UKPN Profile: Eric Rizen Lynch

Having recently made it deep in the EPT Poker Stars Caribbean Adventure Eric "Rizen" Lynch has demonstrated his immense talent, simultaneously proving what poker insiders have known for a long time. With strong outings in the last two WSOPs to go along with his recent performance the name Rizen has begun to move out of the forums and into poker's mainstream. Eric Lynch is fast becoming one of the games most respected talents.

Finishing 26th in the recent EPT Eric was pragmatic about his result, as is so typical of the new breed of players.

Rizen: 'I played very well the first few days and had an amazing run of cards to build a very nice chip stack early on. I managed to ride that

I was crippled in a classic coin flip situation with AK vs. QQ. Unfortunately the coin flip didn't go my way and you have to win a few of those to win a tournament.'

UKPN: Was it a disappointment not to win the tournament after being amongst the chip leaders for such a long time?

Rizen: 'I'm disappointed any time I don't win a tournament. Obviously I know I can't win every tournament I enter, but I go into every one with the mindset I'm going to win it, and when I don't there is a certain disappointment to that. The fact that I had a big chip stack the entire tournament added a little to the sting, but I feel I am always competitive and I expect to finish strong regardless of if I have lots of chips or very few.'

Unlike many young internet pros, Eric got into poker the old fashioned way via the traditional Friday night home game, 'playing all the usual home game stuff with crazy seven card stud variants like baseball and Mississippi stud.', recalled Lynch. After taking some pointers from one of his good friends, who at the time was making a living from playing limit holdem online, Eric, the software engineer by day, became Rizen the online supernova by night. In late 2005 Rizen began to put together a strong run of online MTT results, including an $11k win in the stars $11 rebuy. This however was only the tip of, what was to become, a very large iceberg.

'After I won that (the $11 rebuy on Stars) I won the Friday Special on PartyPoker

Stars Million Win.'

Taking down the million for $156,000, it was clear that Rizen had an obvious talent for the game and it was soon after this that Eric seized the opportunity to leave his well paid job as a software engineer and pursue poker fulltime. This new career meant that Eric was able to provide for his family financially, but more importantly he was able to take a much more active part in raising his young family.

'I value the blessing I have being able to support my family doing something I love. I get to spend all day with my wife and kids doing stuff other dads don't get to do which is amazing.'

In contrast to the voyeuristic lifestyles of many young poker pros, Eric follows a strict schedule which allows him to combine both his new profession and his family.

'I don't start playing poker until just a couple of hours before they (the children) go to bed every night and I'm almost always awake within a couple hours of when they are.'

In the world of superstar players and playboy lifestyles it's refreshing to see that top players like Eric are able to successfully combine the poker world with the real world.

Aside from being a prominent player Eric also hosts a popular blog (http://www.rizenpoker.com/) in which he details the ups and downs of professional poker. His blog also features a regular Q A session entitled "Ask Rizen."

UKPN: What was the motive behind starting Ask Rizen?

Rizen: 'Well it was partially for selfish reasons. I'm fortunate that a lot of people out there respect my opinion enough to send me e-mails a lot asking questions about poker, life, and other topics that I blog about. A lot of the same questions come up over and over again though. I figured rather than sending the same ten e-mails to ten individuals I could answer it once in my blog and maybe in addition to the ten people that asked the question twenty more might get something out of it as well.'

Eric's sage like qualities extend far beyond the advice he offers to loyal readers of his blog. Rizen is one of the most popular tutors on the training site PokerXFactor.com and although he has an outstanding tournament record he is the sites resident cash game expert. 'Shortly after my Sunday Million win they (founders JohnnyBax aka Cliff Josephy and Sheets aka Eric Haber) approached me to be a guest pro at the site, specifically to create a video series on that particular win.' Following the success of this initial video series Rizen has gained a reputation for producing extremely well formulated and accessible poker videos. 'Most of my videos focus a lot on how to read tables and different situations that come up and then take advantage of them.' With the increase in training sites such as PokerXfactor one might be concerned that players like Rizen are giving away some of their most profitable plays to less experienced players.

Eric, however, is reflective about the situation: 'I think the idea of "secrets" in poker is way overrated. There is no magical formula for poker and there are no secrets to success. The secret to success in poker is creating a mind set and thought process for yourself that allows you to continuously adapt to changing play and table conditions. The important part is to then apply this knowledge effectively and constantly make good decisions whilst playing.'

