Chat with Timur from TimsonAAA: Insightful Discussion with Timur, TimsonAAA's Representative
Poker Pro TimsonAAA Unleashes a Bit of His Life
Let's kick this off by chatting with the one and only Timur "TimsonAAA," a gaming prodigy who graced our APoker.kz site for an exclusive Q&A sesh. We delved into more than just poker, discussing the man behind the cards and his life preferences. Timur has won accolades such as the title of Kazakhstan's best offline player of 2015 (according to Hendon Mob and Global Poker Index), and he's a member of the Bombay Team.
Here's a glimpse into the life of the poker master:
Hey, Timur! Thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions just for our site.
Let's start with the basics: How old are you, where were you born, what's your education, do you work?
I'm 36 and a proud native of Kyzylorda, though I've moved to the vivacious city of Shymkent. My education is in finance, majoring in "Banking and Securities Market." After residing in Almaty since 2001, I worked for years in banking, then securities trading on various local and international stock exchanges. The securities market is currently in a slump, so fewer clients are trading, causing many companies to shut down. That's why I now focus on trading for myself and dabbling in poker.
Poker's Peculiar Pathway
So how did you discover your passion for poker? When was this, and what were your initial thoughts about the game?
I stumbled upon poker purely by chance. During our CS gaming days (Counter Strike), it got tedious, so we sought another pastime. Late-night cable TV programs began airing "Poker Star" or something similar, and I proposed trying it out with my pals. We didn't know the rules and made up our version of the game, deciding the winning hand was a straight with the strongest kicker.
Is poker still a hobby among your friends, or do you play with others more professionally these days?
I still play poker occasionally with my friends (offline, of course, by the official rules), but our gatherings are more like friendly get-togethers with feasts, booze, loud music, and the like.
Family Matters
How did your family react when they learned you were a poker player?
My family has been pretty cool about my poker endeavors. My wife isn't much into cards, but my mom plays online poker on Stars. I even thought about taking her to Kapchagai for a tournament once.
Online vs. Offline Poker
Why's offline poker more appealing to you over online poker, which seems more convenient as you can play anytime, anywhere?
Offline poker attracts me with its atmosphere. I enjoy using chips and chips, savoring table talk, hearing various stories, hands, bad beats, and so on. Online poker lacks the elements that make offline poker so intriguing.
Notable Achievements
Tell us about your first tournament win—where was it, and how did you feel?
My first tournament win is a memory I can still replay in my mind. It took place at a semi-underground club in Almaty called Tumar. I stumbled upon this club by chance and decided to join a 1,000tg rebuy tournament. I took first place and won 100k tg. I was beyond happy and left immediately. Later, I played at other clubs like Kazaksha and several others, where I had more considerable wins and ITM finishes, largely thanks to my aggressive style.
My Style and Approach
More about your style — what makes it unique?
My style is known in Kazakhstan's poker circles. I'm a tight player, preferring a cautious approach to a more aggressive style, often giving the impression I'm still playing like that.
Tournaments vs. Cash Games
Why did you opt for tournaments over cash games? Can't resist the competitiveness, right? But now you're mixing them up?
I choose tournaments because they satisfy my competitive spirit, and the desire to win wasn't about the money. Now that I'm sampling cash games, I'll start balancing my poker games.
Managing Tilt
You do show signs of tilt, much like other players. How do you to curb it?
Yes, like any player, I can be susceptible to tilt, but I believe my advantage lies in being able to snap out of it quickly, even if it's after a crushing loss. It only takes me 2-3 minutes to get back to my regular self.
Mentorship and Learning
Did you receive coaching or lessons from anyone to fine-tune your poker skills? Or are your skills self-driven?
I didn't seek out coaching or lessons from anyone. I derive my education from close friends and poker buddies who are some of the best players in Kazakhstan. Regular hand reviews with them are my "school" and theory. I also keep tabs on major poker tournament broadcasts. It's only a matter of time before I start taking lessons from a local or Russian reg.
Poker Tales
Can you recount the funniest or oddest situation you've witnessed at a poker table?
I've played in numerous offline tournaments, and there have been several peculiar encounters. One that stands out happened in a not-so-grand tournament in Kazakhstan. A known regular under the nickname "vk_pokerstar" did something quite strange upon winning an ordinary hand during the middle stages of the game. He jumped from his chair, sprinted around other tables and players, ran up to a wall, and started banging his head against it. After that, he flopped to the couch, lying motionless for about 5 minutes. This incident left such an impression that I still can't look at him without chuckling.
