Suck Out! A Horse with No Name Recognition (Part III)

Suck Out! The CPL's own Docu-Series continues....Part One can be found here and part two here....

The Stake: A Backers Perspective

by Mark Cardenas

When I said the words "I want a piece of Phil!" it just sounded right. You know...the kinda sound that rolls off the tongue and warms your heart with the knowledge that you are doing something good in this world. It was that kinda sound. And I said it again, "I want a piece of Phil!" and I heard Karaoke's theme song in my head (Legend In His Own Mind...check it out on our podcast from 10-28-2007) and less than 15 min later with determination, with no second thoughts, like I had been given a prophecy....I had transferred him the money.

Ok, let me try to give you some perspective on where I'm coming from. I have been playing real poker (holdem) for about 3+ years, and I can tell ya that playing regularly online, at the casinos, and in a weekly poker league, it teaches you a thing or two (or ten) about your poker playing skills. And although I have improved dramatically from the first few months of playing...I have not improved nearly as much as Karaoke Phil.

This is partly due to the fact that Karaoke was sooooo bad when he started playing (yes...I said bad...and yes, this directly contradicts Karaoke's statement in the previous Docu-Series post that he was an 'ok' poker player when he started), but also due to the fact that Karaoke has honed his skills of reading players well beyond my current level. I've seen this guy make "Kid Poker" type reads over and over again when he is 'tuned in'. Then again, I've seen him completely talk himself out of a hand.

So why stake someone like Karaoke who is at this level and consistency?

There are many reasons that I am excited to Stake Karaoke Phil in his quest to become a Poker Pro. I've listed the main ones below:

• Karaoke is simply a better player than I am. As such, I have a better chance of winning if Karaoke is playing with my money! It is a no brainer to me. Every day people give stock brokers money to do what they feel is right to make us money. I look at this similarly. I have trust that my poker money in Phil's hands will be managed well.
• I have seen truly great poker playing of Karaoke, both live and online. I know that he is approaching a turning point in his early career and I am looking to help him turn that corner.
• This is one of those fabulous 'win-win' scenarios...Karaoke gets to play without risk and I get to possibly earn some cash along the way.
• Both Karaoke and I knew this would make a great blog....so if nothing else it is entertaining!
• If this turns out incredibly well....'Mr. Karaoke Phil' may make his best friend, who supported him through the early days, his own personal Poker Manager.

But until Karaoke hits it big...I am holding the purse strings and calling the shots...and trust me...I want some tangible results or I am hitting the road.

I am confident that my backing of Karaoke Phil is a good move and a smart investment. On a personal note, I think it is exactly the type of activity that Phil needs to get over the 'hump' and make a run at something big!

I am excited to be the "Backer", the "Cash", the "Money Clip", or whatever else you would like to call it. I am also excited for Phil to participate in this opportunity!

Good Luck Karaoke Phil! I've got a piece of you! And you've got Irons in the Fire! Now bring back the goods!

Mark