Linda Johnson Hands Out 2008 Poker Awards

I’m thrilled to be writing my first blog for Poker News Daily. For those of you not familiar with my poker background, please allow me to fill you in with a few personal highlights from the past 30 years…

Played poker professionally from 1980-1993
Former owner of Card Player Magazine
Partner in Card Player Cruises
Five final table finishes at WSOP, including a gold bracelet winner in the1997 Razz event
Original Chairperson and currently on Board of Directors for the Poker Players Alliance
Board Member for Ladies International Poker Series and Ladies Poker Association
Studio announcer the first six seasons of the World Poker Tour
Co-founder of the Tournament Directors Association
Founded the World Poker Players Conference and the World Poker Industry Conference
World Poker Tour Boot Camp instructor
2005 California State Ladies Poker Champion
2006 Orleans Open Ladies Champion
Member of the Queen of Hearts World Series Ladies Team
Inaugural member of the Women in Poker Hall of Fame

As you can tell from reading above, I’m definitely into poker, both as a player and an industry leader. I truly LOVE poker and still play about 350 days a year.

In the spirit of the election season in the United States, thought it might be fun to vote on some outstanding (outlandish?) poker personalities and performances in 2008. Therefore, I respectfully submit the following nominations:

Most Improved Behavior at the Poker Table: The honors in this category surely go to Hevad Khan. Do you remember how annoying he was last year at the WSOP? What a difference a year can make! Khan has totally revamped his table persona and it seems to have allowed him greater focus on playing, as evidenced by his victory in the 2008 Caesars Palace Classic No Limit Hold’em Championship event. I really like the new Hevad Khan!

Favorite Player to “Sweat”: There is a three-way tie in this category between Daniel Negreanu, Gus Hansen, and Barry Greenstein.

Daniel makes me smile…he’s charismatic and very likeable at the poker table. Daniel plays a lot of hands, which adds to his entertainment value and vocalizes many of his thought processes, which adds to his educational value.

I put Gus Hansen in this category for a few reasons. First of all, I love to watch his facial expressions. Secondly, I like to hear him analyze hands. Third, he’s just so good looking!

My other favorite to watch is Barry Greenstein. He stays calm, cool, and collected at all times. He’s also one of the most aggressive players I’ve ever seen!

Favorite Poker Blogger: Everyone seems to be writing a blog these days, but Doyle Brunson gets my vote in this category. I especially enjoy his “Doylism of the Day.” No one tells a poker story from the “good old days” better than Doyle!

Most Controversial Poker Player: Phil Hellmuth wins the nomination in this category. Let’s face it – he’s like a train wreck…you can’t stop looking. Although I despise his behavior at the table and can’t believe he gets away with berating opponents like he does, Phil definitely is good for ratings. Viewers love to see his rants and love to root against him. They stay tuned just hoping that he picks on the wrong guy. And remember, he can dodge bullets, baby, but he can’t dodge cement abutments too well!

Favorite Poker Columnist: Honorary mention in this category goes to Jennifer Tilly, Phil Laak, Antonio Esfandiari, Al Schoonmaker, Roy Cooke, and Nick Brancato, but Barry Tanenbaum wins top honors in my opinion. Barry has a great way of explaining poker concepts that can be easily understood by players of all skill levels. He’s also a great poker player, unlike some columnists.

Favorite Poker Book Author: This was another tough category: I easily could have nominated Lou Krieger, Lee Jones, David Sklansky, Mike Caro, Barry Tanenbaum, Tom McEvoy, Ed Miller, Matt Lessinger, Mason Malmuth, or Tommy Angelo, but my final decision is Dan Harrington. If you’ve read his books, you know what I mean. Your game will definitely improve if you pay attention to his advice.

Favorite Poker Speaker/Lecturer: Mike Caro, you are the man! I love listening to and watching Mike. He has a tremendous stage presence…he paces back and forth across the stage, messes up his hair, jumps on chairs, etc. It’s a bonus that his talks are so full of great information!

Favorite Place to Play Poker: I may be a bit prejudiced here, but I love playing poker while cruising to exotic ports and Card Player Cruises provides the best poker room at sea. Another reason I chose Card Player Cruises is because there are so many awesome brick and mortar card rooms that I can’t even begin to narrow it down to one! Is that wimpy?

Favorite Poker Shows on TV: I’m making this a four-way tie between the World Poker Tour, World Series of Poker, Poker After Dark, and High Stakes Poker. WPT is the most educational regarding tournament play, WSOP is the most entertaining (I especially like the human interest segments and breakaways like “The Nuts”), Poker After Dark features the best player interaction, and High Stakes Poker is the most fun to watch due to the huge stakes and poker personalities involved.

Poker Player Most Destined to Become America’s Idol: “Cowboy” Kenna James is not only a great guy, but he has a wonderful singing voice. Kenna has just recorded a new song and I’m sure the entire poker community joins me in wishing him as much success in his singing career as he has had in his poker career.

I had fun writing my first blog and invite readers to contact me at Linda@cardplayercruises.com with feedback, poker-related questions, or suggestions for future blog content.