Status: FED sandwiches
· Smoked Duck + Plum Chipotle Jam + Caramelized Onions
· Brisket + Coleslaw + Mustard
· Roast Pork + Sweet Potato + Pickled Cucumber + Gochujang Aioli
· Brownies
Guest #106.1: Jonathan Duhamel
Occupation: poker player
Contributed: poker chips
Sent thank-you:email
Everyone arrived at once: Jesse Brown, David Ginsberg, Stephen Marche
Mike Adler, Rich Platel and Louis Trochatos. I was busy running up and down three floors to answer the door, taking coats and getting drinks. So I couldn’t keep track of who handed me what.
But here is what I got in swag: Bulleit, Woodford, Henry of Pelham 2009 Gamay, Seven Oaks 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Cave Spring 2009 Riesling.
And then they played poker.
GRILLING THE CHAMP
MARCHE
The good news is, I don’t want to win. I just want to bluff you once.
The good news is, I don’t want to win. I just want to bluff you once.
DUHAMEL
Just try.
Just try.
JESSE BROWN
Do you find that, for the past year, every asshole wants to play you so they can … ?
DUHAMEL
Well they’re not assholes.
Do you find that, for the past year, every asshole wants to play you so they can … ?
DUHAMEL
Well they’re not assholes.
ADLER
I don’t want to win either. Because if I do win, I’m going to have to do something like challenge Michael Phelps to a swimming contest after that.
I don’t want to win either. Because if I do win, I’m going to have to do something like challenge Michael Phelps to a swimming contest after that.
SINEAD BROWN
So do you follow poker?
MARCHE
Yeah, well, sort of. I mean, yes I do. I’ve watched everything Jonathan has on YouTube. High stakes poker, to me, is the only one. But I don’t like ones with a fake structure.
Yeah, well, sort of. I mean, yes I do. I’ve watched everything Jonathan has on YouTube. High stakes poker, to me, is the only one. But I don’t like ones with a fake structure.
DUHAMEL
Like pot-limit?
MARCHE
Pot-limit, pre-flop, this person has all these extra math considerations they have to take into account. High stakes is a high stake version of the game we play. And that’s what makes it so much fun.
MARCHE
Pot-limit, pre-flop, this person has all these extra math considerations they have to take into account. High stakes is a high stake version of the game we play. And that’s what makes it so much fun.
DUHAMEL
It’s so stressful, though. It was one of the first big games I was playing.
It’s so stressful, though. It was one of the first big games I was playing.
MARCHE
And you met awesome players too, right?
And you met awesome players too, right?
JESSE BROWN
And with your own money?
And with your own money?
MARCHE
Do the producers ever stake anyone?
Do the producers ever stake anyone?
DUHAMEL
It’s against the rules. you have to play with your own money.
It’s against the rules. you have to play with your own money.
MARCHE
Is that the biggest game you’ve ever played or have you played for bigger ones?
Is that the biggest game you’ve ever played or have you played for bigger ones?
DUHAMEL
I’ve played in some big ones.
MARCHE
What’s the biggest buy-in you’ve ever … ?
DUHAMEL
I can’t say. But some big ones.
What’s the biggest buy-in you’ve ever … ?
DUHAMEL
I can’t say. But some big ones.
TROCHATOS
It wasn’t in a casino, then.
DUHAMEL
Private poker game.
Private poker game.
TROCHATOS
What’s the least amount that gets you out of bed?
DUHAMEL
Any amount. It’s just that, when you lose you get pissed off, no matter what the amount is. $5 or $1000, I want to win.
Any amount. It’s just that, when you lose you get pissed off, no matter what the amount is. $5 or $1000, I want to win.
BECOMING PRESENTABLE
DUHAMEL
It’s a lot of fun but it has been a big challenge. It’s pretty stressful at first because you’re kind of scared of what you’re going to say.
It’s a lot of fun but it has been a big challenge. It’s pretty stressful at first because you’re kind of scared of what you’re going to say.
JESSE BROWN
Stressful? You’ve played poker, final tables, cameras in your face.
Stressful? You’ve played poker, final tables, cameras in your face.
DUHAMEL
It’s way different. Poker with cameras in front of me, I don’t care.
It’s way different. Poker with cameras in front of me, I don’t care.
JESSE BROWN
You don’t have to be afraid of Corey.
You don’t have to be afraid of Corey.
MARCHE
Yeah, don’t be worried about Corey.
Yeah, don’t be worried about Corey.
DUHAMEL
It’s not that. The first time I was on tv talking about my win I was so stressed about it. It’s just so big and there’s a million people watching about what you’re going to say at that moment. I’ve never done medias before. It’s pretty stressful. Poker I’ve done for a while so I know what I’m doing at least. So I’m comfortable. It’s a bigger challenge, the fact that it’s in English, because I’ve got to think about what I’m saying all the time.
