Trevor Holewinski runs Pokerplasm, a site that is run by and for poker players. He is also a driving force behind the Twitter Poker Tour, a weekly ‘home’ game played online utilizing social networking tools to build a following. Trevor plays a mean game of poker by the way and has been known to leave you laughing while he takes all your chips.
We’re glad he found some time to sit down with us for an interview and hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
Tourneyblog: How did you get involved in poker? When did you start playing the game?
Trevor Holewinski: I started playing poker in college, but I played every so often growing up with family. In college, we started playing regularly. A bunch of buddies would get together, drink beer, and play with silver. Of course, the dealer was able to pick the game, and we didn't play hold'em then. Those great poker days started in '93, to the best of my knowledge.
TB: What prompted you to set up your blog, Pokerplasm?
TH: I was on an Aussie Rules Football forum, and the owner was looking to start a poker blog/website. I asked to help him out and I never heard a thing. So I thought, why can't I start one by myself? And the birth of PokerPlasm started then. Over 3 years later, we are still talking poker.
TB: Could you share with my readers the scope and focus of your blog? What sorts of content and information can they find there?
TH: In October 2005, we posted our first article. And I feel what we talked about then and set out to do, is still true today, all three visions.
At PokerPlasm.com, we feel that content and direction are the foundation of long lasting stay in the poker world. Obtaining a poker edge/profit is a niche that needs to be fulfilled and we are dedicated to the development of the poker player. The beginning of a new era of poker has begun with:
1) poker analyses by full-time and guest writers
2) indepth interviews with tournament poker players
3) a community forum of knowledgeable players
TB: Okay, we'll take a bit of break for the Tourneyblog 'lightning round'. This is where I ask you some quick questions. I'd like you to answer with the first word or thought that comes to mind, okay?
Do you prefer…
Tournaments or ring games?
TH: Ring
TB: Live action or online poker?
TH: Live
TB: Hold'em or Stud?
TH: Hold'em
TB: Limit or no-limit?
TH: Limit
TB: Texas or Omaha Hold'em?
TH: Omaha
TB: Low or high-stakes games?
TH: Low
TB: Tight or loose games?
TH: Tight
TB: Aggressive or passive play?
TH: Passive
TB: Tilted or unemotional action?
TH: Unemotional
TB: Is there anything you'd like to add based on the above short answers?
TH: I guess I am not the normal poker player, I enjoy some of the varieties being played today. Hold'em is a great game, but that is just the tip of the poker iceberg.
TB: How did you get involved with the Twitter Poker Tour?
TH: Don't quote me on this, but Grundy tweeted about starting a weekly home game. The names thrown around were Twourney or Twournament, but that only lasted a few weeks. I think (I am not sure), I came up with Twitter Poker Tour as a laugh, and the name stuck. cprpoker bought the url, set up the site and the rest is history!
TB: Do you see social networking as a must for the aspiring poker player/blogger today? If so, what kinds of advice would you recommend for someone just starting out?
TH: Yes, an aspiring player and a blogger needs to utilize social media, like twitter, facebook, myspace, and the vast number of other resources. It helps get their name out there and with a blogger, it gets their content to the masses quickly.
To a new blogger I would say:
1. Post daily.
2. Use twitter as much as possible.
3. Submit article (with links) to other niche websites in order to get your name visible.
TB: Any poker tips you want to share with my readers to help them improve their tournament play?
TH: I am probably the last person who should be giving advice!
But I subscribe to the John Leonakianakos' school of poker. Discipline is the difference between an average poker player and a professional. The pro can lay down hands without a problem and know he or she is beat. This is especially true in tournaments where one loss can knock you out of the event.
TB: What are your ultimate poker goals? Do you see yourself as a WSOP bracelet winner, perhaps?
TH: I am going to keep PokerPlasm going as long as possible and help the Twitter Poker Tour become a major player. I have no interest in playing in the WSOP or WPT. To me, it’s bingo poker. I think I would become bored playing in it.
TB: Is there anything else you'd like to tell my readers about yourself or the Pokerplasm blog?
TH: Just like to say, we have some good contacts and great interviews on archive. Plus we have some fun with PokerPlasm Europa, our magazine, and are always chatting about whatever on the PokerPlasm forum. So come on by and give it a look.
TB: Thanks for taking the time to chat with Tourneyblog today. We really appreciate it!