Most single moms with a 13 year old son at home spend more time carting their kid to soccer practice and talking about how the SUV has transformed their lives. Not Thithi “Mimi” Tran though. Im not sure what her feelings are on Sports Utility Vehicles, but considering her reputation in cash games as well as impressive performances in tournament play, it is obviouls she is not the average “Soccer mom”. Thithi has managed to balance family, and the demands of professional poker seamlessly, while keeping the whole thing in perspective.
Her Poker Teacher
Tran was instructed in how to play poker while in a relationship with well known poker pro, Barry Greenstein. In return for these lessons, she taught him her native toungue of Vietnameese. Considering which skill has more practical uses here in the United States, this bargain is almost the equivelent of some well meaning Native Americans trading Manhatten island for some rather pretty beads.
Young Professional
Since her days as student under Greenstein she has not only plied the skills she has learned with expert precision, but has also dished out a few lessons of her own. Those who have handed over their wallets to her after losing in a side game are all to aware of her skill level. In the mid nineties she started playing tournaments, and has impressed many. She often finishes near the top and has mad over $300,000 in 2005 alone.
Thithi is not only motivated by money though. She has strong family ties and supports not only her children here, but the family she has back in Viet Nam. Her professionalism at the table, and dedication to family speaks volumes about the sort of person she is.
Related links:
Two Hands for Mimi Tran
Barry Greenstein
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