It’s not that. The first time I was on tv talking about my win I was so stressed about it. It’s just so big and there’s a million people watching about what you’re going to say at that moment. I’ve never done medias before. It’s pretty stressful. Poker I’ve done for a while so I know what I’m doing at least. So I’m comfortable. It’s a bigger challenge, the fact that it’s in English, because I’ve got to think about what I’m saying all the time.
JESSE BROWN
You’re fluent.
You’re fluent.
DUHAMEL
I became fluent recently. I wasn’t fluent last year. I spoke a lot of English this year so I became much better than I was last year.
I became fluent recently. I wasn’t fluent last year. I spoke a lot of English this year so I became much better than I was last year.
MARCHE
I have to say you come across very well. I mean you come across as not an asshole or psychopath.
I have to say you come across very well. I mean you come across as not an asshole or psychopath.
DUHAMEL
I try not to be.
I try not to be.
MARCHE
Most of the poker players that you see interviewed, that’s how they come across. Like some parents said, ‘Stop killing the animals in the yard. Take up poker.’ That’s clearly what happened in some cases. And then others are just douchebags. And you don’t fall into either category.
Most of the poker players that you see interviewed, that’s how they come across. Like some parents said, ‘Stop killing the animals in the yard. Take up poker.’ That’s clearly what happened in some cases. And then others are just douchebags. And you don’t fall into either category.
DUHAMEL
I just try to be the same I was before. I don’t want to change. I still have the same friends back in Montreal. I try to see my parents as much as I can.
I just try to be the same I was before. I don’t want to change. I still have the same friends back in Montreal. I try to see my parents as much as I can.
JESSE BROWN
But that’s not going to happen. That’s pretty huge. I mean, you’re the same person you were. But your life is totally changed.
But that’s not going to happen. That’s pretty huge. I mean, you’re the same person you were. But your life is totally changed.
DUHAMEL
Yeah, on the outside. But on the inside I try to be the same guy. It’s a poker tournament. It doesn’t change who you are and where you come from.
Yeah, on the outside. But on the inside I try to be the same guy. It’s a poker tournament. It doesn’t change who you are and where you come from.
ADLER
What’s Boucherville like?
What’s Boucherville like?
DUHAMEL
Very small. 35000 people.
Very small. 35000 people.
FAST HANDS
TROCHATOS
I just like to play a lot of hands per hour.
TROCHATOS
I just like to play a lot of hands per hour.
DUHAMEL
Online is good for that. for me, when I’m playing 12 tables at the same time. Online I can play 500 hands an hour. Where live I can play 15-20 hands an hour. The difference is so huge. And you can learn so much more playing online because you see more hands.
Online is good for that. for me, when I’m playing 12 tables at the same time. Online I can play 500 hands an hour. Where live I can play 15-20 hands an hour. The difference is so huge. And you can learn so much more playing online because you see more hands.
GINSBERG
You play a lot online?
DUHAMEL
Now I play less because I don’t have that much free time? Before I was only playing online.
You play a lot online?
DUHAMEL
Now I play less because I don’t have that much free time? Before I was only playing online.
GINSBERG
Were you a pro before the tournament.
Were you a pro before the tournament.
DUHAMEL
Not for a living. I was traveling a lot. I was going to Europe. I was going to university, in finance. And I just didn’t feel like it was the right place for me. So I just decided to take a year off and travel a little bit. And I just started playing poker more and more.
Not for a living. I was traveling a lot. I was going to Europe. I was going to university, in finance. And I just didn’t feel like it was the right place for me. So I just decided to take a year off and travel a little bit. And I just started playing poker more and more.
MARCHE
That worked out well.
That worked out well.
SINEAD BROWN
I think that you were lying last time.
I think that you were lying last time.
JESSE BROWN
Lying?
SINEAD BROWN
Bluffing.
Lying?
SINEAD BROWN
Bluffing.
The hand ends
DUHAMEL
Blinds are up.
Blinds are up.
JESSE BROWN
Jonathan, I don’t want to talk trash so early in the tournament. But you’re not really distinguishing yourself.
Jonathan, I don’t want to talk trash so early in the tournament. But you’re not really distinguishing yourself.
DUHAMEL
I’m trying. Don’t worry. When I hit, I’ll hit hard.
I’m trying. Don’t worry. When I hit, I’ll hit hard.
JESSE BROWN
You need to hit? Are you purposely not tangling with anyone and then in four hands you’re going to turn it all around just to totally humiliate us?
You need to hit? Are you purposely not tangling with anyone and then in four hands you’re going to turn it all around just to totally humiliate us?
DUHAMEL
I cannot tell you. We’ll see.
I cannot tell you. We’ll see.
JESSE THROWS HIS STACK AROUND
SINEAD BROWN
When are you making your move?
