Sonya Miller
All Star Champion
Fall Season ’10
The Fall Season ’10 All Star Tournament was held on Sunday, November 14th, at Zuffy’s Place in Atlanta. There were 101 players qualified to play and this is considered the most prestigious of the APC tournaments. Players competed for prizes including $250, Custom Silver Card Guard, All Star Trophy, and entry into the Yearly Championship and the Grand Championship, and 63 players competed.
Sonya Miller is from Atlanta and has played with the APC since September, 2009. She learned to play Texas Hold’em in college in 2005, but has really been trying to learn the game since 2007.
Who is your favorite poker player, and why?
Annette Obrestad – the youngest player to ever win the World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE) bracelet the day before her 19th birthday in 2007. Annette taught herself to play online before she played live. She impresses me with her position play.
Who has influenced your play the most?
Every single player in the APC has influenced my play. They taught me to loosen up and tighten up and protect my cards and to play position. All aspects of play.
How does APC tournament play differ from tournament play in a casino?
You get less experienced players in the APC, and there are more wild cards in the APC. When I was in Biloxi, sitting at the table, there weren’t a whole lot of players that you couldn’t put on a range of hands. At the APC, you never know the play at any table. In a casino tournament you feel confident that a player won’t play 5, 7 just because it is suited. In the APC, some players don’t understand position or cards, but do understand suited, and will call raises with them. That is the big difference and the chance the APC players take because they have no real money invested.
What is your advice for new players?
Learn the rules. If unsure of a rule always check with the TD as it is easy to get lost in the rules. Everyone, whether player of dealer, should find out what the actual rules are.
What are your goals in the APC?
To become confident enough at the tables where I can walk into a casino and not feel completely green. To have enough comfort and practice so when I invest money I won’t be fearful.
How did it feel to win the All Star Tournament?
I needed an accomplishment…and it felt like a huge accomplishment. I respected everyone I played with in All Stars. Made final table for All Stars in Summer Season ’10, and was just excited to be at the final table in two All Star events, and then to win was great.
Sonya says she “really loves my APC family…every single person. It has been amazing the last year I’ve known them. And I feel confident that because of these friendships, they will continue to get better. Also, I’ll learn something new every time I sit down at the table. That is why I love the game!”
