The first freeroll of the incredible Chan-ce of a Lifetime series was won by Nick Grey aka NickFlick111 from New Malden in Surrey.

He beat a quality field to claim his place in Grand Final where he will play for the ultimate poker prize of a $10,000 bankroll and personal tuition from 10-time WSOP bracelet winner Johnny Chan. We caught up with him to find out a little more about him, his game and what the win means.

So Nick, tell us a little bit about how you got started in poker and how long you’ve been playing the game.
It’s a bit scary really. 18 months ago I had a breakdown, separated from my wife and kids, was made redundant. I turned that situation around by knuckling down and filling out job applications online. I tried to keep my mind active doing Sudoku and then found online poker.

I played the play money parts of sites, and then the real start was taking the kids to see Casino Royale and finding Bond splashed over your magazine and website. Been following it ever since and signed up to some sites mainly from your freerolls or recommendations.

So we have Ian Fleming and Daniel Craig to thank for your involvement. Where, and what sort of games are you playing at the moment?
I started with limit holdem 2/4c games as I wasn’t happy with putting money on sites when I was out of work. I started work again this February, so I mainly play the NLHE $2.75 and $5.50 SnGs on Betfair; and I’m a bit partial to $4.40 180 MTTs at PokerStars, and the $6 and under tourneys on Party. My biggest buy-in has been the $11 Sunday $100k on PokerStars. That said, I'd rather play the 45-75 minute STTs than sit through 4-5 odd hours (if doing well) in an MTT.

Good stuff, sounds like you know which games you want to play and are building bankroll. What’s been your biggest win so far?
This freeroll has been my biggest win! I’ve won a $1 tourney for about $125, and also won a $220 seat from a $3 re-buy. Finished 2nd in a 8000-odd runner freeroll at limit holdem but only won about $20. A bit sad really.

Far from it, you’ve had some good successes there. Did you do anything differently in this freeroll?
I've tried to mix my game up recently. I've become aware that waiting for a good hand only preserves chips and it is necessary to accumulate which means opening up starting hands. Taking account of my own and opponents’ chipstacks is key to the decision to get involved or not. But also react to circumstances that present themselves.

It's important to get a good feel for who is raising too often, or not, and trying to establish betting patterns is key. But when the circumstances are right you need to gamble - and that may come far earlier in a tournament than you want it to.

Solid strategy, and it certainly worked!
It went very well - I never expected to win though I always try to finish first. I made a lot more good decisions than bad ones.

Do you remember any key moments from your victory?
I do remember having to make an early all-in or fold decision far too early on for my liking with a premium hand. I did and tripled up. I was a lot more selective from then on but still aggressive, and played position. After the first break I was on a table where there was one aggressive player and managed to trap, by checking a set of Jacks. I let him bet and called, bet again and call, and then I value bet the river. Got a lot of appreciation from the rest of the table.

What do you friends and family think of the win?
My kids think it is brilliant and want to watch the final - and tell me how rubbish I am compared to them. By the time the final comes round my eldest will be 18 so he can sign himself up with chanpoker and watch. The football team I coach and occasionally play for think I'm a tactical genius already and this result will just prove that to them. I bluff my way through coaching sessions, and gamble a bit with my substitutions.

Great stuff. How will you approach the final?
I'll wear a loud Chan-like shirt even though I presume the final is online. I'll play the other freerolls (if allowed) and try to research my prospective opponents. I'll try to find some short-handed tournaments or play short-handed SnGs.

I'm also going to set up that direct debit for the magazine - most of my knowledge comes from you guys - so well done team!

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