Scott Sidwell has a heart of gold. This part-time poker player and full-time hero puts his money where his mouth is. Recently, Scott decided to donate a portion of is winnings to St. Jude's children's charity. He's got both game and a heart of gold...and recently we got to sit down wit him to chat.
TB: Can you tell my readers a little bit about yourself?
SW: I’m 36, and I live in KY where I’ve been all my life. I’ve played poker in one form or another for about 18 years but seriously for about 4 years. I grew up around wildlife, what with my dad being a wildlife rehabilitator. I do make money playing poker, but in no way do I consider myself a pro. I’ve played some pros and it was intimidating.
TB: How did you decide to donate a portion of your poker winnings to charity?
SW: I’ve always given money to charity but recently decided to give from poker winnings. I don’t think I’m alone in giving I know many pros give. Barry Greenstein is one who comes to mind.
TB: Why is St. Jude’s so special to you?
SW: When I was a kid, my younger brother was diagnosed with cancer. It was misdiagnosed for over a year as just migraines. So seeing the effects it has first-hand on children I want to do all I can so that future generations don’t have to deal with this dread disease. St. Jude’s has done a lot of good over the years, but they still need our help.
TB: How much have you raised for St. Jude’s so far? How much would you like to raise?
SW: I don’t know the exact #s , but from the DMs I’ve gotten @rikerpoker on Twitter.com, it’s in the thousands for the first week. I would I like to raise as much as humanly possible. I don’t want to put a limit on it cause I don’t think ill ever stop supporting them. until a cure is found.
TB: Let’s stop for a second to play what I call the Tourneyblog lightning round.
We’re going to give you some quick questions. Just give your first response:
TB: Do you prefer …
tournaments or ring games?
SW: ring games
TB: Live action or online poker?
SW: Live action (It’s so hard to read people online!)
TB: Hold’em or Stud?
SW: Hold’em
TB: Limit or no-limit?
SW: No Limit
TB: Texas or Omaha Hold’em?
SW: Omaha (better for knowledgeable players)
TB: low stakes or high stakes?
SW: low (easier to control the table)
TB: tight or loose?
SW: Tight (in tourney) and Semi-loose (cash games)
TB: aggressive or passive?
SW: Super aggresive
TB: tilted or unemotional?
SW: Unemotional
TB: Are there any strategy tips you’d like to share with our readers?
SW: Do the opposite of what your table is doing - if they are tight, loosen up; loose table, tighten up. Be in control of yourself and leave your pride at home. Poker should not be viewed as a sprint but a marathon.
TB: Perhaps there’s something we missed that you’d like to discuss?
SW: Just remember St.Jude’s children need us. No child should suffer so lets do what we can to help. You can donate online at stjude.org/donate there you can find more info on them to.
If you want to support St. Jude’s or already do, please let me know @rikerpoker
Thanks, Scott. Please keep us posted about your results. It was a pleasure chatting with you!