I am professional poker star Daniel Negreanu here to take your questions!

How is it that FanDuel and DraftKings can get away with advertising brazenly on NFL games (and even official partnerships with the NFL), and calling themselves a game of skill, but online poker can't get any traction on legalization? It seems like a totally unfair double standard.

It's silly of course

What's a common tell amateurs have?

glancing at their chips quickly when they like the flop

I'm convinced that you're psychic. What cards am I holding?

K8?

If you could design a Hearthstone card what would it be? What name/class?

a 0-1 stealth card for Shaman that gives Totems +1 attack at the end of your turn. Sick huh?

Hey Daniel, big fan.

Here is my question: Let's say you would commit all your time, energy and money to making as much money playing poker, what/where would you play and how much do you think could you average a year?

I would play in Macau and think I could average $7 million a year.

you have a reputation of being a really friendly player. has that outgoing personality help during actual play? like have you noticed more players will show you their cards because they find you fun to play with?

Absolutely, and I'd much rather play in a friendly environment anyway so it's natural.

Is there currently a significant other in your life? If no, are you actively looking for one? When being a known figure in a certain world can make it more difficult I can imagine.

If I were you, I'd rather find someone that has no idea who you are, rather than someone that knows your as 'that guy from poker'. What is your view on this?

Girl I'm dating had NO CLUE who I was! First time we met out at a Starbucks someone asked for a picture and her eyes got wide and she said, "Who are you?" She thought I set up the whole thing HAHA.

Who would play you in a movie about your life? Definitely Edward Norton right?

He is perfect!

What did you think of Schwartz and his actions at the WSOP his year? Some of his antics were questionable at best.

It was awkward. I focused on empathy with him. He has a lot of demons so I could never understand the pain he is in.

what procedure did you go through to get your hair back? serious question. it looks great.

Ha! Pretty common procedure these days. Just moved it from the back of my head to the front! Ever see anyone bald on the side or the back? Nope. That hair is strong like bull.

If you HAD to put numbers to it, what percentage of poker is skill and what percentage is luck?

It's hard to say because time is a factor. In one hand for example it's 100% luck, but over a million hands luck would play less than 0.000001% of a role in your results

Who's the most fun to play with on the tour?

I'd say Phil Hellmuth. He is quite a character and beating him in a hand creates a lot of fun. I can't help but laugh at him he is OUT THERE! haha

Do you think the fairly boring final table may impact the growing popularity of poker from a broadcasting viewpoint?

It certainly didn't help.

Is Phil Ivey as intense in life, as he is when he is playing cards? Thanks for doing this, been a huge fan of yours for years. Cheers

Not at all, he is actually hilarious and a ton of fun to hang out with.

Daniel,

Easy question. F, Marry, Kill? Liv Boeree, Joanna Krupa & Annie Duke?

You couldn't have possibly made this any easier:

Marry Liv, she is smart and cool F Joanna Krupa, she is Joanna Krupa! Kill Annie Duke, gladly. She is awful lol

Well met Daniel! I want to thank you for bringing legitimacy to a dumb game I play.. Hearthstone. What differences do you find between high level players of poker/wizard poker?

Well there is no bluffing really

How does playing live compare with playing online? Which do you find easier?

Online is definitely more convenient, but I find live easier because I can base my reads on the person rather than the numbers.

Hey Daniel, big fan of yours, was heartbroken to see you out in 11th from ME, but you seemed to handle it well. What was going through your mind at that moment?

Just one more - how did you keep yourself motivated at your life's lows?

That was tough. It really hit me hard when that last card hit, but right after that I was fine. It was a hell of a ride.

What would you consider your greatest accomplishment outside of poker?

Honestly, accomplishing the goal of living out my dream life that I envisioned in my late teens and early 20's. Exceeding those dreams really.

Can you please tell my husband to help me with work around the house before jumping on the computer to play poker? Maybe he'll listen to you, he's a big fan.

Tell him I said it's OK to enjoy your passion but make sure she plays a big role in that passion or you will be sleeping on the couch!

