PocketFives had the opportunity to chat with TasteRed, who plays all forms of poker and is not limited to just No Limit Texas Hold’em. The psychology, math, and chance the game of poker brings are what make it appealing to him and also motivate him to improve his skills. Also, surrounding himself with established players helps with his poker development.

With over $68,000 in tracked online cashes, some of his accomplishments include a win in the PartyPoker/Borgata $10,000 Guarantee, a win in the network’s $5,000 Guarantee, and a win in the 888 Poker/WSOP $1,500 Guarantee for a total of $3,857. Visit PocketFives’ New Jersey poker community for the latest news and discussion from New Jersey players.

PocketFives: When did you start playing poker and why was it appealing?

TasteRed: I started playing right around the time the WPT became popular and Moneymaker won the Main Event. Everyone was either already playing or learning how to play.

I found just about every aspect of poker appealing; psychology, math, and chance. Having to make decisions based on limited information is something we do constantly in almost every avenue of our lives. Poker is not just about making decisions on limited information, but also maximizing the information you can get and using the information you have as wisely as possible. I find the thought processes that goes into making a decision against someone you’ve played thousands of hands with very, very interesting and appealing.

PocketFives: Is there a meaning behind the screen names you grind under?

TasteRed: There is, actually. It comes from a condition I have called synesthesia. It varies from person to person, but essentially some or all of your senses get blended or mixed, so some people can taste or see what they hear, for example.

The name comes from a game I was playing back when I was a teenager discussing this condition with a friend, they asked me a question about what something specific “tastes” like when I touch it. I really wish I could remember the question, but my response was, “That would taste red.” I’ve used it as my screen name for just about online game since then.

I’ve also noticed that in literally every game I’ve played using this screen name, people always assume the red has something to do with the game. It doesn’t. It was just an answer to a question from way back about this condition I have.

PocketFives: What’s your favorite hand and why?

TasteRed: In Hold’em, probably small pairs because, for me, they are the easiest to play. My favorite hand in any poker game is 456 suited. In Stud 8, I won the largest cash pot of my life with 456 suited to spades.

PocketFives: Since the launch of regulated online poker in New Jersey, what has been your most memorable cash or win?

TasteRed: It would probably be the first time I played the $10,000 Guarantee on Borgata. I ended up doing a five-way chop as the chip leader for $1,628.

PocketFives: Do you recall any big hands that helped you win or lose a tournament?

TasteRed: Yes, a hand from over ten years ago still makes me feel sick. When I was starting out on PokerStars, I final tabled either a $3.30 Rebuy or a 5.50 Rebuy. I don’t remember which, but I do remember first was $7,600. There were eight players left I had 1.3 million in chips. This maniac fool had 1.5 million in chips and no one else had more than 300k.

The blinds were like 5k/10k, the maniac opened to 300k (which he’d been doing every hand), I had AA and shoved, everyone folded, and he couldn’t click “call” fast enough with KhQh. The flop came Jh10h5x. I can’t remember if he rivered a straight or a flush and I think I only got $700 or so for eighth. This was the first really “unfair” thing that happened to me in tournament poker. It took me a few more years to figure out that there is no such thing as “fair” or “unfair” when the board is dealt; it is whatever it is.

PocketFives: Is there anyone or anything that helped change how you approach the game?

TasteRed: Too many people to name. Pre-Black Friday, I had a large group of friends that were very, very good players. Many of them had bracelets or were WPT and EPT winners and most played in my home game weekly. That was very educational.

Since the re-launch of online poker in New Jersey, I’ve found the people that have influenced my game the most are the people who constantly give me problems. This is true not for players that just give me problems in Hold’em since that is by far my worst game, but it’s the players who give me problems in Hold’em and then one of my stronger games like PLO8. Those guys I really have learned a lot from, mostly from being outplayed, but education isn’t free.

PocketFives: What do you do away from poker? What else interests you?

TasteRed: Nothing abnormal or strange. I like hanging out with friends, playing piano, reading, watching good movies, and other thrilling things like that.