Traveling for Poker
Where have you played poker internationally, and which poker series was the most memorable?
My international poker expeditions have taken me to Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, and Northern Cyprus. However, the most thrilling and exhilarating poker game was at the WSOP Main Event in Vegas. The previous year had been quite a ride, participating in RPT, WPT, WSOP Circuit, EAPT, and RPT again, EAPT, leaving me unable to recall the exact count.
At the World Series
Take us back to when you were at the World Series. When was this, and what did you play?
I visited Vegas in 2010 with a friend who had once been rather fond of poker but no longer plays now. I exclusively played the Main Event and was sent packing on the second day. Apart from that, I dabbled in small cash games and came out slightly ahead.
We rented a Ford Mustang convertible and drove it to Los Angeles during our stay. The city seemed somewhat subdued following Vegas, and on our way back, we made a pitstop at Disneyland, spending an entire day there. Unfortunately, we didn't preserve any images; they were on an old phone that wasn't transferred to our new one.
Future Plans
Where will you play next, and what's in store for the remainder of the year?
I need to take a short break for now, playing local tournaments 1-2 times a week. Following the poker series in Kapchagai in July, I might travel again.
Where would you love to go for poker if you had the chance?
Naturally, Vegas, the gambling capital and city of immense entertainment, is high on my bucket list. Additionally, I dream of visiting the PCA, Macau, and EPT.
Poker in Kazakhstan
What is your view on the current poker scene in Kazakhstan?
Although the poker landscape in Kazakhstan isn't fantastic right now, it's a silver lining as the current economic situation mirrors what's happening in the country. Once the crisis subsides, I'm optimistic about emerging better days for Kazakhstan's poker players as well.
Poker Offerings in Kapchagai and Borovoe
Enough poker clubs in Kapchagai are available, right?
Given the state of the poker clubs in Kapchagai, I believe there are more than sufficient options at this time. They're in cutthroat competition and actively cater to player preferences, offering low rake, democratic gaming, and accommodating cash game requests/buy-ins.
Pastimes and Hobbies
When you're not grinding poker, what activities occupy your leisure time? Do you have hobbies?
I strive to spend precious moments with my family and dear ones. Quality time with my kids is a priority, though it happens less often than I would like. Among my pastimes, skiing takes center stage, and I often hit the slopes with pals in the winter. This year, I visited Kyrgyzstan with Lament for a few days and frequently explore Chimbulak with Corbin Dallas.
Wish List
Any special dreams you've got tucked away?
Yes, I do. I have dreams of shaving my head, getting a sleeve tattoo, and going on a powerful bike ride. However, my wife has warned that if I do all this, she'll put me out!
Favorite Dishes and Drinks
What's your comfort food?
I'm a fan of a host of dishes, but I can never resist my wife's authentic Uzbek plov.
Drink of choice?
Prefer beer, but now I gravitate toward whiskey and wine.
Music Taste
What musical genres get your feet moving?
I don't have set musical preferences—it depends on my mood. Sometimes I can't resist rock, while pop appears appealing at other times. There's one genre I abhor, and that's chanson.
Movie Preferences
In terms of movies, what genres get you hooked?
I'm a massive fan of sci-fi that delves into space. I consume a ton of BBC and Discovery Channel documentaries on space exploration. I'm also partial to light comedies and action flicks, but horror, thrillers, or dramas aren't my cup of tea.
Closing Words
To conclude, I'd like to extend my best wishes to our forum members. The recent big wins by Asan, Aydin, and Shai are sparking renewed interest in poker across the country. May these victories serve as motivation to shatter their records.
Good luck, and may the button always be in your favor! )
If you have questions for Timur, feel free to ask them on the forum:
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Sports are not explicitly mentioned in the text, but since poker is a type of game that falls under the category of sports and recreation, here are the sentences:
- Timur, the poker master, has a diverse set of interests, enjoying activities like skiing and exploring new places during his free time.
- Timur's poker success has both a competitive and a leisurely aspect, as he not only strives for victories in tournaments but also cherishes the camaraderie and stories shared at the poker table.
