Jesse Joyal is what MansionPoker.net is all about. An online poker player who prevailed in a 600 person freeroll and then finished high enough in the weekly qualifier to make it to the Poker Dome. Being invited to the Dome in Las Vegas earns you $7,000 ($2,000 for the trip, $5,000 for the buyin) for the experience to play poker on television. Even though the result was not what Jesse had hoped for, the live experience taught him a lot about the game and opened a new door to the world of poker. Jesse now helps run a website called Chip Stalkers, a discussion group devoted to bonuses and freerolls.
Who/What influenced you to take up poker?
Well, a little bit of Money Maker, but I have to say that cats like Gus Hansen and Layne Flack are my biggest influences. It all started with me watching my friends DvD’s of the early WPT footage.
Did you have any previous live experience prior to Pokerdome or were you solely an online player?
Yes, well I got about 10 hours of play in at Caesars before the show, running good too. Other then that it was basically all home games, I run a PL omaha SNG just about every Sunday.
What recommendations would you give a beginner attempting to play in their first live tournament?
I would definitely not talk at the table or just keep it to a minimum. Know how to bet correctly. Try to play a buyin that is not too big for your bankroll, preferably 5%. And just make sure you pay attention to how the other people at your table are playing.
How did you keep your emotions in check in front of a live audience and TV cameras?
I put myself in a mentally detached state of mind. I just told myself, that no matter what happened, no one would ever be able to take this trip back from me, and to be proud for making it as far as I did.
Did you meet any pros in Vegas? Did they offer any advice?
I watched Phil Helmuth speak in front of an audience. That is it though.
What do you feel was the best hand you played through the tournament? Also the worst?
I made a few good laydowns, and took down a decent pot with J9off. My worse hand had to be when I folded A8 in the BB to a raise from the cutoff.
Did you find live poker to be more exciting than its online counterpart?
Oh god yes! The thrill of playing in a real casino is unmatched by online. I loved playing at Caesars. I turned $500 into $2400 at $1-$2 NL Holdem, the first time I set foot in the card room. Online you have to worry about collusion. Where at a real table not so much. Most people seemed to take me for some young punk. Calling me down with marginal hands, only to stare at the nut hand or semi nut hand. Little did they know I had probably already turned about 5 million hands. I cleared so many seats in the casino, I should of kept track.
Do you intend to start playing live or are you likely to head back to the anonymity of the online world?
Live is where it’s at. I have been driving to Cherokee, NC every month, and playing all weekend. I still play about 15 hours a week online, but I am always willing to put more of my bankroll up in a live game, I guess it’s a confidence thing. With that said I am currently looking for a roommate that wants to move out to Vegas and pursue poker fulltime.
What types of limits do play? Your favorite game? The game you want to learn more about?
I play mostly NL live, and I use to only play NL online as well. Now I play very little NL online. If I do play NL online it is probably a MTT. I know and excel at every known game. I have been kicking ass in HORSE and RAZZ. I usually play $2-$4, unless I’m just not feeling it. Then I play $1-$2 and SNGs. The biggest buyin I do online is $216, and a lot of times I will just buck up and spend a few hours in a qualifer.
What is the best piece of poker advice anyone has given to you?
It’s hard work. Gambling. Playing poker. Don’t let anyone tell you different. Think about what it’s like sitting at a poker table with people whose only goal is to cut your throat, take your money, and leave you out back talking to yourself about what went wrong inside. - Stu Unger, Three-time WSOP Champion
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