by Sharla Lehrmann

As I was sitting at Harrah’s Las Vegas doing a bit of work, a handsome young man walked up to me and introduced himself. I am embarrassed to say I didn’t already know this gentleman, as he is a professional poker player and should be in my repertoire of “people to know.” Unfortunately, I am on a big learning curve because there are so many good players out here and tying to put names to faces is a difficult task on a daily basis.

Chad with headphones, deep in thought

When I looked up I saw a beautiful smile and luminous eyes. I couldn’t help but be overwhelmed by not only how handsome he was but by his kind face. Meet my friend, Chad Layne. Chad took the time to answer a few of my questions regarding his life and now I would like to introduce him to you if you don’t already know him.

Chad is living in Seven Hills (Las Vegas), Nevada with his wife of 8 years and his two beautiful children, ages 5 and 3. What a great age! I asked Chad what the greatest moment in his life has been to date and he replied, the birth of his two babes. In that same vein, when I asked what brings you the most happiness, the biggest smile and greatest joy…he said “not even close on this one, my two kids!”

Chad graduated from the University of Las Vegas and is by profession (outside of being an outstanding poker professional) an insurance broker.

Chad started playing penny poker at an early age with his family. Then as soon as he was old enough to drive (age 16), he would go to local casino poker rooms to play live poker (usually limit hold’em). His parents paid for his college tuition, but he lived off of poker winnings and eventually built a nice bankroll.

I asked if he like to do any other kinds of gaming and he said he makes a concerted effort to try not to. “Any other form of gambling, people lose in the long run. Poker is the only form of gambling that gives YOU the edge in the long run if you are a superior player!”

“What are you beliefs regarding poker being a sport, a game, and/or an addiction?” Chad replied, “Well, I certainly wouldn't classify poker as a sport (I'm a total sports junkie and still play basketball and softball 4 times a week). I think it's a fantastic game that gives a tremendous edge to people who have certain skill sets. It also can be an addiction to people who aren't very good players or money managers. Growing up in Las Vegas, I've seen many people who have ruined their lives trying to play poker both for a living or just recreationally. It's very sad.”

I was curious, “Do you think poker is primarily a game of skill or luck?” He said, “ In the short run, 70/30 in favor of luck, in the long run 70/30 in favor of skill.” We talked about his strong points, the points that truly set him apart as a professional, and he shared that he felt the fact that he is fearless represents a major part of his strength. He also shared that one of his major weaknesses is sometimes to play too aggressive at early levels of tournaments. In addition, he says that his very strongest point is the ability to read both the strengths and weaknesses in other players and their hands. When reading the opponent, Chad says he tries to determine strength and weakness, not necessarily the exact 2 cards your opponent holds. Some people think math skills, knowing your pot odds and on a more advanced level, your implied pot odds. I firmly believe the most important part of the game is reading ability. I'm usually concentrating on every person on every hand. I really think it's important to watch the action even if you aren't part of the hand. It can be extremely valuable. Work your ‘game plan’ on each hand from that standpoint.” As a reporter, I am beginning to see this strength as a common thread to a player’s ability to stay ahead of the pack and become one of the leaders in this profession.

Grinding it out at the WSOP Circuit at Harrah's Las Vegas

Although Chad has never read any strategy book from cover to cover, he says that his favorite all-time book is Positively Fifth Street by Jim McManus. Having read the book at least 3 times, Chad says it is a great read. Paul Phillips did a radio spot after winning the WPT event at the Bellagio in 2003 and Chad said that this particular audio by Paul helped his no-limit game immensely. “Paul Phillips is a genius and with regard to no-limit hold’em tournament strategy.”

Personally, I have always been interested in sports and game professionals when it comes to “paying it forward.” I asked Chad, “When you go on to win more tournaments, will you do anything special with your earnings?” He replied, “Nothing in particular. Anytime I win a nice amount of money, I try to do something altruistic with it. (A la Barry Greenstein) I think most people say they want to do something good with money they win, but it's a whole different ballgame after they get heir money. I think a true test of character is how a person acts or what they do with large sums of money they suddenly stumble upon!” My next question was, “Do you have any special nonprofit group you are connected to with your heart?” He does. “I support an organization called Olive Crest. They take in abused and abandoned children and find new homes for them. It's a fantastic organization!”