Do you enjoy poker now as much as you did when you first came onto the scene? Also, what about the game do you derive the most happiness from?

Probably not. It was different back then because I was grinding and it mattered more financially. I still love to play.I enjoy the competitive aspect of the game.

Daniel, big fan. I've recently got into playing poker and I'm astonished with your ability to read hands so well.

Is it luck or is there a certain give away that gives you the ability to read hands like their moves on the table or even body movements? What would you tell someone trying to get better at reading opponents?

I would say PAY ATTENTION. To all details. What they wear, do they seem honest? What do they do for a living? Then for physical tells, look for literally anything that sticks out and relate it to the cards they turn over. Grab as many clues as you can and they might help you in the crucial moments.

When you meet a new person, do you tell them first about choice center or that youre a vegan?

Neither but eventually I think both would come up!

Who is your favorite to take the Stanley Cup this year?

I liked Anaheim to start the season but they have started really slowly. Kings look pretty good too.

Have you read Dutch Boyd's book "Poker Tilt"? And if so, do you agree with the comments he made about you?

I didn't read it. Did he say nice things??? If so then yes lol

How much money was on the line when you beat elky HU in the Hearthstone match? What kind of odds did he give you?

We bet that if I lost I had to go to PCA in an Annoy-A-Tron outfit and since he lost he is going as Sludge Belcher! haha

In a tournament table draw, who would be your two favorite people to be sat between?

Two people who have never played before lol

Considering the statistical unlikelihood of success, how were you able to get over the "bad bet" that is the decision to go pro?

It requires resilience and drive. I got kicked down many times before i succeeded but I just never gave up.

Hey Daniel. What's been going on with Tom Dwan? I'm a fan of his for sure. I haven't really seen a lot of him lately and he's seemed to have kept a low profile.

He plays cash games in Macau

Also, i apologize for double posting, but on the off chance you'd be replying to my comment before i edited it i figured i'd make another one. How do you value physical wellness in terms of being happier/being able to be a better player, a better person, how important would you rate it?

Very important. Book called The 8th Habit talks about how there are 168 hours in a week and if you spent just 1.5 hours a week exercising it improves your happiness and the quality of the other 166.5 hours.

What's your favorite board game?

I used to really like Risk, but recently been playing Taboo with friends and it's quite fun.

Daniel, What's the best way for a beginner to become a good poker player?

Study and practice! No substitute for putting in the work. You can even start playing for free on PokerStars to improve.

Any fun stories from the set of X-Men Origins: Wolverine? It was a nice surprise seeing you in the movie!

Yeah, Hugh Jackman was such a gentlemen. He knew the name of every extra on the set and was genuine and kind.

Hi Daniel, Always been a fan of your antics on and off the felt. You are a great ambassador for the poker world.

I know it is impossible to tell but how do you think you would have fared at the final table?

Based on what I watched I think I would have done extremely well.

What would you describe as a key to success? Work-ethic? Being self-aware? Confidence? Being self-conscious? Would loooooooove to hear your input.

Self awareness is key. It's important to read other people and how they play, but it's just as important to understand how they THINK you play and disappoint them!

As a fellow Canadian, which NHL team is your favourite?

I grew up in Toronto so always hope the Leafs can finally right the ship, but when Las Vegas gets an NHL team I'll be a Vegas fan for sure!

How much has poker suffered from Black Friday? And is it obvious to everyone how it was an orchestrated move for the U.S.-based casinos to control the online poker market?

I don't think it was. I think the NFL is to blame but that's a lounge story.

My father and I both enjoy watching and playing poker and we each have a question for you. I want to know how you stay focused during long tournaments and don't have big letdowns? My dad wants to know how you deal with annoying players at your table for the long term?

I make sure to prepare by getting 8 hours of sleep every night. As for annoying players, I actually meditate on a word: COMPASSION or KINDNESS

Hi Daniel, can you tell us what are your thoughts on the new VIP programs that PokerStars offer.

