11 Jun 08

Mod Interview: Chiller3k

"Chin up and think positive!" - Kudos to one of our youngest moderators! Bi-lingual, he's on the move for the PokerStrategists of the German and English forum.

Today we want to introduce one of our moderators, chiller3k. He's not only a moderator but also managed to attract some attention to himself last week by reaching the 397th place in the Sunday Hundred Grand while playing in Team TribunCaesar in the last Battle of the Donkeys.

PokerStrategy: Hello chiller3k, please introduce yourself quickly!

Chiller3k: Hi, my name is Stefan, I'm 18 years old and currently still a student.

 

PokerStrategy: Most PokerStrategists know you as the moderator of the Titan Poker forum, but your working area is much bigger. Where else are you active?

Chiller3k: Well spotted. ;) I'm committing myself to the English community for quite some time, mainly at Titan, General Discussion and the Newcomer Forum. Furthermore, I also moderate other forums in the German community.

 

PokerStrategy: What prompted you to become a moderator for PokerStrategy?

Chiller3k: Before I became a moderator, I was already very active in the Titan Poker forum and tried to help out as much as possible. I cared a lot about the community, and I still feel that way! When PS.com was looking for moderators, I plucked up my courage and applied for the job. And as you can see: I was chosen. ;)

 

PokerStrategy: What are the most important qualities of a moderator?

Chiller3k: A good question! I think you have to be friendly and ready to help. If you are online quite often to check your forums, it certainly doesn't hurt. ;)

 

PokerStrategy: Isn't it tiresome at times to always have to answer the same questions?

Chiller3k: I wouldn't call it tiresome. It is a bit irritating indeed, but let's be honest: You have to expect to often read similar (or the same resp.) questions. But there are also many helpful users who are often quicker than me! Thus it often isn't necessary for me to chime in.

 

PokerStrategy: You support PokerStrategists on a daily basis. What would you prefer them to do most of all?

Chiller3k: I wish they'd take a look at the FAQ first before they open a new thread. Most questions are already answered in those threads. If not, there's always the Search feature. ;)

 

PokerStrategy: As a moderator you work with other staff members as a team. Are you a good team worker? How do the mods get along with each other?

Chiller3k: The moderators are really getting along quite well!!!
The atmosphere is often relaxed, and as far as I can tell, everybody gets along.
I would consider myself to be able to work in a team, but the self-evaluation for this is rather difficult anyway. ;)

PokerStrategy: Soon it will be your first anniversary as a PokerStrategy member. How did you come across the site?

Chiller3k: Yes, we're getting there soon...
My brother, who was quite a successful poker player back then, introduced me to PokerStrategy. I couldn't wait to turn 18 myself to finally be able to compete with others on a poker table.

 

PokerStrategy: What has changed in the past year?

Chiller3k: Like most people, I started with the short stack strategy. Since then, quite a few things have changed though. Meanwhile, a new monitor is sitting pretty on my desk, and I just started my ascent to NL 50 SH BSS on Full Tilt.

 

PokerStrategy: How was the start on the new limit?

Chiller3k: Surprisingly well for now, which is probably also due to the very small sample size. ;) To cough up some numbers: Winrate of 17 PTBB/100 after 2.5k hands.

PokerStrategy: You also had a phase in between in which your game stagnated. How do you motivate yourself during a downswing?

Chiller3k: If I really don't feel like playing poker, I simply don't do so. I realized that my game rather suffers in this situation. Other than that I follow the motto: Chin up and think positive! And always work on your own game! Read articles again, watch videos, get sample hands evaluated, etc.! It might also help at times to have someone else watching over your shoulder. Often other people notice mistakes in your own game sooner than you do yourself.

 

PokerStrategy: Is there a limit on which you would say to yourself that you're satisfied if you reach it? Or is there no such thing?

Chiller3k: Currently, I'd say I'll stop at NL 400. Frankly, that's simply a lot of money for me. I don't think I'd be able to play my A-game there as the amounts would simply scare me. But I can also imagine that this will change in time.

 

PokerStrategy: Is there a poker-related dream you have?

Chiller3k: Not really. Except of course, to remain a long-term winner on my limits. :P

 

PokerStrategy: You use the content well, are active in the sample hands forum and get your hands evaluated. How important is this especially for beginners, and what else would you suggest?

Chiller3k: I think especially in the beginning it is important to have many hands evaluated. For one thing it shows what you still have to work on, for another thing it shows you other ways to play a hand.
I can only parrot what many others have already said before!
Read the articles carefully and internalise them! Post hands, watch videos, visit coachings, etc.! Use everything PokerStrategy has to offer as much as you can!

 

PokerStrategy: Apart from the poker forums, what are your other preferred forums?

Chiller3k: If I have some time to browse through the forum, I often check out the Small Talk.

 

PokerStrategy: What do you think of the Battle of the Donkeys in general, and how did you feel about last Thursday where you made it further than anybody else?

Chiller3k: The Battle of the Donkeys was completely unknown to me until 2 weeks ago, but I have to say that I really like the concept. It offers the opportunity to compete against each other in the community on a friendly basis and simply do something together as a community. The playful rivalry between the two teams before the tournament was entertaining, and you were also able to meet on the IRC and stay up-to-date. It was a nice and hilarious tourney in which everybody had some fun (at least to the point where he was busted, of course *g*).

 

PokerStrategy: Now you have the opportunity to say whatever you feel like, letting the people know about a funny moderator anecdote or similar! Feel free to betray some secrets!

Chiller3k: I think the interview has already gone on long enough, I'll spare you with that. ;)

 

PokerStrategy: Thank you for taking the time for this interview. All the best and good luck for your future!