“What is your position on deal making in tournaments?” Chad’s response, “I usually won't make them. I've made 3 in my life. The first deal I ever made was also the first tournament I played in. In 1994, I entered the limit holdem $230 event at the Gold Coast Open. After going through over 600 people and making it down to the final 2 with a very nice lady who was also playing her first tournament, we decided to split it, both making over $30,000 (What a score that was in college!) I still talk and laugh about that tourney with the lady who I split 1st and 2nd place prize money with that day. Her name? Kathy Liebert!”

“Looking back over time, what is the toughest play you can remember?” “Well this one is hard to talk about, but here goes. I started playing no-limit tournament poker about 2 years ago. I won my way into my 1st WPT event in December 2003 through a 1-table satellite. We got down to the final 7 players. First place was roughly 1.2 million while 7th place was about 76 thousand-a BIG difference. I was second in chips and everybody was playing extremely tight because nobody wanted to go out on the "TV Bubble" for the Travel Channel's coverage. Players left included Paul Phillips, Dewey Tomko, Gus Hansen and Mel Judah among others. I picked up pocket Aces under the gun and raised. Gus Hansen, who was third in chips at the time, re-raised all-in. I obviously called. He turned over pocket Jacks. Jack McClelland announced that we were both all in and that I was about to knock out Gus Hansen, the defending champion from the previous year. As Gus put his jacket on and stood up to leave, the flop came out and of course the Jack was right there, staring at me with his one eye! My body went numb! I got no help on the turn or river and lost almost all of my chips. The next hand I was all-in in the big blind. I lost and was knocked out in 7th place, earning a "measly" 76K. I went from the being the monster chip leader at the final table (I most likely wouldn't have finished lower than second which was $600,000) to being knocked out on the TV bubble, losing all of that exposure. I literally wanted to throw up! I don't like to talk about "bad beats" and don't like to listen to them, but I challenge anybody to find a worse beat in a bigger situation for more money and more on the line (with the tv coverage) than that one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I asked, “Just as in other spectator competitions, do you believe we can take poker to another level by getting corporate sponsors to back top seeded professionals during major events?” Chad replied, “ I certainly do. And I think that it will happen soon! That lead me to ask, “ If you could get an endorsement, who would it be?” Chad responded, “LOL, that's a tough one. I like to drink a few cold ones now and then, Miller Lite would be cool!”

I have a really strong feeling regarding dress and professionalism and wanted to know what Chad thought. “Would you like to see the dress requirements, general etiquette and overall appearance be elevated to create a more professional image?” His answer was, “I really would. I'm not the type of person that likes to dictate how people act or dress, but I think that certain guidelines would help, especially to get corporate sponsors !” Chad added, “I have noticed a major change in the demographic make up of the tournament poker player as well as the cash game player. There are many of the “old school” players, but women and younger players are beginning to challenge that field.” So, I asked, “As the general population of poker players makes this evolution, do you see poker ever getting to a place where young, educated people will be recruited and coached to become world champions?” Chad came back with “Wouldn't that be cool? I don't know. No matter how smart or good you are, it's a long and tough road to travel. You can go a long time without ever making a nice "score" in a tournament. I think I've been successful because I've always supplemented poker with a stable income. To recruit and coach people to become world class players, I think the recruiter, or "backer" has to be at the top of the "poker food chain" in terms of financial resources. I don't know how realistic this would be.” I thought this would be a great time to ask his opinion on his advice to young players. “What piece of advice would you share with the young poker enthusiasts who want to be pros?” As suspected, Chad tossed out “ Don't do it. At least don't rely on it as an exclusive income. Have a stable job first and build a bankroll. Ninety percent of people, who try to make it as a professional poker player, fail. It's just so difficult. If you have poor money management skills or any leak at all (other forms of gambling, drinking, drugs, etc.), you don't have a chance in hell to make it!”

As my ending to this interview, I would encourage anyone who would like to meet Chad to email him with questions or just a hello. He is one of the most intriguing and kind professionals in the field and will always greet you with a smile and encouragement. Thank you so much Chad for sharing a bit of your wisdom and life with us. I truly look forward to following your poker career and writing about you from the final tables!

If anyone wanted to write to Chad, he can be reached by email at layne7@cox.net .