Jeff Sarwer - Chess Prodigy and maybe new poker prodigy ? - Poker News

NRP · 11-21-2009, 10:06 AM

I'm following the EPT Vilamoura in Portugal, and for those that may not be familiar, Jeff Sarwer was a young chess prodigy , by the age of 7.
(See more on http://jeffsarwer.com/ )

He then had some serious problems in life , left chess and re-appeared now in the poker scene ( He claims he has been playing poker for only 9 months ) and already cashed in on his first EPT Warsaw ( finishing 10th ) and now looking good on EPT Vilamoura beeing 2nd in chips with 18 left.

Even tho 2 ITM finishes out of 2 is not a significant sample size to really say how good this guy is, he's beeing quite impressive IMO.

http://tv.pokernews.com/featured-vid...er/51724066001

LOLDONKBETZ · 11-21-2009, 10:08 AM

confirmed, new poker prodigy.

(honestly what do you expect people to say in here you summed up your entire thread with the last sentence)

PropPlayer · 11-21-2009, 10:39 AM

Isildur1 imo

FatalError · 11-21-2009, 12:19 PM

i'd crossbook him in any EPT against anyone but elky or ivey, he's probably the greatest mind to enter the tournament poker world in history, no exaggeration.

kepatsa · 11-21-2009, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FatalError

i'd crossbook him in any EPT against anyone but elky or ivey, he's probably the greatest mind to enter the tournament poker world in history, no exaggeration.

You don't need to be a genius to be great at poker. Smart, yes, genius, no. Pure intellect is not enough.

thrasher789 · 11-21-2009, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kepatsa

You don't need to be a genius to be great at poker. Smart, yes, genius, no. Pure intellect is not enough.

noone said you HAVE to be a genius to be good at poker, the post you quoted just said he is a great mind and obviously being a genious sure doens't hurt

equalsfour? · 11-21-2009, 12:43 PM

genius' do not perform well in poker

/thread

charder30 · 11-21-2009, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FatalError

i'd crossbook him in any EPT against anyone but elky or ivey, he's probably the greatest mind to enter the tournament poker world in history, no exaggeration.

never played v him...but wow, quite a statement, guess hes a sicko

**NoahSD** · 11-21-2009, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FatalError

i'd crossbook him in any EPT against anyone but elky or ivey, he's probably the greatest mind to enter the tournament poker world in history, no exaggeration.

Whoa.

Lister27 · 11-21-2009, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by equalsfour?

genius' do not perform well in poker

/thread

It's not as though there's a large sample size! This guy only plays as a hobby. I'm sure if he was a genius and he wanted to he could pretty much crush poker. Genius's can make more money doing other things though, look at Chris Ferguson and Andy Bloch, I wouldn't say they are genius's but they both made a ton on money before they started playing poker full time.

kylephilly · 11-21-2009, 12:55 PM

Is FE levelling?

lnternet · 11-21-2009, 01:00 PM

he cashed in 2 tourneys in a row? sicko

**shaundeeb** · 11-21-2009, 01:00 PM

FE is not leveling jeff if he sticks to poker for another 6 months I have 0 doubt he'll be considered like in the same sentance with menlo. I've spent a lot of time with him since I first met him in kiev and I wish I could teach him what I know about tourneys because he can take them so much further. And watching him in action was a factor in why I quit I'll never be as good as he will be and once people of his intelligence level see how easy they can crush poker they will all follow.

Also, jeff is an awesome guy great friend I consider now as well. Also, I think everyone whose hungout with him so far out here has been so impressed with almost everything he does. He superuses people live including myself 100% of the time his thoughtprocess is so far above levels I could ever imagine it's sick to watch it in play. Also he actually has personality which will really help once the spotlight is on him again.

RedManPlus · 11-21-2009, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kepatsa

You don't need to be a genius to be great at poker. Smart, yes, genius, no. Pure intellect is not enough.

It's NO FUN being a genius... and dominating your field.

It's way MUCH better to be just "smart"...
And grind $1,000/month as a "subsistence level gambler".

Lister27 · 11-21-2009, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaundeeb

FE is not leveling jeff if he sticks to poker for another 6 months I have 0 doubt he'll be considered like in the same sentance with menlo. I've spent a lot of time with him since I first met him in kiev and I wish I could teach him what I know about tourneys because he can take them so much further. And watching him in action was a factor in why I quit I'll never be as good as he will be and once people of his intelligence level see how easy they can crush poker they will all follow.

Also, jeff is an awesome guy great friend I consider now as well. Also, I think everyone whose hungout with him so far out here has been so impressed with almost everything he does. He superuses people live including myself 100% of the time his thoughtprocess is so far above levels I could ever imagine it's sick to watch it in play. Also he actually has personality which will really help once the spotlight is on him again.

Funny thing is that he'd probably be better than you and FE within a year if he decides to take the game seriously.