Start playing with the ladies now.
(IMPORTANT: To Download Movie, click "FREE" then scroll to the bottom wait 45seconds and click the download link)
We got a chance to hook up with Evelyn in Vegas a week after the WSOP. She was cheering on her friend and sometimes poker coach Daniel Negreanu, who was competing in a tourney at the Plaza. As intimidating as it was to meet her in person, she was about as unassuming as could be. There we were sitting in a corner booth talking about fights breaking out at the high-limit tables at the Bellagio and the nuances of
Fusion Frenzy. If I hadn't heard it right from the source I would never have believed that she is also a gamer, but there you go.
If you're a fan be sure to check out Evelyn's official site after you read the interview. You can catch up on tales of her poker exploits, check out pics from all kinds of events, learn a few personal details, etc. (Incidentally, she stands 5'11"
without heels.)
Enjoy the interview. And remember: cut right, deal left.
IGN: How did your WPT appearance and the fame that came along with it affect your game? Has it helped or hurt? Do you think it changed how your opponents view you?
Evelyn Ng: Well, it's kind of hard to tell. I can't tell if people watched the show, if they really studied how I played or not. But, I guess, I try to play as best I can. I'm learning as I go, so I guess I'm getting better.
IGN: You're pretty sure people watch the show, though, right? Just outside here you were getting recognized.
Evelyn: I guess... Yea, I have to take into consideration that people know who I am. I'm not just some anonymous girl at the poker table. But, already I knew a lot of poker players from just playing and from Daniel and all my other friends.
IGN: When you play, do you play more tournament or more cash games?
Evelyn: Well now I play more tournaments. I'm trying to focus on tournaments now. But I still play live -- mostly on the Internet -- but I still play live once in a while just to keep my game fresh.
IGN: How often do you play online?
Evelyn: Maybe every other day, I'll play a little bit at least.
IGN: How often do you play in live cash games, face-to-face?
Evelyn: Not that often. It's more sporadic. Just if I happen to be in the casino.
IGN: How many tournaments would you say you play per month or year?
Evelyn: Well, recently I've been playing a lot more. I played 15 events in the World Series.
IGN: 15?
Evelyn: [laughs] Well, I only cashed on one, but I played about 15. And I've played several other tournaments in the last couple of months.
IGN: Could you talk about the TV show you mentioned to us outside?
Evelyn: It's a tournament for eight players that are all putting up $400,000 each. There are eight preliminary rounds where each player gets to build up chips for the final event -- which is being taped on Tuesday. It's going to be shown on Super Bowl Sunday, on NBC before the game.
I think the players involved are Howard Lederer, Chip Reese, Doyle Brunson, Phil Ivey, Gus Hansen, Johnny Chan, Barry Greenstein...
IGN: What's the name of it?
Evelyn: I think it's called Poker Superstars.
IGN: Where's your favorite place to play cards?
Evelyn: Las Vegas. The Bellagio. Or, actually, The Bellagio is where all the action is. But I like the Mirage, as well, because it's very comfortable. It's a very comfortable atmosphere.
IGN: When you play, do you play high-limit or no-limit?
Evelyn: Generally when I play live, I play limit. I usually play like red-chip games, like 15-30 or 30-60.
IGN: Do you prefer higher limit games live rather than no limit?
Evelyn: I don't really play no-limit games live. I'll probably start playing more live, but generally I just play it in the tournaments for now.
