Eric Baldwin is a seasoned poker professional with over $9 million in career earnings. Recently, he made a deep run in the 2024 Aria Poker Classic, finishing sixth. As an ambassador for Phenom Poker and a Las Vegas resident, Baldwin’s approach to poker goes beyond just strategy—he integrates physical and mental preparation to perform at his best.
Essential Prep Before a Big Tournament or Cash Game
Baldwin is a strong believer in connecting with his body to set himself up for success. His preparation includes physical activities like going to the gym, walking, using a Peloton, practicing tai chi, or meditating. He highlights the importance of understanding that each day may bring different strengths and capabilities, much like a pitcher in baseball. By staying connected to his body, Baldwin can gauge how he’s feeling and adjust his gameplay accordingly.
A Piece of Strategy Advice to Ignore
When Baldwin first started playing, he followed the advice in Harrington on Hold’em to open-shove with nearly anything when his stack was down to 12 big blinds or fewer. This strategy helped him make money but led him to unnecessarily risk his chips with hands like A-2 offsuit or T-6 suited from early position. He later realized that this approach wasn’t always ideal and led to some costly mistakes.
The Dumbest Thing Seen at the Poker Table
Baldwin shared a memorable moment where he witnessed a player chew the corner off a rivered ace after it bested his pocket kings. It’s one of those quirky, “only in poker” moments that showcases the colorful personalities and odd behaviors that can emerge at the table.
Most Memorable Hand
One of Baldwin’s most memorable moments happened during a huge $1,500 field tournament at the Rio on the stone bubble. He four-bet jammed with suited connectors, only to lose to the opponent’s pocket aces. The waiting period for the bubble to burst, followed by a walk through 50 tables of excited players, made for an unforgettable experience.
Best Piece of Advice for Players
Baldwin’s advice to aspiring players is simple but powerful: “Do what you want to do.” He emphasizes that players should create a short list of people whose opinions they truly care about and ignore criticism from anyone not on that list. In poker, focusing on personal decisions and playing your own game is key to success.
Dream Poker Room Ambassador
If Baldwin owned a poker room, his first choice for an ambassador would be Shohei Ohtani, the famous baseball star. Baldwin envisions Ohtani’s signing helping attract both baseball and poker fans, especially with the Las Vegas A’s potentially trading for him. He also sees the value in partnering with Ohtani’s interpreter, making it a win-win for both the cardroom and the sportsbook.
Baldwin’s mix of poker wisdom, physical preparation, and personal insight into the game is what has kept him at the top of his game over the years. Whether it’s through his strategic decisions or his connections to the poker community, Baldwin continues to leave a lasting mark on the industry.