Father, player, tutor or student. Eric, Daddy or Rizen. In the Lynch household each term is as synonymous as is it is antonymic. Eric wears more hats than Jamiroquai but what separates him from the rest is that each one has been skilfully moulded to fit perfectly with any other. Whether he is sitting at the poker table or the breakfast table, explaining the subtleties of the check raise or reading a bedtime story, Eric Lynch does so with passion, dedication, eloquence and style. In a world where over-hyped poker celebrities have become the norm it is refreshing to see players like Rizen become successful household names. Although he may not see himself as one, Eric, in my opinion, is a role model for every player in the game because he reminds us that poker isn't life it is merely a part of ones life. Success in both is dependent on balance and commitment and Eric seems to epitomise this concept more than most. Indeed, if Eric can continue to find that balance between taking care of his family and crushing opponents across the green baize then the future looks very bright indeed; well at least for Rizen it does.

Saibailie mystery (Syberia) V1.0 for PPC2003 to Windows Mobile 5.0 (October 23, 2006 new) adventure game for the culmination. The Windows Mobile version of the game from ATLANTIS REDUX (Atlantis) and Return To Mysterious Island (return mysterious Island) production company, produced TetraEdge Games. Players play the game of Women Lawyers Kate Walker, which started in the heart of the Alps, a small Villa. There, Kate originally commissioned by negotiating an acquisition of the mechanical toy factories, factory owners, however unfortunately, the death of Anna. The only heir to the legacy of her brother Hans has already disappeared. In order to fulfill its mandate, Kate decided to find Hans and follow his footsteps on track, so she isolated from the machinery of the factory, will have to undergo a total of four different world, has been to SYBERIA to explore genius inventor Hans unknown secret. This game has very good 3-D images and sound effects, the whole adventure full of interesting tasks, stimulating puzzles, and the story is fascinating. Strongly recommend downloading

Not-Big-Deal Pocket Sokoban V1.5 green version for All PPC (October 23, 2006 added) This is a standard porters (warehouse Fan) game. It has unlimited levels, provide free elections and the Commissioner regrets step function. V1.5 version of the game to increase the recording and playback process, and provides automatic functions of mystery

Clay Gun V1.0 green version for PPC2002 to Windows Mobile 5.0 (October 23, 2006 new), a roller-shooting game. Japanese-style shooting game by game style, with beautiful images, excellent sound and interesting plot development. Four persons in the audience can choose one of the games. It has six points (including a hidden hurdles), the game system will be under the technical players in the five kinds of automatic adjustment difficult. Replay the game and provide support to the preservation of the Office of the story picture display

Android V1.1 green version for PPC2000 to 2003 (October 23, 2006 new) a old-style action game. This style of the game from childhood memories of people can play at FC happy. Game used particle effects on screen for a smooth and enhancing the game sound effects quite outstanding. World has four games, a total of 75 points, each have a wide range of related traps, obstacles await your breakthrough. Game supports automatic record and stylus control. Developers to load faster and resources occupy a special optimization

Allure Solitaires V2.0 for PPC2002 to Windows Mobile 5.0 (October 23, 2006 new) a card game set. 8, which includes classic poker games: Freecell, Klondike, Trefoil, Grandfather ^ s Clock, Four Seasons, Yukon, Fortune ^ s Favor and Chinese. The software supports both VGA and QVGA resolution, with ranking system, you can see the scores online ranking

VideoPoker Deluxe V1.03 for Palm OS 4.0 to 5.X (October 23, 2006 new) VideoPoker is a popular poker game. It is very simple game, and computer opponent of gambling on the few, not one to two Shangheqi to family and friends will not lead to the opposition. VideoPoker greatest feature is that it stems from a licensing Bugezhuomo, so many players can enlist the heart. It s quite simple: bet with assurance, you should be concerned about what is left behind and for those licences, in order to get the best combination. VideoPoker Deluxe and the standard version of the distinction is that you do not need to fear the computer opponent-win, because even if you can, as you continue to warm - everything is free! Software features: 1. PalmOS 5 enhanced music and audio equipment performance 2. Support high, and low scores showing. Visible effects and animation 4. Outstanding 16-screen 5. Game statistics. Version V1.03 new features: 1. Repair in the Treo700 in the voice of fault 2. Restored a number of other minor problems

