Jack ‘papajac9’ Hinchey | 888.com in Canada

With a picture of his granddaughter by his chips and a romantic history of hustling pool halls back in Canada for over 30 years, Jack ‘papajac9’ Hinchey was the popular winner of the inaugural 888.com World Poker Open. However, the 49-year former sewage worker, a popular and integral part of 888forums is much more than a sentimental rags-to-riches story as we find out. Come and meet the WPC Champion, Jack ‘papajac9’ Hinchey.

Born and raised in Oshawa, Canada, Jack is a semi-retired pump and motor mechanic, the proud father of three children and the doting grandfather to his grand-daughter, Victoria. He believes in karma, that if you treat people well they will treat you accordingly and lives his life by the motto: ‘A man is only as good as his word’.

How long have you been playing poker and what is your favorite discipline?

I started playing poker 30 years ago. It was your basic home game with friends, nothing serious, usually 7 card stud & some hi-lo Chicago, usually playing a ‘dealers choice’ format. My biggest win or loss was around $200.00.

I didn't play much over the years, until I started watching Hold’em on TV. This whet my appetite and then my sister started a weekly game about 4 years ago. Again, it was for small stakes, usually $.50/1.00 limit and some $ 5.00 or $10.00 no limit tournies if we didn't have enough players for a live game.
This was invaluable practice however, as I started playing some monthly tournies at a local casino in the suimmer of 2007. The buy-ins were a step up: $ 200.00 re-buy, $ 500.00 & $ 1,000.00 freeze outs. However, those home games with my sister and friends left me in good stead - my first win was in April 2008, $38,000, though we decided to chop when heads-up and play for the trophy. $29,000, not bad for a day’s work!

When was the first time you played at our online casino rooms (or poker/bingo)?

I started playing online in July/07 at a couple of other sites, till my mom & sister recommended 888. I’ve played here since then, occasionally trying the scenery elsewhere when on a downswing, but always coming back home to 888.

You are very active, widely known and respected in our forums. What is your favourite thing about the forums?

The atmosphere! Ninety-nine percent of the time, you get friendly and informative chat. As an older gent (lol), I did not grow up in the computer age, so I don't normally use the computer for chatting. I do however like to chat on our forum. The relationships I have formed here are very dear to me.

Which online casino games (or poker/bingo) do you like to play?

I normally stick to the no-limit Hold’em games, playing at a variety of levels. Some people seem to get a kick out of seeing me in the $10.00 & $20.00 tournies, as well as the cheap qualifiers, but I have always played them & will continue to do so. I also take a kick at the Millionaire Genie from time to time… you never know, lightening might strike twice!

Are there any other games you'd like to see at 888.com?

I would like to see some more tournaments added; from time to time you have a lot of dead time between tournaments. From what I read in the forum, many would prefer more lower level tournies added.

Which sports (if any) do you bet on?

I don't bet on sports too often, but I do sometimes bet on football, our style not yours (lol)

Short and sweet... Tell us about your best moment at 888.com.

Poker Open V! I bet you didn't see that coming!

Getting to meet all the guys from 888forums - Lambone, Loopy, Rhyss, Kristova & his beautiful better half Tracy. As well as Aegis and his beautiful wife, meeting Michael Keiner again, along with some of the poker stars & celebrities, especially Liam Flood. He truly is a gentleman! I wish I would have had more time to socialize, but I had the flu that week & was not well.

Why do you choose to play at 888.com and what makes it special for you?

Without doubt, the people. When I started playing online, it was more for the enjoyment then it was for getting rich. Don't get me wrong, I like money as much as the next person, but hitting it big was not what I ever expected. My job at the time was very stressful; playing poker gave me a release. It took my mind off other matters for a few hours every day, and it still does!

Do you plan on playing any of the majors this year? If so, which ones?

I am off to Ireland on April 7^th for the Irish Open. After that I will play some CPT (Canadian poker tour) events.
I have some border issues with the U.S. which I am trying to resolve, so I don't know if I can get to the World Series this year. If not, I will probably play an EPT event sometime this year.

What is your record in live events?

Last year I had a 1st & 4th on the CPT. I also won a combination event which was on-line & live, you may have heard of it, the World Poker Crown!

What specific goals, including those related to your occupation, have you established for your life?

Simply to try to bring some enjoyment to those around me: whether it is work or play, I try to put a smile on someone’s face. Believe it or not, it is the little things that people will notice & remember.

What is the feel for poker in Canada at the moment? Is it growing?

Poker has been taking off in Canada. It is very popular among all, men, women, young & old.

Do you feel that Canadians make the best players? If so, why is that? Is there something in the national psyche that better prepares Canadians for the game?

Canadians, as a whole, are a pretty laid back bunch. We have always rolled with the punches.
We have a quiet national pride, not like the Americans, who are pretty ‘rah-rah’ and in your face. However, be warned: Those who take our reserved and laid-back attitude as a weakness are in for a surprise - we will stand & fight when needed!

How has your college/life experience prepared you for a poker career?

I think my work as a pump & motor mechanic manager has helped, as this is a high stress-packed area. Knowing that a business and/or hospital may shut down if you don't get the job done properly certainly focuses you somewhat! It makes the stress of a tournament seem so inconsequential.

What is your favourite ‘quick-to-make’ tournament snack?

Vodka & orange!

What are your short-term and long-term poker goals?

To keep enjoying the game. If it ever gets to the point that it feels like a job, I’ll pack it in.
I would also like to make enough money (or win a couple of qualifiers) to do some more travelling.

Who is your nemesis at the poker table?

My mom!

Do you have a favourite pro’ player?

Liam ‘The Gentleman’ Flood & Brad ‘Yukon’ Booth. I can’t choose one.

How do you relax outside of poker?

I like playing with my grand-daughter. I also play a little snooker and I pitch for a baseball team in the summer.

What do you see yourself doing in five years?

Owning a cottage on the lake, working on my tan & fishing. Maybe I’ll drive across Canada, playing some tournies along the way… a German Shepherd in the back and some heavy metal music or Blues up front.

So there you have it, already on the poker highway to stardom, ‘papajac9’ reminds us that there is more to being a champion than simply winning a tournament. A true gentleman! Good luck with the rest of the journey – may the sun be on your face and the wind at your back!