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Greg Raymer AMA: March 27, 9 PM ET

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  1. #1

    Thumbs up Greg Raymer AMA: March 27, 9 PM ET


    Our next AMA is going to be with 2004 WSOP Champ and PPA Board of Directors member, Greg "Fossilman" Raymer! Greg Raymer took home $5,000,000 for winning the Main Event in 2004 and has career tournament winnings of $7,323,236. He also has online success including a WCOOP bracelet and other various titles.

    Please post your questions in this thread and Greg will login on March 27 at 9 PM ET to answer them.

    We will be giving away some prizes during the AMA, so make sure to tune in!

    -----

    Greg represents the WinStar Casino and you can find him at the 2013 "The River" series in last August through early September.

    He will also be doing several appearances at the Daytona Beach Kennel Club this year, dates pending.

    If you're looking to get some poker insight and training from a WSOP champ, check out Fossilman Poker Training's next seminar at the Belterra Casino in Southern Indiana, March 21 from 10am - 6pm. Cost is $300 for the whole day. (Full details here)

    More information on Greg:

    Greg Raymer's website: http://www.fossilmanpoker.com/
    Fossilman Poker Training: http://www.fossilmanpokertraining.com/
    The PPA's website: http://theppa.org/
    Last edited by givememyleg; 03-28-2013 at 07:20 PM.
  2. #2
    BankItDrew's Avatar
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    Thanks for the work you've done with the PPA.
  3. #3
    bikes's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by BankItDrew View Post
    Thanks for the work you've done with the PPA.
    This.
  4. #4
    Quote Originally Posted by BankItDrew View Post
    Thanks for the work you've done with the PPA.
    x3
  5. #5
    Greg is a cool guy
    If things were to magically revert to January 1st, 2003, only I could take everything I know now in terms of poker ability/knowledge, bonus clearing, etc., I think it's safe to say that it would be trivially easy to make over a million dollars.
  6. #6
    Galapogos's Avatar
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    I would like to see how long this thread goes before someone's post is an actual question.


    Quote Originally Posted by sauce123
    I don't get why you insist on stacking off with like jack high all the time.
  7. #7
    Galapogos's Avatar
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    Actually, this AMA should be in jeopardy format. We give him statements and he has to come up with questions for them.


    Quote Originally Posted by sauce123
    I don't get why you insist on stacking off with like jack high all the time.
  8. #8
    Quote Originally Posted by Galapogos View Post
    I would like to see how long this thread goes before someone's post is an actual question.
    This is very close to being a question, but you phrased it without it being a question. I am impressed
  9. #9
    Ragnar4's Avatar
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    I'm going to ruin it: With all of the time he's spent with the PPA, how far out does he realistically think we are to having online poker go from the quasi-legal corner it's in back to what it was in 2008?
    The Dunning–Kruger effect is a cognitive bias in which unskilled individuals suffer from illusory superiority, mistakenly rating their ability much higher than average. This bias is attributed to a metacognitive inability of the unskilled to recognize their mistakes
  10. #10
    Galapogos's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ragnar4 View Post
    With all of the time he's spent with the PPA, I would like to hear how far out he realistically thinks we are to having online poker go from the quasi-legal corner it's in back to what it was in 2008.
    I don't see how that was so hard.


    Quote Originally Posted by sauce123
    I don't get why you insist on stacking off with like jack high all the time.
  11. #11
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    Good stuff! Looking forward to this.
  12. #12
    Hi Greg, long time listener first time caller here

    So I first saw your name on the back of my Theory of Poker book, where you pretty much dedicated your 2004 win to it. Is it still your favourite poker book 8 years on or has anything new really jumped out at you the same way?
    Congratulations, you've won your dick's weight in sweets! Decode the message in the above post to find out how to claim your tic-tac
  13. #13
    errrrrrrrrr.........
    Normski
  14. #14
    I'll ask something: How did you get involved with the Heartland Poker Tour? How would you rate the talent that comes through that tour?
  15. #15
    BankItDrew's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by WillburForce View Post
    errrrrrrrrr.........
    We're all mature adults here I hope.
  16. #16
    Quote Originally Posted by BankItDrew View Post
    We're all mature adults here I hope.
    It should be asked though - otherwise it's like the elephant in the room.
    Normski
  17. #17
    Quote Originally Posted by WillburForce View Post
    It should be asked though - otherwise it's like the elephant in the room.
    I would normally agree with you but given the general apathy on ftr about the whole thing, plus the fact that it has nothing to do with poker I think I can happily NOT discuss this particular elephant.
    Congratulations, you've won your dick's weight in sweets! Decode the message in the above post to find out how to claim your tic-tac
  18. #18
    Quote Originally Posted by Luco View Post
    I would normally agree with you but given the general apathy on ftr about the whole thing, plus the fact that it has nothing to do with poker I think I can happily NOT discuss this particular elephant.
    I know he's a big guy, but elephant? Harsh.
    Last edited by Pascal; 03-27-2013 at 09:35 AM.
    Normski
  19. #19
    mrhappy333's Avatar
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    Greg, How would you rate the Foxwwoods poker rm vs most other poker rooms?
    if you had a choice Foxwoods or Mohegan?

