts people to the test. It's a good formula.

What are some tips and tricks you can give out to the readers that might improve there games/build a bankroll? What do you suggest are the best ways to improve?

Without a doubt the best way to improve as a player is to find a group of players you respect to share and discuss hands and situations with. I’m very fortunate to have such a close group of friends that are all exceptional players and who all bring something different to the discussions that we have. I’ve improved so much as a player in the last year and I owe most of this to them.

Which one poker book/video, if any, revolutionised the way you play poker?

Revolutionised is a strong word but I’ve found the videos at cardrunners.com provide a good insight into the thought processes of the top pros.

Do you want to say ‘Hi’ to anyone?

Er….Hi Mum!