PocketFives caught up with one of its newest members, Brian pure_reasonWood (pictured, ranked 25th in New Jersey), who juggled playing online poker while attending college and then while attending law school. With over $357,000 in recorded online cashes, some of Wood’s notable accomplishments include three wins in the WSOP $10,000 Guarantee (two wins in three days) for a total of $11,550; a win in WSOPOC Event #7, a $20,000 Guarantee Six-Max Rebuy, for $5,800; and two wins in the PartyPoker/Borgata Poker $10,000 Guarantee for a total of $4,700.

Visit PocketFives’ New Jersey poker community for the latest news and discussion from New Jersey players.

PocketFives: What got you started playing online poker?

Brian Wood: I started playing poker casually with my friends in high school after we watched the World Series of Poker on ESPN. We originally played $5 buy-in games with $0.25/$0.50 blinds and no raising pre-flop, so we had absolutely no clue what we were doing. Thankfully, eventually I got better. I began playing online tournaments mostly during winter and summer breaks when I was in college and then in law school.

PocketFives: What are your favorite New Jersey online poker sites to play and why?

Brian Wood: I primarily play cash games now, so I like Borgata’s site. First, because the games tend to run more there, and secondly because they offer more in rakeback.

PocketFives: How many hours do you dedicate to poker each week?

Brian Wood: It depends on how busy I am with my other work. Currently, I’m working on a couple different things, including an online platform to empower people politically and an educational program to facilitate students developing critical thinking skills. Plus, I do some work as a lawyer. So, poker is basically a hobby that helps me pay off my law school loans.

PocketFives: Is there anyone who helped change how you approach the game of poker?

Brian Wood: As far as influence in poker, I’d pick Phil Galfond. Not only is he an incredible player, but he also seems like an incredibly thoughtful person. I have a ton of respect for his approach to the game.

PocketFives: Do you play any live poker?

Brian Wood: Not as much as I would like to. I want to start playing more big buy-in tournaments when I can make the time. I’m going to put some effort into getting staked for those.