    Thanks for your PPA work!!!
    3 3 3 I'm only half evil.
  20. #20
    Galapogos's Avatar
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    Greg,
    Last edited by Pascal; 03-26-2013 at 10:34 AM.


    Quote Originally Posted by sauce123
    I don't get why you insist on stacking off with like jack high all the time.
  21. #21
    What's your game of choice these days? With the increase in popularity of mixed games do you find yourself playing in those more often?

    Do you play online at all, or just live?
  22. #22
    We have less than a week before this event starts.
  23. #23
    BankItDrew's Avatar
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    This is an event? Jesus Christ our standards are low...
  24. #24
    Quote Originally Posted by BankItDrew View Post
    This is an event? Jesus Christ our standards are low...
    Ask some questions!
    Last edited by Pascal; 03-26-2013 at 08:17 AM.
  25. #25
    What games/stakes are you currently playing in live?

    Do you enjoy playing cash or tournaments more?
  26. #26
    This event starts in less than 3 days.
  27. #27
    Greg, do you still enjoy the game of poker or do you consider it work?
    It takes 2 years to learn to talk, but a lifetime to learn when to shut up.
  28. #28
    mrickett's Avatar
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    Was it difficult adjusting to life in the spotlight or did this come naturally to you?
    Join our Events Mail group and never forget about an upcoming FTR event again!


    Decide.
    Commit.
    Succeed.
  29. #29
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    1. State regulation is better than no regulation but it seems complicated. What are the chances that something happens at the Federal level soon?

    2. Does your PPA work ever get in the way of playing poker?

    3. Your 2012 HPT scores are impressive having won on July 29th, September 30th, October 21st and November 18th.
    Do you feel extra confident at HPT events or is your confidence level the same at all tournaments?
  30. #30
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    Greg,
    What do you think of the wording for the PPA slogan, Poker is not a crime: join the fight? A negative, pejorative, and a violent overtone - does not sound very inviting.

    Thanks
    Last edited by Alep; 03-26-2013 at 12:53 AM.
  31. #31
    1) I was talking to someone about poker tells the other day, so was wondering if there are any specific poker tells that you look for and think are especially important?

    2) Are you superstitious, do you have a lucky t-shirt etc?

    3) Random question time! Through a miracle you have been granted access to all wikipedia pages from the year 2025, but you have a time limit of 10 minutes until it all disappears. What wikipedia pages do you read in those ten minutes??!
  32. #32
    I'm going to play in my first ever WSOP circuit event in a few weeks. The biggest field I've ever played against consisted of about 100 players and I'm guessing there will be more players at the circuit events. Do you have any advice for me?

    Are you friends with Phil Hellmuth? Does his charity work make it easier to tolerate his aberrant, abusive behavior at the table?

    What is your stance on gun control in America?
  33. #33
    Hi Greg! It's amazing to be able to post questions to you - you're one of the most recognizable and respected live players out there.

    Surprised this hasn't been asked before, but when and why did you start wearing your trademark glasses?

    And a question it might be impossible to answer - what did it feel like to win the Main Event?
  34. #34
    How much did Matusow get on your nerves during the 2004 Main Event? How do you feel about Matusow since?

    Your '05 ME run was pretty epic as well. How do you feel about that performance? Do you think your nerves affected you, or would you not change how you played?
  35. #35
    Can you give us a breakdown of what http://www.fossilmanpokertraining.com/ is, why you started it, when people can participate, what they can expect, etc.?
  36. #36
    Hi Greg Really love your style...

    You were one of the original members from Team PokerStars Pro. Do you miss the old days when you were picked out together with other great names in the poker scene?

    Does the glasses help you put on your poker face or could you enter any event or play against any opponent without them?

    Thanks
  37. #37
    Cheers Greg!!! Great win on the 2004 WSOP Championship...AMAZING!!!

