Poker coach Jeff Madsen
My brother Red introduced me to poker, and I loved it from the start. A friend, Glenda Swaintek, told me that if I was going to play poker I should buy Doyle Brunson’s book “Super System” and, if nothing else, at least read the Jennifer Harman part.
I played recklessly online and live for about two years. At the casino, I’d win some and lose some. In hindsight, I realize I was the fish, whether winning or losing.
In 2018, my daughter Shelia and I went to the WSOP Choctaw Circuit event. What a great poker experience it was, too. Lena Evans introduced us to the Poker League of Nations and, from that moment, I got to see women playing in great games and doing a super job.
I studied and listened to everything I could about poker. But it was an abstract way of absorbing information and I still did not feel good about my playing style. Lena suggested a poker coach. I decided to stay home from the casino for a few months and use my poker money for education.
That, my friends, was one of the best decisions that I ever made.
I texted Jeff Madsen, “Looking for a coach – would you be interested?”
Jeff replied, “I am in the Aussie Millions and I’m in 7th place right now. Could I get back to you later?”
Me: ”Are you kidding me? Yes, yes, that will be just fine.”
I was scared to death at the start. I felt like I had been pushed out of the comforting nest and did not know what to expect. I was 67 years old, what was I doing? And I heard the universe respond, “You are doing what you love, and it’s a pretty good shot that you have 30 years left to play poker.”
Jeff started at the very beginning and gave me a wonderful foundation to build on. My past time of study had not been wasted, but now Jeff was helping me to connect all the dots. I mean really connect the dots.
I recorded our Skype sessions and took rough notes. Later, I transferred my rough notes to a legible poker notebook. The minute I finished the final notes, I’d book another session. I booked him just before the virus hit and shut my business down for 2 ½ months. It’s been a blessing to have something productive to do and help fill my isolated days.
I got to know some of the Poker League of Nations ladies a little by the Facebook page. Then the virus hit, and we were playing practice games while on Zoom. All of a sudden, I am face to face with women who are just as interested in poker as I am. It has been the Perfect Storm of Poker.
Do I understand it all? No, but I am more comfortable in the presence of good poker players. I may lose, but now I usually know why and am continually plugging the leaks in my game. I have learned that poker requires studying the rest of your life. I know now that sometimes I played the hand exactly right and lady luck was sitting across the table from me. I still feel like I am in poker kindergarten, but I’m learning more every day.
I am going to enjoy my poker more and be able to talk poker for the rest of my life with my daughter and friends, thanks to my poker coach, who gave me a better understanding of a game of discipline and luck.