Interview with “Titan” Tom Braband (TitanTom32)

July 3, 2009 by cal

The “dip” describes the point in time when winners learn to quit or stick it out. According to author Seth Godin of “The Dip”, what really sets superstars apart from everyone else is the ability to escape dead ends quickly, while staying focused and motivated when it really counts. This situation occurs frequently for beginning poker players and couldn’t be any more true than for online tournament poker star “Titan” Tom Braband. Going from a beginner to online professional in just five years, Tom has amassed dazzling career earnings early in his poker career. However, things weren’t at all perfect in the beginning. Like most players “Titan” Tom struggled at the start of his poker career.

I struggled early with cash games, as I didn’t have the experience to play well in deep stacked situations. When I found tournaments, I was able to compete on a more even playing field and learned to adapt to situations much quicker. I also began networking with other players, reading as many books as I could find and using the poker training sites.

Tom has gone from a losing player to ranking in the top 100 players online in four years time. He has also amassed career earnings in the six-figure range, nearing one million dollars. We sat down with “Titan” Tom to get his thoughts on poker.

Name and describe the lowest and highest points in your poker career thus far.

My high point was probably winning super Tuesday this past April and the recognition that came with it. I’ve had downswings that have really hurt my confidence before a few times. I’m currently 0 for 5 in the WSOP and haven’t posted an ante, so I’m really in a low point right now as far as confidence.

What would you say are the biggest mistakes of beginning MTT players?

Playing too many hands out of position, getting into a hand without a plan, calling with draws without proper odds and not being aggressive enough.

Name your favorite poker book and favorite poker training service? Elaborate as to why you like it and how it has helped you win poker tournaments.

My favorite poker book is NL Theory and Practice by Sklanksy. It really helped me elaborate how I think through hands and helped me have more of a plan and an idea of what to do on each street. I currently am employed by PokerPwnage.com so that’s my favorite website.

What are your thoughts on the grind and variance associated with online poker? How have each affected you in poker and in everyday life?

I don’t mind the grind too much because I really enjoy poker a lot, it can be very wearing when you aren’t winning money though. Variance can be really brutal, I prefer to try to fight through it most of the time and keep playing rather than take time off, but sometimes time off is necessary.

Other than family, what person or poker player has had the greatest positive effect on your poker career? (online pros etc)

I’d like to think that basebaldy has had a great effect on me. He has helped not only with playing on a daily basis but also with networking to other very good players and how to live life and enjoy it without letting poker become consuming.

List and discuss the strongest and weakest parts of your overall poker game (not necessarily MTT play)

I play really well in short handed deep stacked games. I can really put a lot of pressure on my opponents when short handed dictates that your reads on each individual player are stronger. My weakest part is probably getting in a pattern of playing too many hands at times and letting a bit of tilt keep me from being patient at the tables.

What is your overall tournament playing style and how can it help and hurt you?

I normally play somewhat tight until deeper stages of tournaments. Sometimes that doesn’t allow me to get chips early on when I’m not running well. It helps me not leak off chips and remain in the tournament longer.

Do you believe in long term goal setting or just playing each hand to the best of your ability at that given moment? Why do you feel that way?

I think vague goals are fine, but it’s really hard to come out on a given day and say you are going to win something because of the variance in poker. Short term goals such as playing tight today, or going with my reads, or playing great poker are good goals to have.

You have been to several WSOP tournament events. Name a few differences between live and online poker tournaments?

The play is a little bit different. You have less experienced tournament players when it comes to stack sizes and flop play. Players are a bit more passive which allows you to pick up more pots uncontested and accumulate chips on a steadier pace.

Who do you feel are the best tournament players currently and in history. (can be online or live)

isaac baron, elky, doc sands, sctrojans, gboro, moorman1, basebaldy

How do you balance playing poker with family, friends and significant others?

I try to give them as much time as I can when I’m not playing poker and make sure that they know when I do play, that I need to focus.

How has poker changed in the time you have played? How have you adapted to changing playing environment?

Play has gotten much more aggressive. I have tightened up and been able to play back at people using a tight image when I know they have a weak holding.

What are your thoughts on life after poker – or will you be a lifetime player like Doyle Brunson?

I want to invest in as many things as I can so that I can have my money work for me. I’m not sure what I want to do after poker, but I’m sure when the opportunity presents itself I’ll be ready

Any other advice/information you would like to share? (poker, tournaments, tips for beginners etc)

I think that playing a lot, you can really beat your head against a wall. Beginning players really need to talk to other players about hands, watch videos and read books to improve their games. Experiment with new strategies all the time because the ones currently out there are only going to be front line for so long.

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Hold 'em Poker : 1997 Edition - Sklansky, David - NEW B