Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Marte Sandberg, a talented live poker player with a passion for the game. We’ll be discussing Marte’s journey into poker, her experience in the industry, and her thoughts on the future of the game.
Welcome, Marte! Tell us more about you.
Hello. I’m a communications adviser from Oslo, Norway. Having played poker for about 4 years, I’m an eager hobby player who spends as much time as possible traveling and playing poker. I recently won the turbo live poker event in the Norwegian Championship in Bratislava, becoming the first female winner on foreign soil.
How do you prepare to play at the poker tables?
I don’t have any specific routines, but I do my best to get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast and hopefully, squeeze in a workout before start.
How did you first get interested in playing live poker?
Some of my girlfriends were out travelling when they were invited to a poker game. When they came home, they wanted to learn the game, so they gathered eight girls to learn together. We started playing once a month for about $20 each, and I was hooked immediately. Soon, I started using different tools to learn game theory, strategy, and mental game to develop as a player.
How many live poker tournaments have you participated in, and what results have you achieved?
After the pandemic, I have travelled to Gothenburg, Dublin, Las Vegas, Copenhagen, Barcelona, Prague and Bratislava to play. In addition to my Norwegian Champion title from April this year, I came 3rd in ‘Guldhånden’ in Denmark last year.
Can you tell us about a particularly memorable hand or game you’ve played?
One hand I remember very well is from the Eureka Main Event in EPT Prague this December. I jam all in from hijack on T226cchh against Aurelien Russo who had three-bet me preflop from small blind and bet flop and turn. He was in the tank for about six minutes before someone called time on him. As I had king high I felt my pulse beating and the six minutes felt like an hour. Relieved after his fold, I had to keep my poker face on as the rest of the table convinced him it was a nice fold – “it is always kings or aces from her”, they said.
What do you think are the essential skills needed to be successful in live
poker?
A combination of game theory skills, patience, the ability to read people and to adjust and exploit the situation as the table, stacks and players change. Mental game is key (at least it has been for me!). The most important skill of all is the will to learn and constantly develop.
How do you manage your bankroll and deal with downswings?
I have registered my wins and losses since the very beginning, so I have full control over my finances, but I do not have the bankroll management of a professional poker player. As I have a full time job, I can vary between bankroll and ‘liferoll’. I never play for money I cannot afford to lose, and in the same way as my colleagues spend money on their hobbies, be it playing golf or tennis, I can lose some money on poker. Travelling to Vegas or Barcelona is not cheap, but it is worth it.
Downswings affect me more mentally than financially; I really don’t like losing, so it can be tough when I have longer periods of losses. I’m constantly trying to work on my mental game, but it is not easy.
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in live poker?
Be curious, and reflect and analyze your play to become better. Try to get in touch with players that are better than you, as discussing strategies and spots will develop your play. Don’t feel overwhelmed by everything there is to learn, take it step by step and you will take great leaps over time. Most important of all: have fun. Enjoy the ride.
What are your future goals as a poker player?
In general, to keep developing as a player and continue enjoying the game is the most important to me. Of course, it would be fun to have some deep runs in Copenhagen, Vegas or Barcelona this summer, and it is a long-time goal to take an international title at some point.
Thank you, Marte, for sharing your insights and experiences with us!
Your journey into the world of poker and the success you’ve achieved is truly inspiring. Your passion and dedication to the game are evident, and your strategic approach to poker is a testament to your skill and expertise. We appreciate your time and the valuable advice you’ve provided for our readers. We wish you continued success in your future endeavors and look forward to seeing you at the poker table.
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