Table Football V1.20 for PalmOS 4.0 to 5.x (October 23, 2006 new) Table Football by Deluxeware embraced a football game. Soccer is a very popular game, was the world s tens of thousands of fans like. The purpose of the game is to let you experience the handheld devices football charm. Software features: 1. PalmOS5 equipment design for the enhancement of digital audio (music support equipment: Zire71, 72, TT, TT2, TT3, TT5, TC, TE, Treo600, Treo650 and Sony TJ, TH and UX series) 2. run high in the low scores and equipment 3.2 game modes to choose from, including four rapid games and tournaments. game can be played from the two types of free choice (time races and scores of Masters) 5. visual effects and moving sound 6.3 kinds of different difficulty of the game 7. very exciting 16 graphics 8. senior game settings 9.3 kinds of games venues skin 10.28 team options. Version V1.20 new features: 1. Repair in the Treo700 in the voice of fault 2. Restored a number of other minor problems

DVide Arts Angel Sword V1.0 for PPC2003 to Windows Mobile 5.0 (October 20, 2006 added) This is a RPG game. Not long ago, in the magic continent, the two Wizards to jointly safeguard the peace. Legend has it, and remove the red shaman Angel sword seals, which is the sword of God with the magic, good and evil from clustering. With the passage of time, the sword of angels forces of evil gradually swallowed red shaman minds. In order to stop the red shaman, possession of the power of the guardian angel embark on journey. Now, you need to guide the hero recover Excalibur, Save the Earth and peace. Do a good job fighting for the devil and remove all of that, in this magical two legends of the continent to find the Sword of Angels. For the retail version of this software

ScaryBear PocketBalls V2.2 for PPC2002 to Windows Mobile 5.0 (October 18, 2006 added) This is a standard Russian cohort ball game. Game panel will be generated in the random position of the three random color ball, the ball can only be level or vertical movement. The target audience is the same color as the ball even horizontal, or diagonal slash Shubai the one, then the ball will be deleted, and access to scores. When the panel of the ball can not be deleted in accordance with the rules of the time, it will again randomly generated three ball. This sounds very simple, but not so easy to play, but still addictive oh

ScaryBear Blackjack V1.4 for PPC2002 to Windows Mobile 5.0 (October 18, 2006 update) This is a standard 21:00 poker games, including placing bets, double pressure, and won by the 3 - to the return-2 rules. Its characteristics are as follows: 1. Smooth, gorgeous graphics system 2. Choice of four, six or eight cards 3. Bet can see the pressure or double. Provide a new version of the operating system for all the support of PPC

Table Football V1.20 for PalmOS 4.0 to 5.x (October 12, 2006 new) Table Football by Deluxeware embraced a football game. Soccer is a very popular game, was the world s tens of thousands of fans like. The purpose of the game is to let you experience the handheld devices football charm. Software features: 1. PalmOS5 equipment design for the enhancement of digital audio (music support equipment: Zire71, 72, TT, TT2, TT3, TT5, TC, TE, Treo600, Treo650 and Sony TJ, TH and UX series) 2. run high in the low scores and equipment 3.2 game modes to choose from, including four rapid games and tournaments. game can be played from the two types of free choice (time races and scores of Masters) 5. visual effects and moving sound 6.3 kinds of different difficulty of the game 7. very exciting 16 graphics 8. senior game settings 9.3 kinds of games venues skin 10.28 team options. Version V1.20 new features: 1. Repair in the Treo700 in the voice of fault 2. Restored a number of other minor problems

Pool Deluxe V1.34 for PalmOS 4.0 to 5.X (October 11, 2006 new) with a beautiful 3-D graphics, the game is the reality of relying on intuition, as well as the control of fun billiard games. Pool Deluxe features of the game: 1. With the computer or another person for 8 - Ball, 9-Ball Pyramid game or two. Support 320 X320 and X480 two models 320 (corresponding respectively to install different versions) 3. Ball between the real impact effects to simulate accurately 4. three game modes: Fast, as well as pro Championship 5. custom display and animation 6. six different levels of computer opponent 7. variety of surface options 8. support 5 to navigation Bond 9.20 computer opponent V1.34 new version of: 1. repair in the Treo 600/650/700 in the voice of abnormal shutdown after 2. repair a number of other minor problems

Enslave V1.0 for Pocket PC 2002 to Windows Mobile 5.0 (October 10, 2006 new) Enslave production is a very fine shooting game, Chinese called slavery. Game is very people Xinxuan deduction, as the game s hero, 10000 First map to the occupation of the blue planet, in the game, not trying very hard to complete the task of shooting can be, of course, the players also need to constantly earn from the game of the gold coin, the purchase of new weapons and repair their own warships. Of course, the large warship shot down enemy weapons is also available in the lower right corner of the screen there is a progress of the mandate of the audience to prompt progress

