Monte Kouz

Monte Kouz plays online at Full Tilt Poker.

While studying interior design at the University of Houston in the early 1980’s, Monte was introduced to poker on a summer vacation trip to Lake Tahoe. It wasn’t long before he decided to leave school behind and head where the action was. He split his time between Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas working as a card dealer and real estate agent, but focused heavily on pursuing his passion for poker.

He grew his bankroll playing Pot Limit Omaha, Razz and Stud ring games until he was ready to dedicate himself to poker full time by 1985. In 1988 he reached his first World Series of Poker final table, finishing fifth in the $1,000 Omaha Limit event at the legendary Binion’s Horseshoe.

In 1990 he went one better, returning to the Horseshoe to win the $1,500 Omaha 8 or Better event, taking home $113K and a coveted WSOP bracelet.

Proficient in a wide range of poker disciplines, Monte prefers the mixed games such as HORSE, 7-Game and 10-Game, as well as both Omaha Hi and Hi/Lo. During his years at the tables he’s come across some great players, but none more so than the legendary Stu Unger, whom he refers to as “the most impressive player I’ve ever met or played against. He was a true card genius.”

Players looking to improve their game should make a special effort to learn from the best, according to Monte, and he recommends spending time at the Full Tilt Poker Academy. He believes the most important skills in poker are discipline and bankroll management. He adds that

players must respect the value of their chips, regardless of the stakes they are playing, in order for “winning to become a habit”.

These days, Monte plays mostly online, though he generally enters five to ten live tournaments a year. Away from the tables, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, and likes to play tennis.

Watch for Monte playing online at Full Tilt Poker.