5 minute read
Gutshot Player of the Month - Anirban Das
Next Article
Gutshot Player of the month - Anirban Das: On A Trailblazing Run
The official ‘Gutshot Player of the Month’ is being introduced to our valuable readers for the first time! It will be awarded in a two-stage selection process that will consider both the players’ individual performance data in Texas Holdem MTT and a vote by our honourable Advisory Board. The honour will be bestowed for the first time in July 2021 in recognition of achievements in June 2021.
By Manthra Koliyer
or the first ‘Gutshot Player
Fof the Month’, we had some kickass results, and some standout displays too with immense performances in
June. We were quite overwhelmed with the nominations received and, in the end, Aniraban Das has beaten off competition to win the very 1st Gutshot Player of the Month!
With several massive achievements to his name, including clinching two IOPC titles in 2019, Anirban Das is said to be one of the terrific poker talents in our country! Anirban has been recently playing his best moves and finishing ITM in most of the tournaments he chose to grind in. His victory numbers spoke a lot for himself but his usernames ‘pottysingh’ or ‘nocluewho’ sounded the quite opposite – take him lightly but he is surely one of those guys who would keep you on the edge of your seat!
We caught up with him for a quick chat before he rushed off to ship another tournament!
How was the feeling when you were chosen as the Gutshot Texas Holdem MTT Poker Player of the month?”
It feels great to receive this recognition. Though I won’t be stopping here; I am more focused on analysing mistakes and finding more improvements in my game.
You have been consistently grinding on PokerStars and have finished ITM in more than 60 tournaments. What helps in the long run?
Consistently grinding and finishing in the money or grinding, shipping, and taking a break now and then. Given that I am not a full-time pro, I rarely find time to study and analyse my game using tools and hand reviews. Because of this, I think grinding 12+ tables, time and improving through pattern recognition and repetition has worked best for me. I do think breaks are also important in-between series to rest my mind and pursue other hobbies and get family time.
How is the interface of PokerStars any different from the other brands in the business?
I think the software is a lot smoother and offers a lot of customisation, however other brands have improved too recently as well.
Since PokerStars is an international brand, what are the few perks that players usually get?
I love the Stars coin rewards program and have been able to get most electronics over the last 2
years through this program.
In an interview with Gutshot, earlier, you had mentioned that during MBA days at IIM Ahmedabad, you used poker as a way to connect with different sets of people. How do you think poker helps in socializing?
Offline poker with friends is great because it allows for bonding in a fun environment. It also reveals how different people handle emotions and those insights are useful in improving other aspects of interpersonal relationships.
In the recent past, you have been grinding intensely. What are some of the takeaways from these recent sessions?
I have gotten better at 12 tables with practice in the last 2 months. Earlier I was only able to play up to 6 tables. I also have been able to control my decision-making post losing hands when I was way ahead. Also, I used to turn off chat during sessions but now I do my best to speak to players in case they ping me in session. The social aspect of the game is really missing online and I try my best to have a conversation in case any player wants to.
How do you deal with downswings in poker?
Analyse mistakes, don’t repeat them, and trust the process.
Is there a particular strategy that you use when playing high-value tournaments?
Only one adjustment from overall strategy and that is to 3 barrel bluff more often than lower and mid-stakes games. Higher buy-in tournaments usually have fields that consider what other players may have whereas at lower stakes it is a lot harder to bluff someone off a strong hand.
Is it a boon or bane to have a partner who plays poker?
Definitely a boon! It helps to discuss hands and get another perspective. It also helps with encouragement after a bad session and celebrating with someone who understands the game after a good session.
The monikers you go by are extremely peculiar. Were there any reasons why ‘pottysingh,’ ‘nocluewho’ was chosen?
‘pottysingh’ was a nickname of a childhood friend. ‘nocluewho’ was because of how irritated I was that Spartan allowed players to keep changing IDs and I would forget my notes on them.
As a poker player, where do you see yourself five years down the line?
Keep minimising mistakes, putting in volumes, and getting better at the game! At some point in the next 5 years I would also like to explore opportunities to give back to the game via streaming, coaching, or other ways to pass on my learnings.
While this poker magnate wishes to see himself as a more responsible player five years down the line, we surely want him to lift more titles and shine through it all. Das sets the perfect example for newbies as he wishes to learn, unlearn, and also give back to the industry.
FUN BOX:
1) Your 2 AM friends from the poker circuit?
My wife Mahima and MBA batchmate Anant
2) Rank the following brands as per the number of offers and high-value guarantees. Spartan Poker, PokerStars, Adda52, PokerBaazi
PokerStars, Spartan Poker, Pokerbaazi, Adda 52
3) One poker rule you religiously follow
Trust in the process, results will follow.
