Jarred Solomon on being good… or lucky
In poker… would you rather be good.. or lucky…?? “As much as poker is a game of skill, there is lot of luck involved as well. So I’ll always maintain that I’d rather be lucky than good,” says Jarred Solomon. I tend to really gamble when I’m playing. I also tend to get personal a bit too often. I’ve never been afraid to play out of my bankroll at certain times, and although it’s probably my biggest flaw, it’s been very profitable for me.
I pride myself on being a flare player. I like to play with feel, and try not to be too technical. While numbers and percentages are essential when it comes to games of chance, poker can be played on so many levels and in so many styles that game theory lands up playing a small role in the ‘poker player make-up. It’s funny, I often get asked my opinion on certain hands, and I never have an appropriate answer. STICK IT IN THE MIDDLE is my standard retort…”
And we have to admit, Lady Luck has certainly smiled on this unorthodox poker player, who rather follows his instincts than to get “too technical.” However, following his achievements to date, we suspect that he has a lot more skill than what he gives himself credit for. In fact, Jarred is a regular face at the final tables of the All Africa Poker Tournament, has won a few other local tournaments and has started to make a name on the international poker scene as well. This is what he recently added to his impressive poker résumé:
3rd place in Event #10: Heads Up – No Limit Hold'em of the 2009 Aussie Millions, cashing in $37,314
63rd place in Event #9: Spotlight No Limit Hold'em Championship of the 2009 Aussie Millions, cashing in $13,993
1st place in Event #5 – H.O.R.S.E EPT No Limit Hold'em Event at the European Poker Championships, cashing in $28,340.
This brings Jarred’s live poker earnings to more than half a million just for the past year. However, most of his successes are online. “I once won two different satellites as well as the nightly tourney at Piggs Peak Poker in one evening,“ he enthuses.
Of course, having won a major international poker event, ranks high up there with Jarred’s proudest poker moments. But in his typical nonchalant manner, this is what he has to say about it. “In the HORSE tourney I had no clue what I was doing in the beginning. And I made one or two guys FURIOUUUUUUS by playing badly and getting super lucky! I don’t know why I love doing that so much to people, it’s the best feeling!”
Jarred admits though that playing on an international level has been a great learning curve for him. There were some interesting moments, as he played some of the big guns such as James Obst (the 18-year old Internet poker phenomenon); Barney Boatman and the legendary Swedish poker prodigy Annette Obrestad. But he took it all in his stride and wasn’t intimidated at all. He also made friends with the likes of Matt Vengrin as well as John Tabatabai, former All Africa Poker Tournament Champion, and picked up a lot of tips from them.
But what would Jarred say to other poker players who are thinking of playing overseas? “You’re playing on a larger scale and the competition is therefore a lot tougher. But if you catch a big result, it’s REALLY big, and it’s such an awesome feeling!”
So if you’re thinking of testing your poker skills on foreign ground, why not join Jarred Solomon at the next All Africa Poker Tournament, from the 26th of February to the 1st of March 2009, where 2009 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Packages to the value of R150,000 will be given to the top five players. Set to take place at the Piggs Peak Hotel & Casino in Swaziland, this event sports a guaranteed prize pool of Three and a Half Million Rand! To book your seat, or for more information, email victoriaw@piggspeak.com. But hurry, as there are only 3 seats left…
