Thomas Boekhoff (Boku87) Interview with PokerSoftware.com

On July 19th, Thomas “Boku87” Boekhoff, a 22 year-old from Weener, Germany, set out on a quest to turn $5 in $100,000 in just 12 months while playing exclusively on PokerStars.  Just a few months ago, Boekhoff breezed through a prop bet to turn $100 into $10,000 in 15 days while playing no higher than $16 sit and gos.  Admittedly, the new challenge will be more difficult than the $10,000 prop bet.   The amount of volume required to conquer such a feat is very high, so Boekhoff routinely plays more than 40 tables for five to seven hours per day.  We sat down with Boekhoff to see how the ultimate multi-tabler pulls it all off.  We wanted to find out what software, hardware, and any other tricks he uses to play such high volume successfully.

PokerSoftware.com: How is the challenge going so far?  Are you ahead of schedule?

Boekhoff: I don’t really have a schedule, but I like how it’s going so far.

PokerSoftware.com: How did you get started playing mutli-table sit and gos?
 
Boekhoff:  I started off as a Fixed Limit cash game player and then later switched to single-table tournaments.  I eventually started mixing in some multi-table sit and gos in July of 2007 and completely switched to them in January of 2008.

PokerSoftware.com: We see many questions across the various online poker forums about your setup.  Could you tell us a little about that?
   
Boekhoff: I use an Intel quad core processor with a 24-inch monitor.

PokerSoftware.com: Wow.  We assumed you had a multi-monitor setup.  How do you lay out your tables?

Boekhoff: I am stacking them.  It’s just one big pile of tables.

PokerSoftware.com: Do you use any kind of tracking and analysis software while you play?

Boekhoff: No. The only thing I use is SharkScope to track my ROI at various limits.

PokerSoftware.com: Do you use AutoHotKey (AHK) of some other software to help you register?

Boekhoff:  I registered manually until June of this year.  Since then, I have used TableNinja for faster registration.

PokerSoftware.com: With so many tables going, do you ever have timeout issues?

Boekhoff:  It wasn’t a major issue in the past, but now that I have TableNinja, it isn’t an issue at all.

PokerSoftware.com:  I can see how the auto-click “I’m Back,” auto-click time bank, auto-registration, and pop-up killer can be huge assets when playing so many tables.
 
Boekhoff: It definitely helps.  It has everything I need.

PokerSoftware.com:  How do you like the synchronized breaks?

Boekhoff:  I actually like them because it doesn't really affect your volume and it gives you some time to relax.

PokerSoftware.com:  I notice you play a mix of buy-in amounts during your sessions.  Is there a method to the mix you play?

Boekhoff:  Nah.  I just open up everything $27+ right now that has multiple tables.  That’s usually about eight or so different buy-ins.

PokerSoftware.com:  Do you try to keep a certain number of tables open at all times or do you play in sets?

Boekhoff:  I always try to have about 40 tables open and play one continuous session for about five to seven hours.

PokerSoftware.com: Has TableNinja helped you with that?

Boekhoff:  TableNinja has helped with several things, but my computer can’t handle 50+ tables and TableNinja running at the same time.  I used to play 50 tables or more, but I am playing 40 now.

PokerSoftware.com:  It seems like with all of the software, strategy, and coaching available, single-table tournaments have more “specialists” than in multi-table sit and gos.  Poker software has had a big hand in helping players improve by providing ways to analyze and study the game.  Do you agree with that?

Boekhoff:  Yes.  There are way too many regulars in the STTs these days.

PokerSoftware.com: Do you feel like your edge is bigger in MTT sit and gos than in STTs?

Boekhoff:  I just suck at STTs, so I think I am better off with MTTs.

PokerSoftware.com: Is there any advice you could give players who want to become SNG specialists like yourself?

Boekhoff:  I would advise them to play cash games because sit and gos will drive you crazy sometimes!

After speaking with Boekhoff, it is clear to us that he is a true grinder.  He conducted this interview while playing 40 tables, by the way.  There aren’t a ton of software programs running to help out with his sessions.  He uses TableNinja and SharkScope and simply puts it a significant amount of volume.  TableNinja is a great tool and has everything you need for high-volume sessions.  If it’s good enough for Thomas “Boku87” Boekhoff, then the product is obviously a must-have.