10 Questions with PLON Ambassador Janie Maddox
First, tell us about yourself.
I hail from Texas but now live on the beach in Monterey California with two full-of-mischief dogs, Mario and Jack. My next move in the near term is Lake Las Vegas.
I think I was born with cards in my hands as I always loved card games more than playing with dolls or trucks. As soon as I turned 21, I began playing blackjack in casinos. On one flight to Las Vegas, the lady in the seat next to me could not stop talking about Texas Hold ’Em and how she couldn’t wait to hit the first poker room. That encounter opened my eyes to a new card game I had never played. So, I left blackjack in the dust and set off for online poker in 2011.
In 2015, I found the courage to play live poker in Reno and Las Vegas. I much enjoyed playing Ladies events. That is the ramp I used to get into poker and will never look back.
1. What is your PokerStars name and why did you choose it?
Pretty simple answer: One Major is my poker stars name. I was a Major in the Air Force and at some point, I picked up “Major” as a nickname by my non-military buds.
2. What is your favorite poker variant and why?
HORSE. I must blame Jennifer Germany who taught me HORSE last fall, and I have just quickly adapted to it. I guess it is just my style of play that matches up to the game. I really like the constant excitement. I never get bored.
3. What is your favorite poker memory?
The opportunity to play in the 2017 WSOP Main Event. I had won the seat through my poker league.
4. Do you have any poker-related collections? (e.g. chips, cards, cookie cutters, etc.)
I always carry my WSOP and Air Force coin wherever I go. Once I left the Air Force coin in Florida and forced my sis to send it Fed Ex. I could not play again without it. So, it’s obviously special. I also won the WSOP 50th anniversary coin that sits in my trophy case.
5. What do you think is the biggest advantage that women have at the poker table?
In many cases, a woman does not react badly to bad plays and keeps the game more positive. I believe that influences the table’s behavior.
6. You’re in the middle of a live tournament and the 10-minute break just started. What are you going to do?
Mad dash to the lady’s room then chat with anyone I know. Sometimes just focus on visualizing winning and getting to the final table.
7. What’s your favorite Vegas casino and why?
Mandalay Bay. It’s a very small poker room but very friendly and well managed. I must add I like the Peppermill in Reno for the same reasons.
8. What’s your favorite non-poker thing to do in Las Vegas?
Eating at great places or playing Video poker.
9. Pick four people to play at your dream final table and tell us why.
Della Jones, who has been my mentor and is a great player. She also taught me the meaning of “Next” and not anguishing from a game knockout.
Lena Evans because she is a great friend, and she is also a great player. I learn a lot from watching her play. Nice to play with one of the biggest advocates of women’s poker.
Gaby Marks, who helps me better respect an over-aggressive player and not react. I always count on a fun game with her in it.
Lavonne Zwart Schaafsma: I always count on a great game when Lavonne is in it. She does not know, but she is the person who inspired me to start playing mixed games. Thanks, Lavonne, I am loving it.
10. What are your thoughts about tournaments still being split by gender?
I know many others feel like Ladies’ tournaments don’t help “move the needle forward or generate a feeling of real equality,” as Kristen Bicknell said. I appreciate Kristen’s opinion that we have to play in all gender games to move the needle, but we need more women to get in the game in the first place. I think Ladies’ tournaments are a ramp for beginners to get in the game. Also, I really enjoy getting away from playing with the men on occasion as Ladies games are more social and less intimidating behavior. The friends I have made through Ladies tournaments have motivated me to keep playing.
Who’s your pick to be the next to answer 10 Questions with PLON?
Jill Kostelnik Burke