Liv Boeree: Women Play No Different From Men

Liv Boeree

PokerStrategy.com: Liv, you're playing in the Main Event at the WPT Amneville. How strong is the pool of competitors, which is comprised primarily of French players?

Liv Boeree: Not very strong (laughs). It's really a terrific tournament, though, and it's nice to see that this kind of attractive event still exists. It was really quite lovely to play here, because the people are nice and the tournament was really well organized.

PokerStrategy.com: Although that didn't translate into one of the top spots, you were already packing your bags on day 2. 

Liv Boeree: Yeah, I had highs and lows at the tournament. At first things went well, but then everything dropped off a cliff pretty quick. In the last hand I still had 18 big blinds and I knew that my opponent really didn't call very often. So I went all-in with J-7 suited, and after a brief pause, he called me with A-Q. I didn't get any more help from the board, so out I went.

 PokerStrategy.com: Let's talk about the Poker Hall of Fame, where your teammate Barry Greenstein was recently inducted. What did you think about that decision?

Liv Boeree: I think it was an outstanding decision. Barry is a fantastic ambassador for the sport, and has been for years. He's a really talented and strong player, as everyone acknowledges, so in my opinion it's a no-brainer that he's been inducted.

"You can't say that women play different from men"

 PokerStrategy.com: You play both women only tournaments and completely normal events. Are there differences?

Liv Boeree: When you play women only tournaments, there are naturally more amateur players at the tables. It's only logical, given that there are fewer female pros out there. So, yeah, the pool of competitors is often softer. The same applies for men's tournaments where only amateurs are playing – those are soft too. I think you can't say that women play different from men. Amateurs in general simply play with less sophistication than experienced players.

 PokerStrategy.com: But you've noticed differences when you're the only woman at the table playing against men? Are the calls looser?

Liv Boeree: It always depends on the players. But yes, many react and play different because I'm a woman. Not always, but it does happen from time to time. You can use it to your advantage if you take the time to reflect about how you'd react to someone like that. You simply adjust your game.
  
 PokerStrategy.com: On November 22 PokerStars team pros Lex Veldhuis and Bertrand 'ElkY' Grospellier will be squaring up for a kickboxing match. Who do you think is more likely to win?

Liv Boeree: Both are good friends of mine. I've trained with ElkY in the past, but I've also talked with Lex and I think, even if it's going to be close, that he will win. I already predicted him to win a while ago, actually, but it's certain to be a close fight.

"It's a dream come true for me, and I'm simply living it out now"

Liv Boeree at WPT Amneville

PokerStrategy.com: You got in the ring with ElkY?

Liv Boeree: Yeah, we trained together during the World Series of Poker Europe in Cannes and at the EPT San Remo. It was a lot of fun because ElkY is simply a really funny guy and he's in terrific shape. It's going to be an exciting fight and certainly interesting for the spectators.

 PokerStrategy.com: You used to be an announcer but now you're travelling around the world as a poker pro – a dream job?

Liv Boeree: Definitely, after the success at the EPT San Remo and signing the deal with PokerStars, it's really a dream come true for me. It was always my goal, and now I'm here and am simply living my dream.

 PokerStrategy.com: And where will we be seeing you in the coming days?

Liv Boeree: I'm entered into most PokerStars tournaments, so EPT and UKIPT events. Hopefully I'll also be part of the WSOP next year. I'm also working on various TV projects on the side and want to get a bit more involved with music – we'll see what works out (laughs).

 PokerStrategy.com: Liv, thank you very much for the interview and we wish you the best of luck.

by Tobias Frey