Boatman reveals his three-point plan for Poker Million glory - 10/12/2010

“Play tight, go mad and get lucky” says Barny!

Barny Boatman takes his seat in the final of the FullTiltPoker.com Poker Million IX live on Sky Sports 2 and HD2 tonight – ten years after sitting down in the first ever final of the tournament.

The Hendon Mob legend crashed out early in November 2000 but he’s determined to grab the $1million winner’s cheque tonight to banish those memories and cement his place in the history of one of poker’s greatest tournaments.

Barny Boatman makes his second Poker Million final - by Mickey May

“I’ve got brief memories of the final table as I was the first one out!” said Boatman. “But at the time it was ground-breaking – the biggest prize, the toughest field and live on TV which was such a brave thing to do. When I got knocked out though I was able to do what I went there for, which was to commentate on the first live poker event with Jesse May. Everyone remembers John Duthie’s great performance in winning it and it was the start of an incredible tradition with the live final of Poker Million and it’s still a stand-out event in the poker calendar.”

Ten years after the first final, the Londoner admits that he’s crazy to still be playing poker at the highest level, but revealed his three point plan for success in front of the live cameras.

“I’m too stupid to learn from my mistakes!” said Boatman when asked about his longevity in the game. “It shows my perseverance I suppose but my three point plan for tonight is: start tight, go mad, and get lucky! If it works I might get that printed on a t-shirt!”

In order to pocket the prize, Boatman will have his work cut out against Scandinavian duo Patrik Antonius and Gus Hansen, two-time WSOP bracelet winner Howard Lederer, WSOPE main event winner James Bord, two-time finalist Tony Bloom and internet qualifier Seth Webber and Gary Peniket – the Birmingham man and regular Hendon Mob poster who qualified through a freeroll at FullTiltPoker.com.

“Hansen, Antonius and Lederer are sheer class – the consummate professionals,” said Boatman. “I’ve played a lot with Patrik and Gus and also with Tony Bloom, who I rate very highly in this format and I was on the same table as James Bord at the WSOPE main event that he won so I know a bit about them and they know about me too. I’ve never played with Seth or Gary, but they may have more of a line on me than the other way around.

“Gary is a regular on the Hendon Mob forum and he won a trip to Vegas on there and came with us. A lot of people on the forum have a piece of him in this so I think him winning would be more popular than if I did! Obviously I’m going all out to win it but if I don’t win I’d be delighted if Gary did.”