Want to learn more about Ben Hayles? Learn about his poker history here:
Where is your original hometown, and where do you call home now?
Original: Manchester UK, Now: Bangkok Thailand
Where specifically are we most likely to see you playing cards these days?
Online: Stars, Live: APPT events
When and how did you start playing poker?
1996 – a friend introduced me to online tournaments, so I stopped playing bridge and chess and took to poker and had an early big score, which meant I was profitable from the very start.
When and how did you decide to play poker professionally/seriously?
2004-5 – I was making good money part-time, so I did a 1-year trial with monthly targets and spreadsheets and a year later I quit my job and left the UK with my laptop.
What do you consider your proudest poker achievements?
Writing Postflop Vol 1 & 2 as this fulfilled a lifetime ambition.
When and how did you start coaching others (please include a specific year)?
In 2007 I was playing headsup against a player called Willydog1 who was losing to me frequently. He asked if he could pay me to teach him. That’s how it started, it grew slowly, but 10 years on I have coached over 400 students.
What is your coaching specialty? Do you consider yourself a ‘specialist’ in any games, and if so, please say which games and why.
Tournaments. I’m strong working with databases, leak-finding and analysing reports. I listen well and provide personalised coaching to suit individual needs.
What is your goal in providing coaching through Red Chip Poker? What do you hope to achieve for our members?
I aim to help each student achieve his/her goals and to provide a roadmap to continued improvement. More info here.
Please share a coaching success story with us:
One big turnaround I’ve influenced was from a player called Scott aka BigBadWolf. He came to me realizing he was a very weak, passive fish with too many leaks to list. He really struggled to make changes, but we both persevered and eventually after quite a lot of coaching, he went from -25% returns to +10%. He still plays low stakes SNGs and grinds a side income, which was his main goal.
Do you have a professional career / background outside of poker? If so, please describe in brief.
I’m a qualified teacher, so the transition to poker coach was a natural one. I also speak German.
What are your favorite hobbies and pursuits outside of poker?
Playing football (aka soccer), piano and games galore.
Provide any links to your results (Hendon Mob, etc.) or a screenshot of your graph if you wish:
Stars SNGs:
Rapid Fire Fun Questions:
Favorite color: Red
Favorite starting hand: AA
Favorite poker room: My office
Last song you listened to: Rufus Wainwright – “Across the Universe”
Waffles or pancakes: Yorkshire Puddings
Favorite drink: Tea – I’m English!
Favorite thing to cook: I think you mean eat
Do you have a lucky object?: That’s ridiculous
Favorite board game: Stratego
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