Christmas with Sviten Special Poker – Peter La Terra Interview

It’s soon Christmas again, so we really wanted to know how Peter La Terra (right in the photo) is doing and what’s his opinion on Sviten Special poker variation. “Who is Peter?”, one might ask. He is one the best things that has ever happened to us. He is a super nice guy from  Sweden who is a regular at Cash Game Festival live events. He is especially fond of the poker variation called Sviten Special. Since there is no festival in December, we started missing him. So, we wrote him an email. This is how the interview was born.
Thank you very much for finding time for the interview. Are you in Sweden at the moment? How’s the weather there? Good for poker? (wink-wink)
Well, the weather is how it is during December in Sweden –  awful! If only the snow would not melt. Then it would be OK.
Will you be at our London stop in January?
Well, I don’t know yet. It will be a last minute decision but 75% on 2-3 days, hehehe.
You have been to many Cash Game Festival stops across Europe? Do you remember your first Cash Game Festival live event? When and where was it? What was your first impression?
Yes, I try to make it to all of them. My first one was Malta 2016, I think. For me and most players, it’s the best way to do poker travel as I can do my daytime work from the CGF, playing poker. It’s fantastic. I can say that I haven’t met anyone that isn’t satisfied with the festival, locations, events, games, smiling faces etc.
What is your craziest/funniest Cash Game Festival story?
Oooh, there are so many but I would say that “the secret event day” is something you just don’t miss; just be there. But still, the whole festival is both crazy and funny, so it’s really hard to pick one.
Have you ever missed a flight due to a long grind (because some others have)?
Hahahaha, no, not yet but it will probably happen!
How do you feel about your title – the Unofficial King of Sviten Special at the Cash Game Festival?
Well, I don’t know about king but, yes, I like the game. It’s so much more social than Texas grinding tables with players having earphones, hoodies and sunglasses on, saying nothing to other players (No, how is that fun?). Most players around Sviten table have fun, talking a lot and having a few beers.
Why Sviten? Please tell us about the game?
In Sviten, you have more options than in other games. That’s probably why. I mean, in one hand, we play 5-card draw and Omaha. It’s quite special and we can, after a betting round on the flop, change cards. Much can happen. Trying to understand what your opponent has is both a struggle and a challenge and I like that.
Is it your most favorite poker variation? Any other favorites?
Yes, it is but if Finnish guys come and want to play Super DC, I’m in! They usually play variants of super stud hi/lo with jokers. Now that’s crazy!
In Gibraltar this year, you were featuring as a poker coach for our Sviten Special tutorial video. How was the filming? And do you feel that Sviten should get more recognition in the poker scene?
I can’t remember any problems with filming; we did it in one take, hehe. I mean I was talking to guys I more or less knew, so it was like a 20-minute long monologue during dinner. It should and it is going to be. On March 22-25 in Hilton Park Casino in Tallinn, they have Sviten days for interested players. Just look for Drawmaha Festival on FB.
 Some sources have commented that Sviten and alcohol match well. Is it true? Why?
As in all things we do, alcohol will effect our performance. Sometimes the effect is good but most of the time it’s bad. But since it’s a social game, I say yes, have some drinks but make sure you do not fall off the chair (laughing).
Will there be some Sviten for you during the Christmas holiday or what are your Christmas plans?
I play Sviten 2-3 days a week and Franke and children might come to visit me in between Christmas and New Years. I think, I will have 110% chance of playing Sviten, yes =)
The best Christmas food ever?
Smoked elk heart and Jansons frestelse. It’s potato gratin with anchovy.
What are your poker travel plans for 2018? Any tournaments as well?
I will try to make it to all Cash Game Festival stops. Some tournaments as well. The first one is Kings of Tallinn in February,  Sviten weekend in Tallinn in March and the Swedish Championship some time in October-November in Tallinn. Much Tallinn.
What is the best advice about life that you have received?
Patience, that goes for poker as well. Respect to be respected =)
Do you miss us?
Do i? Hmmm, yes. Still, it’s nice to come home once in a while to recharge =)
Thank you!
Thank you CGF for your hard work.

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