LearnWPT Qualifier David Burns Lives The Dream at Seminole Hard Rock

By Matt Clark

LearnWPT’s newest qualifier is having the “dream” experience on Day 1a of the WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown. David Burns (pictured) traveled from his home in Tallahassee, Florida to Los Angeles’ Commerce Casino in February and returned with a free seat into a World Poker Tour Main Tour event.

Burns didn’t wind up at the Commerce by accident. The semi-retired attorney had the poker room on his list to visit and wound up attending a LearnWPT seminar while there. For more, visit LearnWPT.com.

“I had never been to the Commerce but it’s such a big poker room,” Burns said. “I felt like I had to check it out. I found out the strategy workshop was going and I had to take it.”

Building the Knowledge

A poker veteran of 10 years, Burns cut his teeth playing in home games after first watching televised coverage of events.

The LearnWPT seminar advanced Burns’ already strong knowledge of the game to the stage where he is able to compete in an event like the WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Championship.

“[LearnWPT] helped me weigh all the factors – stack size, the strength of your hand, the tendencies of the other players, the position at the table and being able to make good, solid decisions.”

Applying the Skills

When Burns formally retires from his day job, he wants to play poker on a more consistent basis than the weekly home game. The skills learned at LearnWPT from instructors Nick Binger and Eric Lynch prepared him for when the time comes.

“I would very strongly recommend [LearnWPT],” Burns told WPT.com. “The instructors are very knowledgeable, the staff is very helpful, very supportive. They teach you a lot. They give you a framework for making decisions at the table. It’s a fun experience. I would recommend anyone who wants to elevate their game to attend a Learn WPT strategy workshop.”

Binger and Lynch received numerous compliments from Burns who commented on their poker knowledge and ability to instruct students on how best to apply concepts.

When it came time to play the Sit-n-Go that would determine his spot in the WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Championship field, Burns was ready to put his newfound skills to the test.

“I tried to apply the strategies I learn in the workshop and it was successful,” Burns recalled. “Of course, I had some luck to go with it. But without the concepts I learned in the workshop, I would not have won.”

The Next Step

Day 1a is the first step of Burns’ World Poker Tour journey and he has spent his day competing with the likes of two-time WPT Champions Club member Sam Panzica along with Shankar Pillai.

On his overall WPT experience, Burns said, “It’s been great. South Florida weather. South Florida scenery. Great venue here at the Seminole Hard Rock. Some really good players, a fellow from Stockholm, Sweden (WSOP bracelet winner Peter Eichhardt) and on my left WPT Champion Sam Panzica. Yes, it’s a great experience.”

No matter how the week finishes, Burns plans to leave South Florida with a smile.

“I think it’s every poker player’s dream to do what I’m doing and that’s freerolling a WPT Main Event.”

If you’re interested in joining LearnWPT, check out LearnWPT.com.