Hello! We’re the PR team at CLOViZ Inc.!
This time, we interviewed “Allen,” a POKER Q'z Official Player who will be heading to Las Vegas this summer!
Allen has been studying poker for just five months. Despite being a working professional in his 30s and a father of two, he made it through the grueling selection and was chosen as an Official Player in that short time. So who exactly is “Allen”?
What is a POKER Q'z Official Player?
A player who has passed POKER Q'z’s skill test, second-stage exam, and in-person interview. Allen is one of just two players who made it through that narrow gate. He has earned the right to take on Las Vegas during the 2026 WSOP, and after receiving coaching from POKER Q'z members, he will stay in Las Vegas for about a month.
Poker Is a Game You Can Win by Studying
—When did you start playing poker?
Allen:
Aroundtwo or three years ago. I came across poker videos on YouTube and realized how much fun poker could be. After that, I started playing on a mobile app.
—When did you start studying poker? And was there a particular trigger that made you want to study?
Allen:
Honestly, POKER Q'z was the trigger—this isn’t just me saying that because Q'z is interviewing me. POKER Q'z ran a free campaign at the end of last year (2025), right? I happened to be back in my hometown then, so I played Q'z as much as I could during the free period (laughs). That’s what got me started, and since this year began, I’ve been studying seriously on my own. Once I started, I made a point of studying about three hours a day, and I kept that up for roughly five months, so I think I’ve put in nearly 500 hours.
—Your steady effort is impressive. What do you think drove you that far?
Allen:
I’ve always played shogi and mahjong, and I took shogi especially seriously—I’ve even won a national tournament. I’ve always loved games that demand logical thinking like these, so I think that played a big part. Originally, the only poker I knew was draw poker, and I thought it was a game you could win just by keeping a poker face. But once I started studying Texas Hold'em, I realized it’s a game you can win by studying. Honestly, I think luck plays too big a role in mahjong once you reach a certain level. Poker feels like it sits right between shogi and mahjong.
—You’re right, logical thinking matters in poker. What did you actually study, in particular?
Allen:
I read Amu’s note a ton—about five times through by now (laughs). As for books, I studied especially the beginning of Poker and Game Theory. And of course I watched tons of YouTube explainer videos too.
—So it really is important to firmly master mathematical theory like that.
Balancing Work, Parenting, and Poker
—You’re working full-time, so how did you secure study time?
Allen:
I focused on making my work more efficient. To do that, I also studied Claude and used AI to create time. And I study in my room after the kids go to sleep.
—You have children, right?
Allen:
Yes, I have a two-year-old and a six-year-old.
—Do your kids play poker too?
Allen:
My older one can play draw poker (laughs). He even knows what a full house is (laughs).
—That’s amazing (laughs).
—Also, going to Las Vegas for a whole month while working is difficult in itself, isn’t it?
Allen:
Yeah, that’s also about work efficiency. It helps that I’m in a project leader role, where I can handle things myself to a certain degree. I cut out as many unnecessary meetings as possible and delegated things to AI, so I was able to build a situation where everything keeps running even if I’m away for a month.
Always Play with a Reason in Mind
—If you were to advise someone about to start studying poker, where do you think they should begin?
Allen:
First, I’d say equilibrium understanding. Playing purely exploitatively might win in the short term, but I think winning long-term requires equilibrium understanding. Also, the more equilibrium you study, the more your knowledge connects—that’s where it gets interesting.
—Regarding equilibrium understanding, is there anything you’re currently working on as a personal challenge?
Allen:
Something I recently realized through coaching from Toshiki at POKER Q'z: on the flop in UTG vs BB spots, I was calling too much against the UTG player’s continuation bet. You need to fold more than you’d think. So right now I’m studying the UTG vs BB flop quite a lot.
—Is there any kind of trick to studying?
Allen:
What matters is always playing with a reason in mind, even if you’re wrong sometimes. That’s why I don’t just snap-check—no matter how obvious a spot seems, I basically think before I act.
—So there always needs to be a basis behind the decision that leads to an action.
Allen:
Yes. I also think it’s important to talk with the people around you and share those thoughts. That’s why I basically don’t muck—I show my cards instead of folding them face down. Communication between players is necessary—much of my growth has come from learning in those settings.
Exploit Adjustments for Las Vegas
—Have you been studying exploits at all?
Allen:
I’ve actually just started studying exploits recently. I feel it’s a really difficult area to study.
—In what specific situations do you use exploits?
Allen:
For example, when the flop is J, 2, 2, a two-tone board, and I continuation bet, equilibrium says the opponent should raise as a bluff with double backdoors and similar hands—but I think very few people can do that. So when I continuation bet and get raised back, the opponent is usually raising with a strong hand, so I’ll fold hands I should call in equilibrium.
—So you play away from equilibrium depending on the opponent.
—As you head to the Las Vegas stage, how do you plan to adapt your play?
Allen:
I’ve actually been thinking about this. There’s a player I respect, and I’ve learned a lot from him, so I’m building on that. For example, I plan to change my preflop ranges substantially from equilibrium.
Allen:
For example, when opening from early position preflop, I plan to reduce low suited aces and suited connectors and increase how often I play pocket pairs. In Las Vegas 1-3 games, I think a lot of people call with hands like A7o, so even if you enter with A3s, you end up dominated by those players. Also, if someone who almost never 4-bets suddenly 4-bets, I might fold even AK.
—So you really do adjust your play away from equilibrium to suit the table.
Allen:
Yes, exactly. I’m going in with the mindset of playing a completely different game.
To Consistently Bring Out 90% or More of Your Ability
—Aside from play, what kind of preparation are you making for Las Vegas?
Allen:
A lot, actually. I think that side is even more important. Once you reach a certain level, getting your mental and physical condition in order matters most. I want to pay attention to the basic stuff—silly as it sounds, like bringing a charger or packing a jacket for the cold. And yes, I’m also going to a chiropractor (laughs).
—Is that so (laughs). Do you have any kind of routine?
Allen:
Well, I make a point of shuffling chips when I’m thinking. And to avoid giving off extra tells, I try to play at the same rhythm with any hand, even AA.
—It really is important to be able to play your normal game.
Allen:
Yes. At this point, rather than grinding through last-minute study to push my maximum from 100% to 102%, I think it’s more valuable to focus on reliably performing at 90% or better, so that’s the effort I want to make.
—I really think you’re right. I hope you give it your all and bring out your full strength.
—Thank you very much for taking part in this interview today! Allen, congratulations on becoming an Official Player—give it your all in Las Vegas too!
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