Linda Johnson - The First Lady of Poker

On 2 February 2008 the Women in Poker Hall of Fame welcomes its first four inductees. One of those charter members is Linda Johnson, known as The First Lady of Poker.

Linda is the proud owner of a World Series of Poker bracelet, she is the former publisher of Card Player Magazine and she currently organises Card Player Cruises.

In the build up to the official ceremony, Linda took the time out to answer a few questions for unknownpoker.

How does it feel to be made a charter member of the Women in Poker Hall of Fame?

I am extremely proud to receive this honor. I love the idea of the WiPHOF because I think women have made tremendous contributions to the poker industry and these achievements deserve to be honored. I have spent the past 30 years of my life in the poker industry and am thrilled to be recognized as a poker ambassador.

Which players do you expect to join you in the Hall of Fame in the near future?

Many players and industry leaders deserve to be in the Hall of Fame. I would think that in the near future, Jan Fisher, Phyllis Caro, Jennifer Harman, Donna Harris, Kathy Raymond, and Deborah Giardina would be inducted. Some of the best players today haven’t yet met the 15-year criteria but will become inductees once that is accomplished.

What is your greatest memory from a poker game?

My best memory is when I won my gold bracelet in the razz event at the WSOP in 1997. The stands were full of people wearing hats that said Go Linda. It was a momentous occasion. For many years, I couldn't even talk about it without crying.

How many hours a week do you spend at a table?

I probably spend a minimum of 20 hours and a maximum of 50 hours playing poker a week depending on my work schedule. I love to play poker and try to play every day.

What do you think of online poker and its booming popularity?

I think it is a travesty that the US government voted for the UIGEA bill. Online poker should be available to anyone over 21 who wants to play. It is a great source of profit for good players and for entertainment for everyone. Online poker will continue to grow in support and I predict that the bill will be overturned in the future.

How did you get into poker and what made you decide that you could make a career from gambling?

My father talked me into playing poker. From the beginning, I was a winning player and had the knack for being able to play well. I started in the lower limits and gradually worked my way up.

If you hadn't become a professional poker player, what direction do you think your life would have gone?

I think I would have been a lawyer if I hadn’t become a professional poker player. I love debates and enjoy studying so would have liked the challenge of law.

What do you do for enjoyment away from the poker table?

I love to travel. In fact I just returned from a 50-day road trip to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Cook Islands, Singapore, Thailand, and Japan. I also like to go on cruises. I have been on more than 75 cruises with my company Card Player Cruises. I also like to teach poker, read, play bridge, and dance.

What are your plans for the future?

I definitely want to do more charity work. I have been very fortunate in life and I want to give back. I would also like to continue to play poker and would love to win another bracelet.

What advice would you give to someone hoping to make a living out of the game?

I would advise them to read every poker book and poker magazine out there, buy the videos and study, get a poker coach and/or mentor and practice, practice, practice! Keep good records. Don’t consider quitting your day job until you have a healthy bankroll and have been winning enough to live on for at least two consecutive years.