Do you think it will affect so much the pro players that they'll leave the site ? And if so, will the recreational player gained overcome that ?

thank you for your time, big fan

I would have made changes to the program years ago, but if I were in charge I would have made sure I gave ample notice that the changes were coming. They are essential, but I wish they would wait until Jan 1, 2017 to implement them and I wouldn't target high limit players by removing their VPPs

Do you follow any of the DFS news? I know legally, they have to fight the not-gambling argument but to you is it clearly gambling?

Of course it is gambling! Walking across the street is a gamble with your life. Opening a restaurant, buying stocks etc are ALL gambling. It's silly.

Hi Daniel, I'm a big fan. Just so you know, the only reason I trust Pokerstars is because you allow your name to be associated with them.

If you ever became aware of underhanded things happening there, would you disassociate yourself from them?

Yes immediately

Is poker still a viable career for someone to aspire to? or is it too close to reaching a point where everyone plays so close to optimally so no one can have an edge.

Depending on your skill set I still think there is plenty of money to be made, you just have to find the right situations.

Who was your favorite player at the WSOP Final Table this year?

Tom Cannuli. What a great kid.

Hi Daniel. I used to play with you in some of the underground clubs in North York. Do you still keep in touch with anyone you played with before you were famous?

Absolutely, lots of the guys. Pat Pezzin, Zvi, Sam, Tyson, etc.

I'm a huge, huge fan! First question is what was the moment you knew you were good enough to be a pro? Second, I've seen you've been playing a lot of soccer, do you watch? If so which club do you support?

I knew in my early 20's. I watch Toronto FC in the MLS!

Hi Daniel, thanks for doing this! You mentioned a few weeks back that you could double dip next year and be a hearthstone and poker pro. Do you think you could actually pill this off, or do you think hearthstone would drastically impact the amount of money you could be making just playing poker?

It wouldn't hurt my poker but it would require a lot of time and study. I already play daily but I don't study really. I just learn on my own.

Daniel you stud, did you watch the Hearthstone World Championships? Do you think it's too niche to ever make a splash like hold-em?

Pingpingho is the MAN!!! Best interviews ever. Yes I watched.

Why don't you play more poker tournaments in Canada? Have you ever been to Alberta?

I typically play the higher limit events worldwide and Canada hasn't had any. I have been to Winnipeg and took in a Jets game. They CRUSHED the Leafs that night lol

Huge fan Daniel, & not just on the felt. What do you think is the most redeeming quality a person can have? Or possibly the most unique feature that is hard to come by these days?

Also for someone who doesn't know their passion in life: what advice would you give?

Best quality would be one who lives a life in service to others. To find your passion, you may want to start with the end game. Right out a page and answer the following question: what is your vision for your life? In great detail 5-10 years down the road.

Daniel, thanks so much for doing this. I think it's great how active and available you are to fans and the poker community as a whole. My question is, what do you see for The future of online poker in the United States, especially considering recent charges brought against daily fantasy sites such as Draftkings and Fanduel. Do you think online poker will ever bounce back to pre Black Friday?

Yeah I think it will be back and the DFS stuff likely increases it's chances since they have a similar skill based argument.

You've obviously become a face outwards for Poker sort of like an ambassador, how important do you think being more outwards at the table means for poker in general?

I believe it was Colman who won the 2014 Big for one drop tournament and he refused to do interviews until the tournament was over. He did end up winning so it could have made his chances winning bigger but a lot of pros seemed to disagree on this act.

Also whats your favourite fun hearthstone card? :D

SLUDGE BELCHER is da bomb! I don't think Colman had any responsibility to do anything honestly, it's a personal choice

Hey Daniel, it was only yesterday that I read an article written by you about your dad. I am sorry that you lost him so early in your life, I'm sure he was a wonderful man/father. The question is, what are the traits you think that you got from your dad, that made you successful in poker ?

My dad was a people person for sure. The life of the party always, and that requires empathy and that helps you in poker.

My 11 year old poker player son wants to know: what is your strategy for reading people? Any advice for a kid wanting to learn more and more about poker?

Take it slow and have fun with it!

