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Interview with Juan Carlos |
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Juan, thanks for your time, can you tell us your real full name and tell something about your self, where you live, if you are married and if you have kids??
Hi, My name is Juan Carlos Alvarado but most of my friends call me J.C. I was born in Mexico City but my home right now is in McAllen, Texas. I travel so much that I'm never home though, so I'll probably be moving to vegas soon. I'm single with no kids.
What did you do for work before coming a pro poker player?
I had two terrible jobs, one was selling vitamins for the worst boss in the world. The second job was handing out free newspapers (I ended up throwing most in the trash)
Was there a point where you decided that you'd make a run at going pro?
Once I saw that I could make more than $6 dollars an hour (what I was making in my job), I figured I might as well do that instead of working some job I don't like.
What poker books you have red?? And which you recommend for poker beginners?
I've read a ton of books. The Theory of Poker, Harrington on Hold'em, Small Stakes Hold'em, Holdem poker, Ace on the River, and of course Super System.
For a total beginner to No Limit tournaments I think everyone can benefit from all of the Harrington books.
How many hours a week do you spend at a table now? And Online?
Now I don't spend nearly as much as I did a year ago, before I'd spend 60-80 hours a week playing online. I've recently found that there is more to life than poker, and having a balanced life is more important than making money. I'd be surprised if I play more than 30 hrs a week now.
Where do you play online, and what's your nickname?
I hardly play online anymore but when I do I play on PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker and Bodog, under the name PrtyPsux
When you play, do you play more tournament or more cash games?
Online I play more cash games, live I play more tournaments.
Who are your favourite or most admired players?
I have a lot of them, I'd have to say Phil Ivey or Daniel Negreanu
What's your favourite start hand?
J9 suited, I love it.
What's the highest price money you have ever won?
$366,000 in the Reno WPT event
What are you best performers in the WSOP, WPT and EPT?
I have a 6th place finish in a small WSOP event, and a 2nd Place finish in a WPT at Reno. I haven't played any EPT's yet, but I will play at least 3 this year so I plan on winning one of them.
Did you ever played at the Amsterdam Masters?
I have not. I hear it's great though and I'm looking forward to playing it this year if I don't have any change of plans.
Have you ever stood up and flipped over a poker table because you were so furious?
lol, no...I'm more calm live. I have done a lot of damage to computers, walls, glasses, and chairs when I play alone online though.
What advice would you give to the people who are watching poker on TV and playing online, hoping to go pro?
I'd tell them to make sure this is what they want to do. It's not like it seems on t.v. there are lots of ups and downs, it can be extremely frustrating and difficult. If they know this is what they want to do, then I'd tell them they should study the game every hour of every day and they should try to be the best.
visit the blog of Juan at www.myspace.com/jcpoker and learn more about him.
  
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