    My questions:
    After your big win in the 2004 WSOP Championship did you buy anything special with all that money? I mean, was there anything in your mind that you instantly just knew ..."I gotta get this"!!

    If you had to choose...what would you say to be your favorite: Collecting fossils or teaching/training others about poker?
    Pre-Flop ou Post Flop...o importante é estar dentro de jogo
  38. #38
    Less than 24 hours to go until this event starts!
  39. #39
    Forgot this one question...

    When you sit at a poker table do you like to be challenged or do you have a certain thrill when you are able to overcome all opponents quite easily?
  40. #40
    I'm sure you get asked questions all of the time about US poker regulation, but it's an important topic. I have a few questions that hopefully aren't as common and were wondering what you thought:

    - Instead of focusing on when it will happen, what will it take to happen?
    - Do you think state-to-state online poker would be a step in the right direction, or actually be worse in the long run?
    - Do you feel part of the reason big B&M casinos haven't pushed this as hard is because they fear they won't be able to compete with online giants such as PokerStars?
  41. #41
    Hi Greg, I've been a big fan and I have a lot of respect for your poker achievements. It's appalling what you had to go through for the type of activity you were charged with.
    It seems like other posters are ignoring the obvious topic, so I guess I will be the first to ask you about it. My question is how exactly was the sting set up? Specifically, did they use the real female officer's picture in the ad? When you called for an appointment, did they goat you to say something specific on the phone before you showed up? What exactly was the setup when you arrived? Was there an actual female officer posing as a prostitute when you got there? Did they make you verbally confirm a specific act before making the arrest?

    I'm just curious about how suspicious you were that it was a sting when you were going through the motion of it all.

    Thanks for doing this and I hope this blows over for you in the very near future.
  42. #42
    Did the cat make it?
  43. #43
    bode's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by BadBeatBoris View Post
    Did the cat make it?
    if this is a reference to the cat making the jump - Awesome.

    if not, carry on.
    eeevees are not monies yet...they are like baby monies.
  44. #44
    Less than 12 hours to go until this event starts!
  45. #45
    What is your stance on gay marriage? How do you think the supreme court will rule on the DOMA and Proposition 8 cases that went before the court yesterday and today?
  46. #46
    Hey Greg,

    I'm about to go all regulatory on you, so feel free to ignore me.

    With NV, NJ and Delaware (I mean, come on, Delaware?) all having online gaming legislation on the books, how far away is the US from having a majority of it's citizen's able to consensually gamble in their own homes?

    Do you think the US casino market is still significantly behind the rest of the world when it comes to online gaming, both in technology, and ethos, or have they caught up?

    What do you think about the AGA's actions regarding PokerStars NJ licence application? Is it any more than Caesar's throwing the rattle out of the pram over the PokerStars rebuff of their advances to sell them the Rio and the WSOP brand?

    Looking back before Black Friday, how do you rate the effectiveness of the PPA? I know they were mainly bankrolled by PokerStars and Full Tilt v1, did this have any impact on the decisions made at that time?

    What do you consider the impact is of the PPA campaigns currently? What can they improve on, and what can individual US (and ROW) Poker players do hasten regulation in the US?

    As a serving Board member on the PPA, have you received any legal opinions regarding the current status of Poker Sites still operating inside the US?
  47. #47
    Hi!
    What day is it today?
  48. #48
    Hi Greg. I want to ask you when you start for first time to play poker?

    And

    What poker games do you prefer to play?
  49. #49
    How do you see online poker in the USA in the future? Do you believe that the legalization of poker in the United States will contribute to a second poker boom? How long do you think it will be until a major poker site like Pokerstars, Full Tilt, or PartyPoker enters the US market. Also what tournaments do you plan to play this year? I heard from somewhere that you have a lot of HPT events on your schedule again this year.
  50. #50
    Less than 6 hours to go until this event starts!
  51. #51
    If you could put together a poker game by handpicking the people at the table regardless of whether or not they are currently living or have experience playing, who would you choose and why would you choose them?
  52. #52
    With Washington and Colorado having legalized marijuana for people over the age of 21, do you think it is likely that the federal government will legalize pot before it legalizes online poker? Would these states legalizing marijuana inspire or prevent you from moving to either of them?
  53. #53
    From /u/CardCounter0 over on /r/poker:

