Chris Mankamyer
Semi-pro poker player Chris Mankamyer has been quoted as saying, “Your position in the hand, your table image, and the person you are playing are more important than the cards you hold! Who says you can’t make something from nothing?” Since 2001, Chris Mankamyer has focused his ability to make something from nothing on the poker tables of many well-known casinos, including the Bellagio, Aria, MGM, and Rio in Las Vegas, Nevada. He has also played online, using three different screen names. Today, Mr. Mankamyer states his favorite poker rooms are the Venetian in Las Vegas and the Hard Rock Hotel’s Florida locations in Tampa and Hollywood. Chris Mankamyer got his start in poker after playing blackjack for several years. In search of a different game, but one that did not give the house an advantage, he was introduced to poker by a friend, who taught him the basics. Mr. Mankamyer researched the game further, using books and videos to learn about poker before playing live. Now an experienced player, Mr. Mankamyer prefers to play in marathon sessions of 10 to 12 hours at a time. Chris Mankamyer’s strategy is to play with a full stack, play position, and wait for the right hand for the double up. Throughout his poker career, Mr. Mankamyer has sat at tables with well-known players, including Phil Lack, Todd Brunson, and Mike “The Grinder” Mizrachi. He also played with Eric Sidel in the World Series of Poker, with Sidel going on to win a bracelet. Mr. Mankamyer has made several final tables in poker tournaments, the most notable at the Ultimate Poker Challenge.