Ask Chip and Karina

Q: You both took part in the L.A. Poker Classic at Commerce Casino in February. What was it like?

Karina: I always enjoy the Commerce. The staff is great, the food is good, and the action is phenomenal – three good qualities I look for in a poker room. And it didn't hurt that two of my friends made the WPT final table.

Chip: The Commerce tournaments are always a blast. And now that Cheri (the tournament director) has implemented new and improved structures, Commerce Casino in February is truly poker heaven. Also, congratulations to Harley Hall on his WPT final table. That man can manage a short stack like no other.

Q: What is your opinion on the use of headphones at the table? What do you listen to in order to get in the right state of mind for poker?

Karina: I don't care if others wear them, as long as they can still pay attention to the game, and they don't bop around the table like an idiot. I have gone through stages when I have worn headphones, but normally I do not. I used to wear them, but then I found that they were too distracting and I couldn't pay attention to the game as well. Now, I wear them only when someone really annoying is at the table with me. If you see me wearing them, ask yourself, "Am I the annoying one?"

Chip: I think headphones should be allowed as long as the individual is not slowing the game down by not paying attention. I personally like to listen to a compilation of my all-time favorite feel-good tunes at the table. Sometimes, if I'm getting discouraged, I'll switch to a recording of Karina yelling at me for no reason. That usually gets me back on track and wanting to stay in the tournament as long as is humanly possible.

Q: What are your feelings about the current "rock star" status of the top tournament players? Do you think the growth of poker will continue indefinitely?

Karina: I thinks it's great. I used to laugh when I would see someone ask Chip for his autograph, but I have gotten used to it. The perks are nice, and thanks to TV, we are seeing some outrageous prize pools. As long as TV keeps it fresh and entertaining, the poker craze is here to stay.

Chip: I think it's awesome. Now, I just have to start winning again so I won't constantly be referred to as "Karina Jett's husband." Hopefully, the growth will continue at least long enough to get some top-level sponsorship deals with mainstream companies. That is the next logical step to take some of the financial burden off the players.