    Quote Originally Posted by /u/CardCounter0
    You are on the board of directors of the PPA and pretty much the "face" and spokesman to the public for the group.
    Previously the PPA had to kick Howard Lederer and Chris "Jesus" Ferguson off the board for criminal charges, serious lack of judgement, and problems with honesty/integrity.
    Now you, another board member, has gotten himself in a situation that involves criminal charges, serious lack of judgement, and problems with honesty/integrity.
    Why should I trust the PPA, or it's board of directors, with my money?
    I would personally like to add that while I don't view what you did as a crime (consenting adults ffs and all that), it did still draw unwanted legal attention to you, the PPA and poker in general. Because of that I still feel that this is a valid question.
  54. #54
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    Default semi-pro

    What advice do you have for players who would like to play semi-professionally? when it comes to balancing a "normal" job and poker.
  55. #55
    Are you superstitious when it comes to playing poker and/or life in general? If so, what are some of your superstitions?
  56. #56
    Less than 3 hours to go until this event starts!
  57. #57
    Not being near a casino, underground tournament poker is a cottage industry in my current hometown. There's a girl who is at most of the tournaments I play in and she consistently ends up in the money. I asked her about her success and she says she looks at each tournament as a marathon and doesn't try to take down big pots early. She even claimed that she folds pocket aces during early rounds if too many people are in the pot to avoid getting knocked out early. I had a hard time believing her when she explained her strategy to me last year...but I'm beginning to think she may be onto something as she does better than most of her competitors, including me, regularly. What do you think? Is it appropriate to lay down kick-ass hole cards if too many people call or go all-in in given hand early on in a tournament just ensure your survival?
  58. #58
    What is the best piece of poker advice anyone has ever given you?
  59. #59
    does he have any infomation on EWALLETXPRESS returns of $$$$, cause supposely D.O.J. seized their,s months before black-friday....
  60. #60
    Thanks for coming to my AMA here on www.FlopTurnRiver.com! I will be answering many of the questions posted in this thread during the next hour. Sorry if I don’t get to your question, not enough time to answer them all. I know that many of you are curious about my arrest a couple of weeks ago, and want to know more. I appreciate your questions and your interest, but I am still at a point in the process where my lawyers have advised me to not answer most questions on that subject. What I would like to say is that I am very sorry for the pain and suffering I’ve caused my wife, daughter, and family, as well as for any disappointment or difficulties I’ve caused to my friends and fans. Also, I appreciate very much the words of support and encouragement received from many of you. Now let’s talk about poker!
    The real Greg "Fossilman" Raymer
  61. #61
    Quote Originally Posted by BankItDrew View Post
    Thanks for the work you've done with the PPA.
    You’re welcome. It has been my privilege to try and help the cause of maintaining, regaining, and growing the rights of poker players.
    The real Greg "Fossilman" Raymer
  62. #62
    Quote Originally Posted by Galapogos View Post
    Actually, this AMA should be in jeopardy format. We give him statements and he has to come up with questions for them.
    What is Göbekli Tepe?
    The real Greg "Fossilman" Raymer
  63. #63
    Quote Originally Posted by Ragnar4 View Post
    I'm going to ruin it: With all of the time he's spent with the PPA, how far out does he realistically think we are to having online poker go from the quasi-legal corner it's in back to what it was in 2008?
    I’ve always been bad at setting lines. However, we are moving quickly now on legalizing online poker at the state level, and I am sure that this process will continue to build speed for quite some time now. The real question is how long will it take for the states to successfully come together and offer games on sites that operate within multiple jurisdictions. I don’t know how long this will take, but I do know that if you help us by lobbying your politicians, it will be sooner. Please check out www.thePPA.org to see what you can do to help in your state.
    The real Greg "Fossilman" Raymer
  64. #64
    I intend on winning the big 2.20 on stars that I'm playing atm. What would you suggest I do with my winnings (~$800)?
  65. #65
    Quote Originally Posted by Luco View Post
    Hi Greg, long time listener first time caller here

    So I first saw your name on the back of my Theory of Poker book, where you pretty much dedicated your 2004 win to it. Is it still your favourite poker book 8 years on or has anything new really jumped out at you the same way?
    I still consider The Theory of Poker to be the first book I recommend to any poker player. If you’re going to read one book, that should be the one. Until I write one of my own.
    The real Greg "Fossilman" Raymer
  66. #66
    Quote Originally Posted by agnesamurphy View Post
    I'll ask something: How did you get involved with the Heartland Poker Tour? How would you rate the talent that comes through that tour?
    I’m just another player on the heartland poker tour. Although there are many great players on the HPT, most of the entrants are local amateurs and semi-pros. And the HPT does a great job of running lots of satellites and other qualifiers for each event. As such, there is a wide array of skill levels, and the edge for a very good player can be quite large.
    The real Greg "Fossilman" Raymer
  67. #67
    Quote Originally Posted by mrhappy333 View Post
    Greg, How would you rate the Foxwwoods poker rm vs most other poker rooms?
    if you had a choice Foxwoods or Mohegan?

