Answers with Maria Ho

Answer 1

Most kids graduate from college and either get a job or go through further schooling. You chose poker. Why?

Well, I didn't exactly "choose" Poker, or know that I was really choosing it. I had played poker recreationally throughout college for fun, and ended up making extra cash from it, which was great - but nothing I was seriously considering as a viable professional. After graduating from U.C.S.D. I decided to play in a World Series of Poker event and I cashed in the very first tournament that I played. From there, I entered another one and continued to have success at the tables. It was kind of a snowball effect; one tournament turned into the next, a couple thousand dollars turned into tens of thousands of dollars and so forth. Eight years later, here I am. I guess poker chose me!

Answer 2

You were the only all girl team who competed in season 15 of "The Amazing Race". How did this impact your experiences in "The Amazing Race"?

We knew going in that we'd be at a physical disadvantage, because of this factor. But we were hopeful that there'd always be some sort of non-physical option available to us, and were committed to giving everything 110%! Ultimately we were eliminated on a physical challenge but we felt so proud to have made it as far as we did without the help or physical strength of a guy. Many of the other female competitors told us how they'd never had been able to make it through the race had it not been for their male partner, and took our hats off to us. So we definitely felt a surge of accomplishment and pride knowing that and personally having tackled such a feat.

Answer 3

Why should others learn how to play poker?

Why not?! Poker can be a very fun and social pastime. Don't we all know someone who throws a weekly poker game? It's a great way to meet new people, while maybe making a little cash and challenging your brain. If you love it and it interests you, then get out there, read some books, pull up some online tutorials and be the best you can be!

Answer 4

What can we expect from you in 2015?

Catch me as the co-host and final table strategic commentator on this season of the HPT. Watch me on episode two of the current season of Shark Cage (in Europe)... and stay tuned to www.mariaho.com for my on going shenanigans. I'm @mariaho on Twitter and Facebook, and @maria_ho on Instagram!

Answer 5

What do you like to do when you're not beating the boys at the poker table?

Although I travel a ton for work and poker, I rarely have the chance to take a proper, and relaxing vacation. So, any chance I get I try to pop over to Hawaii or somewhere tropical, for some R&R. I also love any kind of performance or show: musicals, plays, concerts, and sporting events. I've recently begun volunteering with an after school program in my community, and have been trying to focus more of my time and efforts on charitable endeavors. And, most importantly, I try to spend time with my family and friends any chance I get.

Answer 6

You were born in Taiwan and moved to the USA as a toddler. Do you consider yourself in tune with your Taiwanese roots?

My Taiwanese roots are very important to me. Although I was raised in the States, I had a very traditional Chinese upbringing. I'm grateful for my Dual Citizenship and that my parents and family have always embraced our Taiwanese roots. It's very much apart of me and I feel very proud of and connected with my fellow Taiwanese.

Answer 7

So I am sitting down at a poker table, ready to start a game. What's your #1 piece of advice for winning the game of poker?

Leave your ego at the door, and err on the side of aggression.

Answer 8

In addition to "The Amazing Race", you appeared on "American Idol" in 2004 and made it to Hollywood Week. Have you always had a passion for singing?

Yes. From the time I was young I loved singing. My older sister was in a band and in my adolescence I'd occasionally gig with her. I've always loved music, always loved singing - it's my outlet. When I'm feeling stressed, I like to sit down at a piano and let it out... or gig with some friends in Hollywood.

Answer 9

Some would say poker is all play and no work. What would you say differentiates your job as a poker player from the rest of us that play poker for fun?

Haha. People who say that don't play poker professionally or make their living from the game... that's for sure. I guess the difference is just that - the "fun" factor. When you do something for a living, day-in-day-out, and your livelihood depends on it, the stakes (emotionally, physically, mentally) are much higher, and the activity (or job) itself tends to be more stressful, because there are actual stakes - can I pay my bills this month, how much do I have to make in this session to cover my living expenses and account for how much I lost last month etc. It's a job that entails a lot of discipline, money management and excellent business sense. When I played poker for fun, it was an escape. But when it's your job, you're so immersed in it and spend so many hours doing it, studying it, talking about it, working on your game etc. that the last thing you want to do "for fun" is play more poker.

Answer 10

In season 15 of "The Amazing Race", you competed with your friend and fellow poker player Tiffany Michelle. How did your poker experiences help you to compete in "The Amazing Race"?

The Amazing Race was essentially just another game, which is totally my wheelhouse. In poker I'm definitely used to competing under high stress, in intense situations for high stakes. There is also a lot of psychology and game theory/strategy that I use as a poker player, so that definitely parlayed itself into The Race. Figuring how to get a leg up on an opponent, staying calm under pressure, and not letting the financial prize (of a million dollars) distract during a certain task were all things that I saw crossover from poker to The Race.