What's your advice for someone who loves cash poker and has played for years and tried and tried to get better but just never showed any improvement at all? If it's "give up" i'm way ahead of you, but damn I miss the game. I guess my question is how can someone get better without going broke?

Studying is free! Thats where you really learn to get to the next level.

If you had to switch poker skills with someone, who would it be? Who would you next like to see in the poker HOF? [Besides yourself]

Phil Ivey. Phil Ivey.

what would you have done if you didn't discover poker?

maybe be an actor?

Mr. Negreanu, HUGE fan here, I've always been intrigued about whether you only play other, invitation-only poker games, or that you also play at open-to-the-general-public games [aside from the big tournament events]?

• how do you tell what cards someone has and do you enjoy the look of terror when someone can't shield the fact that you just read them?

• I understand there's been a few controversies surrounding poker in recent years, does it affect the amount of people coming to the game?

• What is Phil Hellmuth like away from the table?

• What's your favourite aspect in poker [aside from winning a gazillion dollars]?

• do you socialise with other poker stars or is it really just a professional relationship?

• Do you enjoy living in Vegas [it looks LOUD] or would you prefer to live in Canada [but you're not doing that because nobody plays poker there]?

• What ambition do you still hope to realise in poker?

• What is an absolute social faux pas in poker, as in: what is totally unacceptable behaviour [to you, or to poker in general], aside from outright cheating, which should be obvious?

Good luck with your show!

Yes!

Whatever happened to Kirk Morrison?

Good question! No idea.

Top three favorite movies and are you a Game of Thrones fan? Love watching you play!

American History X Good Will Hunting Remember the Titans

Game of Thrones is awesome!!!

Have you ever had to deal with anxiety?

Not really. Can't remember it ever being an issue.

Hi Daniel, Do you travel with your dog to poker tournaments? Would you consider him your good luck charm?

I did when I first got him, but now my assistant takes care of him when I'm on the road.

Why do you think more women don't play poker and what can be done to encourage more women to play? Any behavior you notice around the tables that needs to be changed?

For the same reasons that men represent a small percentage of romantic novel sales. Generally speaking, I think men and women are drawn to different interests. Not as a rule, of course, but we just have different interests mostly.

Which do you like playing more and why: Poker, Hearthstone, or Soccer? :)

All of the above! But Hearthstone for sure right now

Hi Daniel,

Were you worried about getting embarrassed when Elky steamrolled you in the first game? You showed great poise and confidence in the next 3 games and didn't make any mistakes even though I imagine the pressure was high even though it was just for fun.

Yes! I was nervous and was just hoping to win 2 out of 5 so I was ecstatic to win the match!

What do you like about your mage deck in Hearthstone?

Tempo and Flamewalker fireball fireball fireball!!!!

¿How much of your winning strategy relays on reading just the gestures of the people on your table?

For most it's insignificant, but for me it plays a large role.

Do you think there still should be a November Nine? Or should the WSOP be trying other ways of building up the Main Event Final Table?

I like the Nov 9 concept but we need to make adjustments to speed up play.

Like two years ago you sold a big portion of your One Drop buy-in to anyone interested in buying (i.e. your fans). Any interest in doing something like this again? Was it successful (other than placing 2nd :P)

It was successful for them of course! It was a bit of a pain to deal with the taxes

Any plans to quit poker and become a Hearthstone World Champion?

Ha I wish!

You're my favorite poker star, been watching you for years! What are some of your favorite hobbies when not playing poker?

HEARTHSTONE and playing soccer!

Have you ever gone in debt when you were starting out as kid poker? How did you deal with it?

many times!!! many lessons learned as a result.

How do you feel about the incredibly well built Steelheads finally being trouble to your rapidly falling Cheap Thieves?

Go eat a "you know what kind" of pizza.

Do you ever sit down in a local game and go unrecognized?

Where would I find a game like that? LOL

What colour socks are you wearing today?

Was supposed to be blue, I wore those in the morning then put the wrong ones on and went with red.

Do you consider yourself an athlete?

Ha gosh no

Aside from Hearthstone, what's your favorite videogame ever?

NHL 93!!!