    Thanks for your PPA work!!!
    I moved from Connecticut to North Carolina in 2005. Since then I have hardly ever played at Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun and therefore have no useful opinion. From what I hear, they are both very good rooms.
    The real Greg "Fossilman" Raymer
  68. #68
    Quote Originally Posted by givememyleg View Post
    What's your game of choice these days? With the increase in popularity of mixed games do you find yourself playing in those more often?

    Do you play online at all, or just live?
    I always like to say my favorite game is your worst game. More directly, my main cash game prior to winning the main event was 75-150 mixed games at Foxwoods. And I still tend to prefer mixed games, especially as compared to no limit holdem. I wish I could play online poker, but at this point it’s not worth setting up a residence outside the U.S.
    The real Greg "Fossilman" Raymer
  69. #69
    Hello, started?
    It takes 2 years to learn to talk, but a lifetime to learn when to shut up.
  70. #70
    Quote Originally Posted by eberetta1 View Post
    Greg, do you still enjoy the game of poker or do you consider it work?
    I love poker. Always have and probably always will. I love playing poker, I love teaching poker, I love talking poker. Even though everything I do now revolves around poker, it’s only a job in the technical sense. Like they say, if you love your work it’s not a job.
    The real Greg "Fossilman" Raymer
  71. #71
    Quote Originally Posted by mrickett View Post
    Was it difficult adjusting to life in the spotlight or did this come naturally to you?
    Many years ago I was a radio and wedding DJ, as well as a stand-up comedian. I’ve never had any difficulties with stage fright or being the center of attention. I am very lucky in this regard, as many of the other main event champions have told me they find the attention unpleasant. Some of them do a great job handling the attention, but most of them would prefer to go back to only being known by their friends.
    The real Greg "Fossilman" Raymer
  72. #72
    Quote Originally Posted by eberetta1 View Post
    Hello, started?
    he's speeding through them!
  73. #73
    Quote Originally Posted by Eric View Post
    1. State regulation is better than no regulation but it seems complicated. What are the chances that something happens at the Federal level soon?

    2. Does your PPA work ever get in the way of playing poker?

    3. Your 2012 HPT scores are impressive having won on July 29th, September 30th, October 21st and November 18th.
    Do you feel extra confident at HPT events or is your confidence level the same at all tournaments?
    1. Unlikely, though there is some hope with new bills being introduced.

    2. Not really, more like my poker work gets in the way of the PPA work at times.

    3. Thanks. I’m always confident that I can play well, and have no real confidence, or lack thereof, as to the results I will achieve. Results just happen, decisions are all you can control. The skill level of the field at an HPT event is lower than at a WSOP bracelet event, so it is more likely that I will get a good result. But I can attribute my great run on the HPT in 2012 to a combination of playing well + variance. When you enter a 200 player field, even if you’re the best one there, you probably have no more than 1 chance in 50 of winning. So it’s obvious I can’t realistically take all the credit for those 4 wins. I believe I played well, but I also ran good when it counted.
    The real Greg "Fossilman" Raymer
  74. #74
    Quote Originally Posted by Alep View Post
    Greg,
    What do you think of the wording for the PPA slogan, Poker is not a crime: join the fight? A negative, pejorative, and a violent overtone - does not sound very inviting.

    Thanks
    I understand your point. I’m sure they would love it if you (or anybody) come up with something better.
    The real Greg "Fossilman" Raymer
  75. #75
    Quote Originally Posted by tommyd View Post
    1) I was talking to someone about poker tells the other day, so was wondering if there are any specific poker tells that you look for and think are especially important?

    2) Are you superstitious, do you have a lucky t-shirt etc?

    3) Random question time! Through a miracle you have been granted access to all wikipedia pages from the year 2025, but you have a time limit of 10 minutes until it all disappears. What wikipedia pages do you read in those ten minutes??!
    1. There are tons of significant poker tells. I highly recommend the books by Joe Navarro if you want to get better at this.

    2. Not at all. I wore the same shirt for my 4 HPT wins mostly because my wife told me to keep packing that shirt. The only reason I even brought it the second time was because the HPT people told me it looked good, so I figured I might as well use it again. After that, it was just my wife.

    3. My page first, then I read sports facts from the near future so I can place all the winning bets as seen in Back to the Future.
    The real Greg "Fossilman" Raymer

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