“VI: What do you think about all the actors trying to be poker players these days?
CB: I think it’s great. Poker is so in vogue that you don’t only have actors that are passionate about playing, there are a number of professional athletes that play it passionately, as well. I’ve played in games with Pete Sampras, a number of pro baseball players, pro basketball players, even pro boxers. Poker is the one sport that anyone can play from any gender and from any age group and the playing field will be equal. I couldn’t go on the tennis court and compete with Pete Sampras. It would be any fun for either of us. But on the felt, anyone can win if they take the time the learn the game.
VI: Who are the best actors you’ve played against?
CB: James Woods is a very good friend of mine, and he has become an excellent poker player. Now on the female side, Jennifer Tilly has been very successful. Other actors who I have played with that play very well are Tobey Maguire, Ben Affleck, Shannon Elizabeth and of course my very good friend Gabe (Welcome Back Kotter) Kaplan, who I had the pleasure of beating in the NBC Heads-Up Championship…”
