I do believe it is tougher than ever to win at poker right now – the game has changed a lot in the last two years
Derek Morris aka “Purr Of Aces” is a player to be feared on PokerStars. What makes him tick? Who are you?
Derek Morris, age 37, from Lancashire in the UK. My online name is Purr Of Aces which was originally my sister’s account, but I played it more than her so transferred it over to me.
What do you currently play now?
I play mainly at PokerStars and that’s where I’ve had most of my success.
When or what started you off in playing poker? How were your early experiences in learning how to play?
A friend introduced me to PokerStars about four years ago. I played on the play tables for a few months and lots of people suggested I should be playing for real money. I took their advice obviously.
How did you start off your online bankroll?
I played mainly $20 freezeouts and $11 rebuy tournaments, then stepped it up after a couple of wins.
So what factors/skills/attributes got you to that level?
Patience and the ability to read my opponents’ holdings pretty well.
How much money have you made from online poker in the last two years?
Well, since 2003 I have made 185 final tables and have accumulated $370k in winnings on PokerStars.
Do you play STTs and, if so, which ones are your favourites?
Yes, I like the $100 SNGs but not in turbo format. Anything below that level doesn’t interest me.
What are your golden rules for MTT play?
Patience and position, knowing your opponents, and having a good understanding of odds.
Do you play offline, and if so where/when did you play?
I play in the Grosvenor Casino festivals. I have played in WPT and EPT events but as yet I’ve had no major cashes. I have also played for England in the last two years in the PokerStars World Cup.
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?
I suppose the last year has been very poor by my standards. I’ve had months of fruitless games and endless bad beats. If you have a history of winning, it is that self-belief that will pull you through. Also, ask yourself whether you can make any improvements to your game. If you’re simply being a victim of bad beats then have faith that it has to change over time. Luck tends to come in waves, some waves good, some bad, and these can last for months. Although I do believe it is tougher than ever to win at poker right now – the game has changed a lot in the last two years – people are more willing to gamble, so the luck element is brought into play a lot more, and it’s not an easy game to dominate.
Who is your favourite professional poker player and why?
I’ve always liked Jennifer Harman; her ability to read other players is second to none in my opinion.
Which five adjectives best describe you?
Hmmm…patient, solid, dangerous, crafty (is ‘damn good lookin’ an adjective?) I asked this question to my girlfriend1, and she replied: “Patient, loyal, kind, trustworthy, open-minded and intelligent (which is six, I guess).”
What proportion of poker is luck and what proportion skill?
Three years ago I would have said 80% skill, 20% luck but I think today’s games are probably more like 60% skill, 40% luck – or maybe even 50/50.
Any memorable hands?
There is one hand I can share probably for the wrong reason but a reminder that Bad Beats are at their baddest when you’re on the bubble. This is what happened: I was in a satellite for four $8k packages to the Baden EPT event on PokerStars. I’d played really well, recovering from a beat I took earlier when I made a move with about 21 outs and missed on the river. I then doubled through with some good fortune with 10-10 v J-J against RaSZi. I spiked the 10 on the river, and although this was some time before the Final Table, it kept me in it. Anyway, we get down to five-handed, bubble time obviously, and we all had roughly around 45k in chips. The BB was probably around the 1,600-2,000 mark. I’d played real tight, premium hands only, then RaSZi raises about 2 x the BB from early position. I’m staring at K-K and decide to take my chance right there and pushed in for my remaining 45k. I was stunned when I saw him call, knowing that he knows I wouldn’t be pushing in for that amount with nothing less than a monster. My heart sank fearing the worst and expected to see bullets staring back at me. Instead he turned over Q-Q. Even then I felt uncomfortable, still stunned at the call, and still not sure if I liked it or not. Then…boooom…down comes the flop X-Q-X. I still wonder to this day about his call and that cruel beat on the bubble of a tournament that promised entry to an EPT event and a nice holiday. We were by far the best two players in it also, which makes it sicker. It stays as a reminder of how cruel the game can be. Of course, I’ve suffered many beats but this type on the bubble of a major tourney really hurt the most.
What do you consider is your biggest accomplishment in poker?
Playing for England twice, qualifying for WPT and EPT events, two WCOOP Final Tables, and reaching the Final Table of the PokerStars Sunday Million.
Which online poker players do you consider to be the best? And why?
That’s a tough question as there are so many. I respect my friend S 18’s game. He is Steve Wong – someone who has gone on to prove he’s just as good in live games as virtual ones. Among others I don’t like seeing at my table are Premier, colson 10, JohnnyBax, PHARLAP 2 ,Ubsolute, ladyluck22, gank and just about anyone else who has a track record of making final tables.
What are some tips and tricks you can give out to Poker Verdict readers that might improve their game or help them build a bankroll?
Play a lot even if they are only freerolls. Get yourself familiar with lots of situations. Write down your mistakes, and try not to repeat them. Know your opponents before getting involved in heavy pots. Get a good read on your opponents which will help you make the right decisions.
Do you want to say ‘Hi’ to anyone?
Yes – Emily and Sarah, Jaffa and Kittyboo *wave* 
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