Fred Goldberg - One Million Richer

By Arthur Crowson Aug 9, 2006 | 3 years ago

Fred Goldberg

Fred Goldberg was eliminated in 10th place in the biggest poker tournament of them all. Although he was disappointed, the talented card player from Hollywood, Fla., did walk away with a cool million in cash. He talked to PokerListings.com about his experiences just after he busted.

How are you feeling?

I'm very disappointed actually. I told myself at the break, "I'm not blinding out, and I'm not going to the final table with a short stack, I'm playing to win." I look around at these guys and I wonder what would have happened if I had gotten the Tens earlier. I would have had $7 Million going into the final table and I know I can play with these guys. There's only one player out there that was better than I am and that was Allen Cunningham. He's better than anybody else at that table in my opinion. The bottom line was that I wasn't going to be blinded out of the tournament, so I took a chance. Unfortunately it didn't work out.

Fred Goldberg plays in Day 7 of the Main Event

What's your poker experience like?

I've been playing poker for the last 10 years but I started seriously playing four years ago.

Could you describe your experience at the Main Event?

It was a great experience. I laid down some hands that I wouldn't have laid down a year ago. I had some reads on people that were unbelievable. I had A-K of hearts, and I laid it down pre-flop against aces. Versus another guy, I had a set but he hit a straight, and I laid it down. Every day I was short-stacked.In the end it was just unfortunate I didn't get through the day. I'm satisfied but disappointed at the same time.

Whereabouts are you from and what do you do for a living?

I'm from Hollywood, Fla., and I'm a Contractor. I play a little poker down there, and we have the best players in the world in South Florida. There are some great players here, but any of our guys in South Florida could play with them.

Fred Goldberg gets knocked out in 10th place

How would you describe your style?

I'm table-friendly. Everybody at a table likes me a lot, except when I'm bluffing them. Everybody likes me, and that's my style. It sets me up for things later on. I show big cards, and people think I'm a tight player. I'm a little Dan Harrington and a bit Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi. I like to mix it up. I know when to pick my spots.

Now, unfortunately you won't be at that final table but is there anybody you'd like to see win the bracelet?

Well [Allen] Cunningham has won everything so probably not him. Let me tell you, I'd really like to see the kid Jamie Gold win. He made me a millionaire today. He knocked out so many people, and it was great playing with him. I had a great read on him - I knew when he was bluffing and when he wasn't. He was the chip leader day in and day out so I would really like to see him win. He's a good guy.

You're a millionaire now what are you going to do next?

Play poker.

So we haven't seen the last of you?

No you haven't.

Thanks Fred and congratulations on finishing in 10th place.

Thanks.