ClubWPT Winner Nancy Smith Enjoys Her Poker Rebirth at Seminole Hard Rock

By Matt Clark

ClubWPT qualifier Nancy Smith is nervous but at home in her inaugural World Poker Tour event. The Nashville, Tennessee, native is playing live poker for the first time since 2002. In the opening two levels of play on Day 1b of the Season XVI WPT Seminole Hard Rock Showdown Championship, Smith is sitting quietly as she acclimates herself to a new environment in South Florida.

You May Find Yourself…

Upon winning her seat on ClubWPT.com, Smith was hesitant about clicking the “accept” button on her once-in-a-lifetime package.

“It was kind of a shock,” Smith said about winning her seat. “I didn’t even wait to accept the seat until two weeks after I won it because I wasn’t sure if I even wanted to do it. I was nervous about participating. I haven’t played in any live games in 2002 and I used to be really good at reading people but now when you play online, you’re guessing.”

The live game is a favorite of Smith’s and her reading abilities are dialed in on Day 1b.

The full VIP experience received by ClubWPT winners like Smith is one of a kind. Last night, Smith was treated to dinner at the famed Kuro restaurant where Smith tested out the full menu.

“The dinner was just amazing!” Smith exclaimed. “I tried some food at 67 years old that I’ve never eaten before in my life. Raw tuna, for one. Everyone was so nice. The WPT, they are all so dedicated to their jobs. Friendly, multi-faceted. I don’t know how WPT finds these people, but they are such an asset to the organization.”

Smith dined with fellow ClubWPT qualifier Larry Terry and is seated beside him on Day 1b.

“I’m playing with Larry, and he’s real nice,” Smith said. “I feel like we had a camaraderie after our dinner last night.”

…In Another Part of the World

That comfort assists with Smith’s ease back into live poker. The retired postmaster moved from her home in Illinois to Tennessee where she says the gambling culture is not quite what it was in her former life.

“I used to play a lot of games,” Smith told WPT.com. “People moved, people died, and then I moved. I haven’t traveled much since I retired. It’s all a churchy area where I’m living, so I don’t think there’s much gambling going on.”

Home games are where Smith first learned poker. The training tools that are available today were limited when Smith picked up cards a few decades ago. That didn’t stop Smith from improving her game and to grow a passion that still exists.

“I had a friend and she used to have games at home,” Smith said. “I went and watched and said, ‘Oh, this looks like fun.’ So, I went the next week and lost $200 bucks. I’ll never forget it. I learned, got better.”

Playing on ClubWPT.com helps Smith to keep her game sharp, even when not facing off against live opponents.

Into the Blue Again After the Money’s Gone

Live poker is where Smith created her best memories. In a home game that took place in the 1980s, Smith made a literal purseful of money that helped do more than just boost her poker bankroll.

“My best experience was in my game and I had to be at work by 4 a.m. and it was 3:20,” Smith said. “I’ve got cash, checks, pockets full, my purse is jammed. I had so much money that when I went to school that night, I realized I made enough in that poker game to pay for my full semester of college.”

Once in a Lifetime

The first-place prize for the Season XVI WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Championship is expected to crest $650,000 and that cash requires more than just one purse for Smith to carry home.

Already in the first few levels of the day, Smith has achieved her goal.

“I just wanted to make sure I’m not the first person knocked out and to have a great time,” Smith said.

Click here for more coverage from the Season XVI WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Championship.

Looking to win your way to a World Poker Tour event for your shot at becoming a WPT champion? Play for your chance on ClubWPT.com, where eligible VIP Members can play for over $100,000 in cash and prizes each month, including seats to WPT events, no purchase necessary.