Kevin O'Leary

Name: Kevin O’Leary

Age: 38

Hometown: Surrey

Nickname: As a former antiques dealer the name Lovejoy has stuck.

Started Playing: About 15 years ago. Around the snooker clubs of south London there was pretty much always a game of cards going. Got into playing tournaments about 5 years ago.

Favourite starting hand: Please tell me that’s a trick question…

Poker Achievements:

Bio:

Formerly an antiques dealer (by his own admission more Derek Trotter than David Dickinson), Kevin turned his hand to poker and has played in Vegas, all around the European circuit, and is soon making his fourth trip to Melbourne in 2008 for the Aussie Millions. Vanished from the live circuit for a while to concentrate on online poker and other projects, but has recently returned and continues to make final table appearances under the Blue Square flag, particularly in Ireland where he regularly attend festivals.

Sponsorship Status:

Kevin has been playing in Blue Square colours since October 2005. He represents Blue Square at UK and Irish poker festivals and has cemented his reputation as a successful live player by already making several final tables in events he has been sponsored into.

Advice for Beginners:

Forget ego completely-it’s a huge failing with many players. Get to know the people you play against as they’ll often repeat their passive or aggressive strategies over and over. Watch what’s happening in the hand even if you’ve folded. Don’t just read a poker book and just decide that there is only ever one way to play a particular hand in a particular situation. Your job is to win as much as possible in a given situation. If someone outdraws you, bite your lip instead of complaining. It will pay you dividends in the long run.

Email: lovejoy@bluesq.com