CardsChat: Was that the happiest moment you've had since you played cards?
Woods: No. Apparently my best poker memory is the 2005 Salt Lake City Classic. I should have won that time. My QQ lost after AA. But that time it was really well played.
CardsChat: Have you ever heard from a professional player?
Woods: Yes, I have a bunch of good buddies: Ken Aldridge, Avner Levy, "Miami" John Cernuto, Charles Fuchs. They all gave me a lot of advice about poker.
I've also read an article: Go play games you won't play, just to expand your poker horizons. When I go to play Omaha 8 or better, a lot of times I don't know what a standard player looks like. I had to do it and figure it out on my own. I think a lot about poker, even when I don't know the rules very well.
We call Ken Aldridge "Master." Two years ago we drove across the country. We talked about cards for five years. We were all at the final table for the first week, which was interesting. I talked to Avner and Miami John for a long time, and I think some of the buddies are very important. You can exchange views with them, it's very different.
CardsChat: What do you think of the first WSOP event of the year, 1,500 unlimited 2-7 low balls?
Woods: Interesting. When I signed up I thought it was 2-7 three times, and it turned out that I had never played. In the end, I finished 30th, got into the circle, and it was great.
CardsChat: What's the best poker advice you've ever gotten?
Woods: Avner and Ken always told me to be attentive to observation and concentration. Focus is key. When I'm playing cards, I don't look at my phone. I forgot about it in my hotel room, when I definitely played the best poker.
CardsChat: Are there show jobs now?
Woods: Just starred in Dice's [Andrew Dice Clay's] a few weeks ago. But I don't really feel like working now, I just love poker and really don't need to work anymore.
CardsChat: Your best result on the WSOP last year was 34th, are you happy with this result?
Woods: I went into the money lap three times last year, and there were a lot of races here this year, and I want to go a little further. There were a lot of interruptions in last year's race, a lot of table changes, and I don't like that.
CardsChat: What do you think about your future in poker?
Woods: Tournaments are important to me. I can learn a lot every time I play. Cash table, I tend to play a little smaller, a little more flat, I'd rather read a book. In the game, the blinds will become bigger, more stressful and exciting. I can also think hard, and to be honest, I like people who play cards. They are authentic people and I love being with them.
