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Learn moreA professional poker player and EPT (European Poker Tour) champion, as well as the co-founder of the KOT-MTT poker school, teaches the "Poker and Logical Thinking" course, where he shares his experience and game strategies.
In the previous issue, Alexander shared his early career and the specifics of poker as a game. In this article, he will talk in detail about tournaments, his victories and losses, as well as common mistakes poker enthusiasts make. Find out how the right approach to tournaments can significantly impact your results, and what strategies will help you avoid common pitfalls typical for beginners.
Alexander shared his experience and opinion on a relevant topic. He emphasized key aspects worth considering. It is important to understand that the information he shared can be useful for many. His observations and conclusions will help you better navigate the situation and make informed decisions. Each of us can learn valuable lessons from his story, which makes this information especially relevant for a wider audience.
- how to participate in tournaments with a large entry fee for free;
- why he sleeps half an hour before games;
- what defeat took him a long time to get over;
- the main mistakes of amateurs;
- why every individual needs a team.
Your nickname is AlexZAZ. What does it mean?
Every poker player chooses a nickname, which becomes their calling card on forums such as GipsyTeam, and in poker rooms. Initially, I called myself AlexZA3, but many perceived this name as "Alexzaz" and not "Alex A-tri". Over time, I came to terms with this: if a thousand people know me as Alexzaz, there is no point in convincing them otherwise. Choosing a nickname in poker plays an important role, as it can reflect the player’s personality and help create a unique image at the table.
“Live play is more about emotions than about "Earnings"
Which gaming format do you prefer: online or offline?
I play both offline and online, but I clearly distinguish between the two. Offline gaming for me is primarily a way to relax and have fun. Here I can meet friends and colleagues, recharge my batteries, and enjoy live reactions and conversations. The thrill of playing with real chips and the chance to win a real trophy make this experience unique. However, the offline format is not intended for earning money.
Learning new topics and materials is always useful for expanding your horizons. We recommend checking out additional articles that can deepen your knowledge and help you master specific aspects. Reading a variety of information sources contributes to a more complete understanding of the topic and can open new horizons. Don't miss the opportunity to expand your knowledge and develop your skills.
Andrey Kotelnikov: "I earned over $1.5 million in poker and stopped working."
The reasons can vary. It could be due to personal beliefs, circumstances, or external factors. Reflecting on why something happens can help you better understand the situation and find the optimal solution. Understanding the reasons is important for making informed decisions and developing appropriate strategies.
One of the main advantages of online poker is the speed of play. Online, I can play 50-60 tournaments a day. To reach the same number of tournaments offline, I would need to travel around the world for six months or even a year. That's a significant difference: a day versus a year. Even with live poker tournament series, where several events take place in a single casino over a short period of time, online poker still remains a more effective option for active players.
I used to regularly attend live events, but I didn't achieve significant results. This was because I couldn't accumulate the necessary distance and experience to overcome the variance in results.
Hotel accommodation, food, and flights—all these expenses require a significant financial investment. It is not always possible to recoup the costs associated with the live format. Keep in mind that participating in live events can involve significant expenses that are not always justified.
Sponsorship of poker athletes remains a hot topic in the world of poker and sports competitions. Despite the significant popularity of poker, many players face difficulties finding funding. Interest in poker is growing, but sponsors often prefer to invest in traditional sports, which calls into question the capabilities of professional poker players. However, in recent years, there has been a trend for some companies to start looking at poker as a promising market for sponsorship, which may change the situation in the near future. Signing a contract with a major site or poker room is indeed a rare practice. There are only two main types of cooperation. The first option involves signing a contract with a well-known poker site or platform, in which case they will cover all expenses related to your travel for, say, a year. However, organizing such a partnership is not easy: only a few people in Russia have such contracts. The second method of financing is participating in a satellite, which is an online qualifying tournament. You enter with a small entry fee, and if you win, you receive a ticket to an international tournament with a high entry fee. All expenses, including entry fees, flights, and other costs, are also covered. Platforms like PokerStars regularly organize such events, which provide players with an excellent opportunity to participate in major tournaments with minimal investment.
Have you ever won a satellite like this?
In 2015, I successfully qualified for a tournament and won a trip to the Bahamas. I entered a $33 satellite and won a $17,000 package. This package included airfare, luxury hotel accommodations, entry into a $10,000 buy-in tournament, and expenses.
Poker opened the door to my dream: I traveled to a nearly deserted island in the Atlantic, where I proposed to my girlfriend. Since then, we have been living together and are happy.
