THECHAT

Monday, December 25, 2006

At 24 years old, tournament poker player Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi has already won more than $5 million, including 10 final tables and seven tournament wins in 2006. The winnings have allowed him to buy a luxury tour bus to travel the country with his wife and son.

How did you get into poker at such a young age that you were able to make such a quick splash?

I started playing when I was 15 for money. But my brothers and I were always into it. I mean, I used to play for baseball cards when I was younger. Then I started playing Texas Hold 'Em and other games when my older brother would deal.

And, really, I started playing online poker and thought, "This seems easy." And I've been winning since Day One.

How should we casual players make that leap from house games and online to tournaments?

It's really like anything. Practice makes perfect. The more you play and study the game, the fewer mistakes you make and the more you learn.

Does the strategy change in a multi-table tournament?

When I play with my buddies, it's more for fun. At a big tournament, you can't play any more conservative or any more aggressive. It's just a little bit of both. It depends on your table and it depends on the flow. You just have to keep adjusting.

Tell me about your nickname. Being a "grinder" usually means someone who is struggling to make ends meet. Certainly, that's not you at this point.

Well, when I first started playing online, I needed a screen name. I thought what would be a good name that would give me some respect. I thought it was perfect at the time, because I was grinding it out. Now, I'm more of an anti-grinder. [laughs]

Will the recent legislation about online gambling change anything about the way people play poker online?

It has for some companies and sites. But I'm with AbsolutePoker.com and we're here to stay and have lots of tournaments and cash games. Hopefully, things get better for everyone. But a lot of sites got scared and pulled out.

I know that you have a tour bus and bring your family and your wife plays, too. How is she?

She used to watch me play online a lot and she learned some things. She used to be a losing player, but now she's a winning player. A lot of time she logs on to my account and plays. That can be a good thing or a bad thing.

Are you a fan of any sports teams?

I grew up near Miami and I'm a big fan of all of the teams here. I've actually been to the last few Heat games.

Will they turn things around?

Oh, yeah. Once Shaq gets back strong. They just need to get into the playoffs and make a run. I was at Game 6 of the Finals last year [in Dallas]. I was in a tournament in San Antonio and I was like, man, I have to get there to see that one.

Incredible game, too.

It doesn't get much better.

Do you think there is any sport that has a similar mental aspect to what you do in poker?

Football is my favorite sport and I think there is a lot more thinking going on there than people realize. If any part of it is like poker, it's the way the coaches match up and match personnel.

But I don't think anything is like poker. The way it's all on you. No one to share the blame with. It's your call. Your decision. Nowhere else to turn.

-- Sonny Amato