10 Questions with PLON member Linda Tremblay
- Tell us a little about yourself and how you got started in poker.
I was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, which I still call home with my husband, Dave. I studied Broadcasting at the British Columbia Institute of Technology and have produced thousands of hours of television for global audiences (specializing in live multi-camera sports and entertainment events). Working the Olympics is always a highlight for me, and I just returned from seven weeks in Tokyo producing the world feed of Basketball. I will produce Hockey this February at the Winter Olympics in Beijing — my 10th Games.
My poker origin story is a familiar one, as I grew up playing cards with my family. My parents hosted a regular draw poker home game, and I would watch with great interest. I played with friends as a teenager with my jar of coins but didn’t find the opportunity to play again until much later in life when I discovered a community of poker-playing women in the Vancouver area. I started playing live as often as I could but didn’t play online until the pandemic hit. I much prefer live play, but online has filled the gap. I can hardly wait until I can once again make the pilgrimage to Las Vegas and meet up with so many fabulous people I have played online with the last 18 months.
2. What is your PokerStars name and why did you choose it?
I chose “colourbars” as a nod to my broadcast career because it’s the name of the TV Test Pattern we calibrate our signal to (it’s also my avatar). Producing live television has helped my poker game tremendously by being able to deal with fast decision making and letting go of mistakes quickly. There’s no use in tilting when the next play in live sports, or the next hand in poker, is coming your way in moments. Tenacity is key in both, and in life.
3. One thing most people don’t know about me is…
If I have to choose one, I’ll start at the beginning…I was born with two bottom teeth.
4. What is one of your most memorable hands?
Aside from turning a Royal Flush in a tournament years ago, it’s the losing hands (and lessons from them) I remember the most. And there are too many of those to mention, lol.
5. How has your involvement in PLON helped your game and benefitted your poker life?
I’ve only had the opportunity (due to work and pandemic) to play in two live PLON tourneys in Vegas, which were fantastic. But I’ve played almost all the PLON online Freerolls and in the PLON online Donors League for the last few years. It’s been such excellent practice, while also giving me the chance to try different aspects of the game and discover the style that’s right for me. Plus, I love playing with the talented, amazing, and very competitive women in the Donors League who I look forward to meeting in person one day soon.
6. Do you have a funny poker story?
Not really. But I always have tons of fun and lots of laughs playing $1-2 in Vegas with friends.
7. Who is someone you admire in poker and why?
There are so many for different reasons. But if I had to narrow it down, I would say Jennifer Harman for blazing trails, and the late Mike Sexton for his infectious love of the game.
8. What is your favorite pastime or hobby outside poker?
Travel. My husband and I prefer to collect experiences, not things, and we had a window open in 2014 which allowed us to travel extensively for five years before the pandemic. We’re sure glad we took the opportunity when it was presented, given the world today.
9. What has been the highlight of your poker experience?
I haven’t scored any big cashes, rings or bracelets, but I’ve had my own personal triumphs along the way. I love playing live and anytime I’m able to do that is a highlight. My online highlight has to be winning the PLON Moneymaker Tournament and being awarded a private lesson with Chris. And one live highlight would be walking into the home of the Aussie Millions in Melbourne while on vacation, spinning $250 into $2,950, and eating very well for the remainder of the trip.
10. If you won a trip anywhere, where would you go?
I’ve had the good fortune to visit many amazing places, but Easter Island still holds a curious interest for me. Not sure if there are any casinos there, though!?!!