I recently won three packages in Sochi using a similar method. Although the winning amount was slightly smaller, it was still nice: I invested $200 and won $4,000. This money covered the costs of the Marriott hotel, transportation, and the $2,000 entry fee for the tournament.
Tournament preparation is an important aspect of preparation. I focus on several key points. First, I analyze my previous performances to identify weaknesses and areas for improvement. Then, I develop a strategy based on the opponents and the specifics of the tournament. Mental preparation also plays a big role. I use visualization techniques to imagine myself in a successful situation. In addition, I try to maintain physical fitness and eat right to be in the best condition for the competition. All these aspects help me focus and prepare for tournaments as effectively as possible.
Half an hour or an hour before a tournament, I always try to rest. I sit in a quiet place, do nothing, and, if possible, even fall asleep. My experience shows that even a short rest of 30 minutes allows the brain to reboot. Afterwards, I feel refreshed and ready for an intense 10 hours of play. This helps prevent fatigue and improves concentration, which is key to successful tournament performance.
On my Telegram channel, I've detailed 11 key points that will help poker players develop faster and achieve success. These recommendations are based on the experience of successful players and cover important aspects of strategy, psychology, and bankroll management. Check them out to improve your game and increase your chances of winning.
Maintaining good physical fitness is key to health and well-being. However, in Sochi, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be challenging. Frequent meetings with friends you haven't seen in a while can drag on until the early hours, and visiting bars and clubs isn't always conducive to proper rest. To maintain physical activity and health, it's important to find a balance between fun and taking care of your body by choosing healthier leisure options and making time for exercise.
In Sochi, you achieved your most significant live victory. This victory was a landmark event in your career and attracted the attention of many. Sochi, known for its picturesque landscapes and unique atmosphere, was the perfect place to achieve such success. This event not only strengthened your reputation but also opened up new opportunities for further development. Live competitions in Sochi brought a lot of emotions and became an important step on the path to new achievements.
In March 2021, I won the DeepStack tournament on the European Poker Tour. It featured 186 players and a $1,100 buy-in. My net winnings were $40,000. This victory was the highlight of my poker career. I was on the verge of fainting from the emotion and adrenaline that overwhelmed me. These unforgettable moments remind me why I chose poker as my calling.
In the past, I hadn't had much success in tournaments: I often finished in seventh or eighth place and couldn't advance. Although I sometimes won significant prizes, my main goal remained victory. Winning in Sochi was a turning point, after which I felt confident in my abilities. I continued to develop, going on to the next series of tournaments, where I also won the cup and continued my successful streak. 2021 has been the most successful year of my career.
"It's been spinning around in my head for about a year": about the most painful defeat
Talking about victories is always easier than discussing defeats. However, in the career of every athlete, there are inevitably moments of failure. Do you have any defeats that stay in your memory and haunt you?
In 2014, I participated in an online tournament with a $380,000 first-place prize. It was a significant amount, and the entry fee was $215. I had a great tournament and reached the stage where there were only 15 people left.
I am experiencing great disappointment after losing a big hand. The board contains a king, two, and three. I have an ace and a king, while my opponent has a king and a queen. He bets all his chips, and I decide to call his bet. The turn brings a seven, and the river brings a queen, which finally decides the outcome of the game in his favor.
We continue the game: there are 12 players left, and I have a few chips. With an ace and a nine, I'm losing to a pair of eights. The situation seems reasonable, but I realize I could have played differently. If I had checked my opponent's nickname in advance, I would have learned that he won 800 thousand in Vegas a month ago, and perhaps would have avoided elimination.
What happened next?
After the elimination, I sat for a few minutes, staring at the screen. During this time, the other players began dividing the prize pool. The player who beat me in the first hand received about 270 thousand dollars, and the one who won with eights took 240 thousand. The rest of the participants earned about 100 thousand each. As a beginner, I couldn't cope with this disappointment for a long time, tormenting myself with thoughts of defeat. These sums seemed colossal, and the loss weighed heavily on my soul.
I reproached myself for my carelessness in not checking the information about my opponents, but ultimately I gave up on it. In poker, as in life, knowledge is the key to success. This experience became an important lesson for me: I promised myself that I would not repeat such a mistake again.
What helped me cope with her loss?
These hands bothered me for a long time, and I thought about them for about a year. Everything changed when I turned to a friend who is a psychologist. He offered to work through this difficult issue, and although I was skeptical, I agreed. At first, I had a hard time believing that psychology could help, and I repeatedly asked myself: "How can this help?"
I realized how greatly I had been mistaken in my assessments. Ironically, it was after I got rid of the pressure associated with previous failures that I managed to win my first cup just a month and a half after the consultation. This success marked the beginning of my rapid growth, and I began to confidently overcome all obstacles on my path to victories.
