John Racener - The Interview

By Matthew Showell Apr 1, 2007 | 3 years ago

John Racener playing on Day 2 of the 2007 Foxwoods Poker Classic

Today at the tournament I referred to John Racener as an "up and comer" to which the rest of the media replied, "Up and comer? He's already there!"

At only 21 years of age, Racener has hit the live tournament circuit hard, taking down some solid cashes and narrowly missing a WPT final table at Borgata. He has made it through to Day 3 in this event and took a few minutes to talk after bagging his chips today.

John, you've made it this far, how are you running?

Well, leading up to today I've been running really good; I did good in the $2k and $3k events. I came into today with $42,000 and ran it up to $200k really quick. I actually lost $90,000 in the last level but got a bit back, so I'm hanging around $140,000 right now.

John Racener playing in Day 2 of the 2007 Foxwoods Poker Classic

Tell us about how you lost that $90k.

One of the hands I bluffed off about $50,000. The other hand I called almost $50,000 off thinking my opponent was on a flush draw. I was that sure so I called with a very weak hand. He had called my raise with 3-5 off-suit out of position so that's probably why he got me.

You haven't been playing these tournaments for very long, but you've had a lot of success. How did you get started in poker?

John Racener playing in Day 1 of the 2007 LAPC main event

I started off playing a lot online, a lot of tournaments day in and day out - like 10 to 15 tournaments a day - so I've seen a lot of hands and a lot of situations. I'm pretty familiar with almost all the situations, and that's what got me doing good here. When you start with a big chip stack, there's a lot more skill involved than online so that's why I do really well. I've been close to some big hits but my instincts have gotten me deep a few times.

You've had a chance to see the field and play with a lot of these guys now, how do you feel going into tomorrow.

John Racener, Borgata Poker Classic - Day 3

Of course I'm feeling confident going into tomorrow. I wish I hadn't lost that last $90,000; it would've helped me do some bubble work. Now it's going to be a little rougher because these players really don't like to fold. They know I'm wild and aggressive; at least that's how they're starting to see me. But I'm happy with my stack going into tomorrow.

What's your favorite time in the tournament to pick up chips?

I love playing around the bubble. I'll re-raise guys with nothing; I won't even look at my hand sometimes. The bubble is definitely the best time.

How are you going to adjust once you're in the money?

John Racener doubles-up

That's the thing, once I get into the money I'll probably still play just as aggressive. That's what got me to where I'm at, it's not about sitting there and winning pots by picking up aces and kings. Aggressive, aggressive, aggressive!

Well you're only 21, what do you see yourself doing in the future?

Well this is what I enjoy doing and what I want to do. I have a lot of fun doing it, and I'm successful so if I can keep doing well and get a few big hits, this is it.

Thanks John and good luck tomorrow.

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John is certainly fun to watch, not only because of his unique taste in clothing and personal style. He's a solid and aggressive player who loves to capitalize on the weakness of his opponents. It'll be interesting to see if this will be the tournament where he can get his first truly big hit.