STEPHEN Brencher had rarely picked up a deck of cards until five months ago, but it did not take him long to learn when to hold them and when to fold them.
The panel beater has enjoyed a great run of success in the Australian Poker League events around Wagga – highlighted by his $1000 win at the RSL’s Club Super Sunday.
“I knew very little about poker before I went along with a friend to give it a try earlier in the year,” the 28-year-old said.
Stephen has built an excellent strike-rate of playing through to the final table, while he also qualified for the state finals on his first attempt.
“Outskilling and outplaying the others is a big part, but you also need that element of luck,” he said. “Bluffing is also important. Sometimes you are dealt an ordinary hand and you need to take a risk.”
Stephen, who mainly plays APL at the Thomas Blamey Tavern, has benefited from the experience of taking part in the state finals.
“I am learning all the time and it’s been great to see how the big boys play in Sydney,” he said.
“I was able to pick up a few different techniques and bring them back and use them in Wagga.”
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