What is your psychological state currently? You spend 8 to 10 hours a day in the game. Are you experiencing burnout?
Poker burnout is a common problem, especially when the game isn't going well. In such cases, I prefer to take a break. I study the theoretical aspects of the game and spend time with family and friends, which helps me recharge and change my environment. I also analyze my play, asking myself: did I make a mistake or was I just unlucky? This comprehensive approach helps me get back into the poker game with a positive outlook, regain my confidence, and keep winning.
"Poker is an individual game, but it's much easier to grow with a team": about his school and mistakes The "Poker and Logical Thinking" course, for which you are a speaker, is aimed at poker amateurs. At this level, players often make a number of common mistakes. Among them is a lack of attention to analyzing their opponents, which leads to incorrect decisions in the game. Also, many beginners ignore the importance of position at the table, not realizing how it affects strategy. Players often overestimate their cards and disregard bankroll management, which can lead to financial losses. Finally, a lack of patience and excessive aggressiveness are also common problems that hinder players from developing and achieving success in poker.
I will highlight two key aspects.
The main mistake players make at mid-stakes is improper bankroll management. Incorrect bankroll management can lead to negative scenarios that often occur in poker. As a result of such situations, you risk losing all your funds, which can force you to start over. Proper bankroll management is the key to long-term success in poker and minimizing risk.
An example of poorly managed bankroll: the average player had $5,000. He lost $2,000 in tournaments and withdrew another $2,000 for personal expenses. The remaining $1,000 caused him discomfort: the player constantly thought about his losses, which negatively impacted his play. Proper bankroll allocation and emotional control are key factors for successful participation in tournaments and ensure stability in the game.
I have repeatedly encountered problems with bankroll management. With $10,000, I thought this was a huge amount of money that would last a lifetime. However, due to a lack of experience and the wrong approach to tournaments, I ultimately lost everything. Proper bankroll management is a key aspect of successful play, which helps avoid financial losses and maintain stability in the long term.
For successful play, it is important to conduct a detailed analysis of your finances. Divide your bankroll into categories and expense items. Be aware of the possibility of a complete loss so it doesn't impact your life. Play responsibly to maintain financial stability and avoid negative consequences.
If you find it difficult to participate in $50 buy-in tournaments, start with $10 tournaments. If even that seems expensive, try $5 tournaments. Gain experience in this category, accumulate $3,000-5,000, and gradually move up to higher limits. A sudden jump to higher stakes can lead to a loss of bankroll and a decline in your skill level. Gradually increasing limits will help avoid mistakes and strengthen your financial stability in the game.
The second mistake is insufficient attention to detail. Often, people overlook important aspects that can significantly affect the final result. This can apply to both planning and execution. Ignoring details can lead to misunderstandings and mistakes that are more difficult to correct later. Therefore, it's crucial to pay attention to every detail to achieve optimal results.
The second common mistake is a lack of discipline. It's crucial to approach tournament planning professionally: thoroughly study the tournament schedule, select those with weaker fields, and eliminate less promising options. It's also essential to create a clear schedule that will help you effectively organize your participation in tournaments and increase your chances of success.
Many sports bettors often ignore the importance of analyzing tournaments and team lineups. They register without prior preparation and, as a result, increase their variance, which negatively impacts their mathematical expectations. This leads to frequent losses and the loss of funds. The correct approach to betting requires careful research and informed choice, which significantly increases the chances of success.
A poker player truly creates their own schedule. Unlike other professions, where managers manage employees' time, in poker, players have complete freedom to choose their training and tournament hours. This allows them to tailor their schedule to their individual needs and strategies. This approach allows us to better focus on the game and improve our effectiveness at the tables.
We are our own directors and managers. We can take a day off when we need to, work when we want, and if we decide, we can go on vacation to the Maldives for two weeks without asking anyone's permission. This is undoubtedly a huge advantage. The ability to independently manage our time and make decisions about our lives gives us more freedom and independence in our professional lives.
The KOT-MTT poker school, where I teach, offers a unique program – a tournament analyzer. This tool systematically evaluates the quality of tournaments, highlighting the best and least attractive options. For example, you can set a time interval from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the analyzer will provide a list of tournaments that are most suitable for participation during this period. You simply enter the recommended tournaments and increase your chances of maximum earnings.
The KOT-MTT poker school was recently opened. How did the idea for this school come about?
The poker school was founded in collaboration with renowned Russian poker player Andrey "Kot_Spartac" Kotelnikov. Our goal is not only financial but also to create a community of ambitious and driven players. We strive to provide our students with the necessary knowledge and resources to achieve their life goals through poker.