JigPix V2.7 for PalmOS 3.5 to 5.x (October 8, 2006 new) a puzzle game. This is the ultimate Palm OS intellectual puzzles puzzle game! The equipment you enjoy exquisite image display and challenging puzzle games it. Software features: 1. You can download the plug-in puzzle image, enhance JigPix barriers 2. Built-in library functions, can help you manage your puzzle-3. Automatic storage feature allows you to return to the game at 4. Infrared tools Plug-ins allow you to transfer equipment to other users on JigPix 5. system and the difficulty of setting tips will bring you great challenges 6. game also includes a function in mind, and statistics functions 7. support three puzzle panel size (4 x4 ), (5x5) and (7 x7) 8. support 25 plug-in fans that set 9. Palm OS 5 compatible. V2.7 version of new features: 1. Improve on PalmOS 5.0 compatibility 2. Fixes a number of other issues

Deluxeware Hexagon Deluxe V2.04 for PalmOS 3.5 to 5.X (October 8, 2006 new) a puzzle box elimination game. Click on the same three colors or more of the hexagonal block until there is no room for movement up. Is the most popular animation panel strategy game, based on Othello and Ataxx Deluxeware game adaptation, automatically provide an interactive help system. Provide for the highest score, the game farthest and the largest portfolio of high classification. Software features: 1. Exquisite 16 images showed. Support equipment and high-resolution low-resolution equipment 3. Support in the Palm OS 3.5 operating below the 16-screen display 4. Palm OS 5 device for enhanced digital sound 5. includes two kinds of game modes 6. including three difficulty levels 7. realistic visual effects and animation show the 8. withdraw support function 9. support leaderboards 10. optimization of the system s memory occupied 11. suspended support functions. V2.04 version of the new features: Treo700 repair in the existing music Fault

Deluxeware Caribbean Poker V1.01 for PPC2003 to WM5.0 (September 30, 2006 new) a Caribbean poker games. Caribbean Poker Caribbean Poker is in full compliance with the rules of the Nevada casino gambling games. Games are played: 1. Click transactions, card transactions. You were five card hand, facing on. Another card is useless. 2. Decision Bet or Surrender. If you Surrender (click Surrender button), you lose. Click the button to start a new game. If you Bet (click Bet), you redouble their bets. 3. Makers open licensing, everyone can see. If the banker s hand does not include an A / K combination or higher, bookmakers lose. You earn the same money (1-1) on the other bets to return. If the banker than you have a large portfolio, you lost the former and the other bets. If the banker s hand contains A / K or higher, but your hand is higher, you win the same reward money under the table and win another bet. Software features: 1. PalmOS 5 optimized music 2. Enhanced audio 3.3 kind of game 4.7-5.4 casino gaming opponents 6. Supports multiple resolution 7. Provide statistical information 8. Support to the five keys

Cubix V1.5 for PalmOS 3.1 to 5.x (September 30, 2006 new) a very easy addictive game of the box. In the game you need to use the bottom slot in the box to remove the top of the box corresponding color box to box in time to reduce the height of the following requirements to support the Palm OS 5. Tungsten strengthen the voice and graphics support. V1.5 version of the latest rewrite some code, a more compact and stable

Traffic Mania V1.4 for PPC2003 to WM5.0 (September 29, 2006 new) Traffic Mania is a game of passing time. The game looks and Traffic Jam and Done In 50 Seconds somewhat like, and Hua Rong Dao is also similar. PDAmill always increase its unique sense of humour and a very interesting sound, but you can take you to do the highest scores uploaded to the Internet and to other people than, oh. 3D interface of the game, a total of 300 clearance. Game, a yellow Beetle car trapped in the middle of other vehicles, you have to use their brains with a minimum of steps to be set aside from, and from the right side of the exports out

The Funkokys V1.0 for PPC2002 to WM5.0 (September 28, 2006 new) a mental game. Lost in a group of monkeys outside, as a player you have to within the time prescribed in their safe home Oh, the game is very simple to operate, but they are convenient. Cartoon-style screen lively and interesting, especially to attract children s attention. Software features: 1.5 kinds of games Mode 2. Touch screen Game 3. Special operation simple 4. Lively Scherzo Design 5. Scored a total of 32 customs clearance and 6. Survival mode contains six games within the game modes 7. Time game mode three kinds of games are played 8. mode at 32 customs 9. customs clearance 20 model 10. interesting music and sound 11. leaderboards 12. only supports QVGA (240x320) resolution