Eric Baldwin Biography

When we asked Eric Baldwin what he would be doing in life if he weren’t bluffing and stacking, he told us, “I have absolutely no idea. I'm very fortunate to have not had to answer this question.”

Good answer, Baldwin. Very humble for Card Player’s 2009 Player of the Year. But let’s be honest here. Fortune has little to do with it. One look at Eric Baldwin’s record and it’s pretty clear that this kid has talent.

Over the last few years, Baldwin has developed a reputation as one of the most dangerous poker players to ever play the game – online and off. As the former starting outfielder for the NCAA D-III National Championship team in 2005, we’re not surprised by his competitive nature and natural ability to own.

Baldwin initially caught the eye of the world poker community after crushing Event #34 of the 2009 World Series of Poker and capturing his first bracelet. That win netted him over half-a-million, but it represents just a small chunk of his impressive lifetime winnings, which top $2.6 million as of early 2010.

To find out more the former championship baseball player who continues to hit homeruns on the world poker circuit, read on.

How did you become a professional poker pro?

I always enjoyed getting together with friends to play poker in high school. This sparked my interest in poker. My final year of college I realized I didn't want a 'real' job in Psychology (my major) and decided to start taking poker more seriously to find out if I could make a good living at it. I had some success and built a bankroll that gave me the opportunity to take my shot.

Did you struggle a lot at the beginning or were you a success right away?

As with any professional poker player, there were some bumps in the road on the way up.  Fortunately, I never let downswings discourage me too much or hurt my play, and as a result I was able to turn things around when I needed to.

What style of play do you use at the table?

I will play a huge range of starting hands and play them aggressively trying to win lots of small pots.  On the other hand, I'm one of the tightest players I know when it comes to putting their tournament life at risk.

Are you a better cash game player or tournament player?

I can barely spell 'cash game', but plan on playing more of them and doing it well.

Do you model your game after any other pros - past or present?

I like to take bits and pieces from lots of players' games and incorporate them into my own.

What's your favorite tournament and why?

Aruba. Hands down. The tournament itself is incredibly well run. The setting and laid-back atmosphere make for the most enjoyable poker trip of the year.

What are your thoughts on the growing size of the WSOP Main Event?

I love it. We should all hope to see poker continue to grow and new names and faces continue to emerge in the poker world.

What do you consider the most significant differences to be between online and brick and mortar play from a strategic point of view?

Online play tends to be more aggressive, especially pre-flop.  In live tournaments, players tend to call a lot more often, and there are many more multi-way pots going to the flop.

How does your tournament strategy differ between online and real world play?

Online I try to find good spots to pick up pots without showdown.  Live, I tend to look for starting hands that will play well post-flop in multi-way pots.

Which of your poker skills do you rate as the most important?

My most important poker skill is being able to accurately assess what strategy will work best at my table, and then implement that strategy effectively.

Who is your greatest role model and why?

My greatest role model has always been my dad.  He's taught me a lot, including how you don't need to be the most talented in the field to succeed if you can find an edge mentally.  He's also well respected by his peers.

Which famous person has left the greatest impression on you?

I think Barry Greenstein has left the greatest impression on me because he showed me that you can play poker for a living and still do a ton of good for the world.

What do you think you'll be doing in 20 years time?

Whatever makes me happy.  I quite possibly could be playing a poker tournament in Las Vegas.  I might also be going to every Chicago Cubs home game.

What one possession could you not do without and why?

I'd like to think I could survive without any of my possessions.  I think it would be hardest to deal without my National Championship ring.  It's a cool reminder of what will undoubtedly go down as some of the best days of my life.  It also reminds me of how hard work and dedication can pay off.

What is the trait you most deplore in others and why?

Both in and outside of poker, I can't stand when people talk about how unlucky they are.  They are overlooking the many ways in which they are fortunate.  They also spend a lot of time dwelling on that which they can't control, as opposed to focusing positively on what they can.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

Life has taught me that things aren't always going to be easy, but if you keep an open mind and a positive attitude, everything will work out in the end.

What is the best piece of advice someone has given you?

The best advice I've received is how to remove yourself from negative thoughts and getting caught up in them.  If you can observe negativity arising in yourself, you can choose not to identify with it and avoid letting it affect your actions.

What is the one thing you'd like to do before you die?

I'd like to truly believe that the world will continue to be a better, more rational place.  I'd also like to see a game at every Major League Baseball stadium.

What top three tips would you give to amateur poker players hoping to make it as a poker professional?

Never stop learning.  The moment you think you have it all figured out, the game will evolve and pass you by.

Don't fight what is.  Instead of complaining about how your opponents are playing, realize how they are playing, accept it, and play accordingly.

Constantly ask yourself, 'why am I making this play?'  You will improve your game and keep yourself from playing robotically.

What would you be doing if you were not a poker professional?

I have absolutely no idea.  I'm very fortunate to have not had to answer this question.