DUHAMEL
When I have some good cards. I have to be smart.
When are you making your move?
DUHAMEL
When I have some good cards. I have to be smart.
TROCHATOS
What’s your favourite poker room in Vegas?
What’s your favourite poker room in Vegas?
DUHAMEL
Aria is pretty nice. But I have to say the Belaggio is probably the best. It’s so classic.
Aria is pretty nice. But I have to say the Belaggio is probably the best. It’s so classic.
MARCHE
I have to play super-aggressive, having you on my left. Having a really good player on your left actually … because I cannot afford to have him …
I have to play super-aggressive, having you on my left. Having a really good player on your left actually … because I cannot afford to have him …
DUHAMEL
If you were a deep stack then you don’t want to have him on your left. But if you are a short stack, a little bit. And you play more aggressive.
If you were a deep stack then you don’t want to have him on your left. But if you are a short stack, a little bit. And you play more aggressive.
MARCHE
Will you give us evaluations, honestly, at the end?
Will you give us evaluations, honestly, at the end?
DUHAMEL
So far you play well. You play much better than my friends back in Montreal. I just hope they won’t know that I said that.
So far you play well. You play much better than my friends back in Montreal. I just hope they won’t know that I said that.
MARCHE
Your friends play with you?
DUHAMEL
Oh yeah. I mean, we play less often now because I’m less in Montreal. They want to beat me so bad all the time so they’re just all against me. We have a lot of fun.
Your friends play with you?
DUHAMEL
Oh yeah. I mean, we play less often now because I’m less in Montreal. They want to beat me so bad all the time so they’re just all against me. We have a lot of fun.
JESSE BROWN
So is this the point where I should be throwing my stack around? Should I be the bully right now?
DUHAMEL
Yes. You definitely should.
So is this the point where I should be throwing my stack around? Should I be the bully right now?
DUHAMEL
Yes. You definitely should.
MARCHE
Except you’ve got a problem because I’m on your left.
Except you’ve got a problem because I’m on your left.
JESSE BROWN
Steven makes the point that the second biggest stack is right to my left here.
Steven makes the point that the second biggest stack is right to my left here.
DUHAMEL
So you should be careful.
So you should be careful.
JESSE BROWN
Because fortunes can reverse very quickly.
Because fortunes can reverse very quickly.
DUHAMEL
Yes, because if a big stack is on your left, you have to take it easy a little bit. because he’s on the best position to pick up on you. Otherwise, if a tight player with almost no stack would be there you can just push and push.
Yes, because if a big stack is on your left, you have to take it easy a little bit. because he’s on the best position to pick up on you. Otherwise, if a tight player with almost no stack would be there you can just push and push.
JESSE BROWN
If I go into my cave now then I’m going to slowly … I’ve got to keep pushing.
If I go into my cave now then I’m going to slowly … I’ve got to keep pushing.
TROCHATOS
Is that what you did last year, waited for cards?
Is that what you did last year, waited for cards?
DUHAMEL
Well there’s aggressive and there’s stupid-aggressive. I can never figure out the two.
Well there’s aggressive and there’s stupid-aggressive. I can never figure out the two.
JESSE BEGINS TO SWEAT
DUHAMEL
I’m all in.
I’m all in.
GINSBERG
For how much?
DUHAMEL
35,000.
For how much?
DUHAMEL
35,000.
JESSE BROWN
I don’t know what to do. I have rags. But this is a chance, right?
I don’t know what to do. I have rags. But this is a chance, right?
DUHAMEL
You should fold.
You should fold.
MARCHE
This is a chance, man. I’m gonna tell you, as a friend.
This is a chance, man. I’m gonna tell you, as a friend.
JESSE BROWN
But I don’t want to give him ammo. These are crackers. Whatever you have … I fold.
But I don’t want to give him ammo. These are crackers. Whatever you have … I fold.
MARCHE
You had a 40 percent chance to knock him out.
You had a 40 percent chance to knock him out.
GINSBERG
How come Poker Stars couldn’t provide us with good plastic cards?
How come Poker Stars couldn’t provide us with good plastic cards?
DUHAMEL
I don’t know.
I don’t know.
TROCHATOS
You’ve got quite the attitude.
You’ve got quite the attitude.
SH__ JUST GOT REAL
DUHAMEL
It’s time to play for real now. Now it starts.
It’s time to play for real now. Now it starts.
You’re playing a little bit by the book, which is good. When you play by the book, ABC poker is a good thing.
MARCHE
well when you’re playing the world series of poker champion, you think, ‘maybe I’ll play by the book this time.’ I fold.
well when you’re playing the world series of poker champion, you think, ‘maybe I’ll play by the book this time.’ I fold.
JESSE BROWN
I’ll raise.
I’ll raise.
DUHAMEL
You sure about that?