The question of why a player would join a poker team is relevant, despite the fact that poker is considered primarily an individual game. Team play in poker can provide many advantages that are unavailable through a solo strategy. Firstly, joining forces with other players allows for the exchange of experiences and strategies, which contributes to the improvement of each player's skills. Secondly, a team can analyze games and identify mistakes, which helps avoid common pitfalls and improve the overall level of play. Furthermore, support from teammates can significantly boost confidence, which is especially important in tense game situations. Thus, although poker is an individual game, teamwork can be key to success and skill development.
Being surrounded by like-minded people is invaluable. When alone, it is difficult to discuss a hand or consider alternative moves. In a team, there is always an opportunity to communicate, jointly analyze games, and watch tournaments. If one player is busy, others are always ready to jump in and share their experiences. This creates an atmosphere of support and exchange of ideas, which significantly improves skills and understanding of the game.
Our team is always ready to provide support, teach, and share valuable knowledge. We invite experienced coaches and select the best software for students. Continuous immersion in your professional field helps maintain a high level of skill and tone in the poker game.
Participants who complete 90% of the course and demonstrate positive results will have the chance to intern in the preparatory group of the KOT-MTT team. This is an excellent opportunity for potential joining the main team.
Some may ask: "Why do you need this? You're just creating competition for yourself."
I get great satisfaction when my posts and training help students develop, find motivation, and increase their income. For example, one of my students was struggling, but after training with me, he began to successfully perform in tournaments. This is an impressive result. Furthermore, I don't participate in tournaments with my students, as I play at a higher level.
There's plenty of room in poker for everyone. More and more poker schools are opening every year, and the game's popularity is growing. Meanwhile, the financial opportunities in poker aren't diminishing; on the contrary, they're actually increasing. Players in tournaments with buy-ins of $15-$20 can earn above average, reaching an income of $1,000 per month (around 80,000 rubles) even in the most affordable tournaments. This highlights the earning potential for professional poker players, who can significantly increase their income.
It's extremely difficult to determine the price at which I would give up poker. Even if I were offered a salary of 500,000 rubles, I wouldn't consider it. I'll just say: "Work yourself."
"I set myself a goal: a million dollars."
Coaching plays a key role in career development, providing unique opportunities for personal and professional growth. It promotes leadership development, improves communication skills, and helps expand your network. Under the guidance of an experienced coach, you can learn new approaches to problem solving, which increases self-confidence and contributes to the successful completion of tasks. Furthermore, coaching helps identify strengths and areas for improvement, allowing you to build a more focused career. By investing in coaching, you not only develop your skills but also increase your chances of career growth and achieving your professional goals.
Half of my achievements in 2021 were a result of coaching and working at the KOT-MTT school. I analyzed numerous databases, hands, and tournament histories with my students. Truth is often born in the process of discussion: we analyze hands, recalculate them in specialized software, and thanks to this, I discover new solutions, which contributes to my growth as a coach and a player.
In poker, it is important to understand what goal you want to achieve. Many players have their own ambitions, whether it is improving their playing skills, participating in major tournaments, or achieving financial success. Defining your goal will help you focus on the necessary aspects of the game and develop a strategy to achieve it. Constant self-improvement, learning new techniques, and analyzing your mistakes are key elements for a successful poker career. Reflecting on your dreams and goals will help you develop a plan that will lead to the desired result in the world of poker.
My main goal at the moment is to successfully complete a marathon with a prize pool of $1,000,000. I share my experiences and thoughts on my Telegram channel, where I talk about victories and other aspects of my poker life. I want to demonstrate to the media that it is possible to earn significant sums in professional poker. The key factors for success are hard work, discipline, and a love of the game. Maintaining a Telegram channel brings me significant advantages. Firstly, it allows me to directly interact with the audience, exchange opinions, and receive feedback. Secondly, I can share my knowledge and experience, which allows me to strengthen my expertise in my chosen topic. Furthermore, active participation in discussions and publications helps expand my network of contacts, which can open up new opportunities for collaboration and development. Finally, having my own channel allows me to stay up-to-date on current trends and news, which is important for maintaining a competitive edge. I enjoy setting goals. Announcing them to a wide audience gives me a sense of responsibility. I can't simply say, "Forget it," knowing that many people expect action and results from me. This motivates me and strengthens my drive to achieve my goals. This approach not only helps me but also inspires others.
The support from others, comments, and stickers in the chat create an atmosphere conducive to development and motivation. This interaction builds self-confidence and inspires me to reach new heights in poker. Sharing opinions and positive emotions in the community helps overcome difficulties and develop as a player.