You sure about that?
JESSE BROWN
I’m sure about that. 8,000 more?
MARCHE
80,000 more.
I’m sure about that. 8,000 more?
MARCHE
80,000 more.
DUHAMEL
80,000 more. That’s a lot of money. I’ll let you take it.
80,000 more. That’s a lot of money. I’ll let you take it.
JESSE BROWN
It’s the first one I took down from you.
(not showing cards)
(not showing cards)
Hell no.
No free information.
RAISING THE CHAMP
JESSE BROWN
Is there anything I could have done differently to get you in that?
DUHAMEL
Maybe raise a little smaller.
JESSE BROWN
Is there anything I could have done differently to get you in that?
DUHAMEL
Maybe raise a little smaller.
MARCHE
What were you thinking? Raising 100,000 with pocket kings against him?
JESSE BROWN
He’s calling!
MARCHE
He’s not calling. What do you mean he’s calling?
What were you thinking? Raising 100,000 with pocket kings against him?
JESSE BROWN
He’s calling!
MARCHE
He’s not calling. What do you mean he’s calling?
GINSBERG
The guy’s a calling station.
The guy’s a calling station.
MARCHE
Yeah, the guy is a calling station. I mean, you look at this guy, you think, payoff wizard. I don’t even care if I lose anymore.
Yeah, the guy is a calling station. I mean, you look at this guy, you think, payoff wizard. I don’t even care if I lose anymore.
JESSE BROWN
I think you put me off. Big stack. Trying to throw my weight around.
DUHAMEL
I think you kind of looked weak there.
JESSE BROWN
You bought that.
You bought that.
DUHAMEL
So I might have gambled with an average hand.
So I might have gambled with an average hand.
CM
Jonathan, does it matter to you if you lose to Steve or Jesse?
DUHAMEL
Absolutely. Not going to lose tonight. Not going to happen.
Jonathan, does it matter to you if you lose to Steve or Jesse?
DUHAMEL
Absolutely. Not going to lose tonight. Not going to happen.
Is it true that if I beat you, I absorb your powers?
11. ALL IN
DUHAMEL
I’m gonna go all in.
DUHAMEL
I’m gonna go all in.
JESSE BROWN
Oh shit. You’re gonna go all in?
DUHAMEL
Absolutely.
Oh shit. You’re gonna go all in?
DUHAMEL
Absolutely.
JESSE BROWN
This is where the title is intimidating me. This is where I might call anybody else. But I’m gonna fold.
This is where the title is intimidating me. This is where I might call anybody else. But I’m gonna fold.
MARCHE
I don’t know what to do? I’m so sure this is one of those plays, those diferention plays. This is something we just don’t see at our game. I’m sure of it. But I can’t call. I fold.
I don’t know what to do? I’m so sure this is one of those plays, those diferention plays. This is something we just don’t see at our game. I’m sure of it. But I can’t call. I fold.
JESSE BROWN
Did I make a mistake?
DUHAMEL
I got nothing.
DUHAMEL
I got nothing.
JESSE BROWN
You’ve got nothing. I could’ve taken it right there.
You’ve got nothing. I could’ve taken it right there.
DUHAMEL
I had an open-ended straight. No pairs, no nothing. But …
I had an open-ended straight. No pairs, no nothing. But …
JESSE BROWN
Yeah. That was cowardly.
Yeah. That was cowardly.
GAMBLER VS. GAMBLING ADDICT
MINTZ
Other than winning, what’s the difference between a professional gambler and a gambling addict.
Other than winning, what’s the difference between a professional gambler and a gambling addict.
DUHAMEL
Professional gambler, it’s got to be your income. You have strategies. You take notes on how much money you have to gamble, what are your losses, what are your wins. You count all that. You have graphics at home that show when are you winning and why. So you can see what are your forces and your weaknesses.
Professional gambler, it’s got to be your income. You have strategies. You take notes on how much money you have to gamble, what are your losses, what are your wins. You count all that. You have graphics at home that show when are you winning and why. So you can see what are your forces and your weaknesses.
MINTZ
Does that tell you when not to play?
Does that tell you when not to play?
DUHAMEL
A little bit of that, yeah. You can see like, the first eight hours you’re winning players, but after that you get tired. And you start playing worse and losing.
MINTZ
So you learn that and decide to only play for a certain number of hours?
DUHAMEL
Absolutely. But the gambling addict’s going to have no idea about that. he’s just going to gamble. And most of the time he’s not going to play poker. He’s going to play blackjack, roulette, those games, which is very different from poker. I never play those games.
Absolutely. But the gambling addict’s going to have no idea about that. he’s just going to gamble. And most of the time he’s not going to play poker. He’s going to play blackjack, roulette, those games, which is very different from poker. I never play those games.
Date of publication: Saturday, November 26th
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