With 611 participants in the Ladies' Event at this year's WSOP, and with 3% of the 8,773 entrants into the Main Event being women, with another 20% of the spectators looking on being female, I figured it was time to write something about this phenomenon.

That was until I met up with Melissa Roller, of Bombshell Poker fame, through one of the magazines for which I write. That's when I decided after a little research, I should interview her.

When I called her to arrange to meet for an interview, she was very friendly and more than happy to meet me at a quiet coffee house she knew of where we could talk in privacy. After a little get-acquainted talk and halfway through my favorite blend coffee, we began the interview.

Matches Malone: How long have you been modeling, and how'd that lead to playing poker?
Melissa Roller: I've been modeling about 5 years now. I started to play poker for fun with family and friends and then I came across a girls of poker casting. I researched different companies and found Bombshell to be my favorite, so I submitted and they called me in.

MM: How long have you been playing?
MR: 2 years.

MM: Online or off, or both, and why?
MR: Both - I prefer live tourneys, because the intimidation factor can be played live.

MM: Do you play in any home games?
MR: Sometimes - but not on a regular basis.

MM: From my perspective with a woman at the table, guys turn into two types: Either they want to flirt with you, and go easy on you, with the false impression that you'll sleep with them later, OR, they don't want to admit they've been beaten by a girl. Either scenario sets you up for making poor decisions. What's been your experience?
MR: Hmm.... well I've had a few guys bail not wanting to see me leave the table. It's fine with me if they want to go easy, but I can hang with the big boys and I certainly won't give them a break. They may not want to admit to be beaten by a girl, but when I'm done with them, all their friends will be standing around watching as they walk away and I'm still standing!!!

MM: What if there's another woman at the table, won't your advantage be neutralized?
MR: Another woman doesn't matter. it may actually provide double the advantage!!!

MM: Has poker been an overall enjoyable experience, and has it led to any other opportunities?
MR: I love it. it's taught me a lot about reading people, and anticipating their moves.

MM: Do you have any goals at the poker table?
MR: To win in the 5 digit money mark!!

MM: What are your life's goals?
MR: Right now-to continue the launch of me and my best friend's clothing line -- Lolo & The Peach, to host my own show, to buy a house on the beach, to buy my dad a lake cottage, and give back as much as possible.

MM: Do you think you'll be playing the rest of your life?
MR: For sure!! It's a great game that won't die and I won't quit until I do!!

MM: Would you give up the game if a guy asked you to?
MR: I won't do anything for a guy!!!

MM: Where can we see you???
MR: www.Bombshellpoker.com/thepeach, www.soakmag.com/melissaroller, www.melissaroller.com, www.myspace.com/melissaroller

MM: Where have we seen you???
MR: A bikini shoot for playboy.com, Lingerie Bowl 06, Blitz magazine 8-06, Ezine mag 7/8-06, Transworld Skateboarding 1-06, SOAK Mag 10-06, Grind TV, and in a supporting role in the upcoming film "Braindead."

MM: What do you feel is your greatest advantage at the table??
MR: When I play for Bombshell we wear really short skirts with sexy wife beaters and fishnets. People usually can't help but to look -- it helps us throw off their focus. My favorite is when someone thinks we are just dumb models. We love to take these types for a ride. It's the Marilyn Monroe strategy!!

MM: Are you going to be playing at Hot Import Nights on the 19th at the Los Angeles Convention Center for Bombshell Poker?
MR: I'm scheduled to play.

MM: How good a player were you before you started playing for Bombshell, and has the additional exposure helped your game?
MR: I was a novice- bombshell has groomed me into a smart calculated player.

MM: Have you developed a specific playing style?
MR: I have a style all my own based on playing smart and women's intuition.

MM: If you had to put a label to your playing style, what would it be?
MR: I guess you could say tight aggressive.

MM: What players on the circuit do you follow, if any?
MR: I like to check out Jennifer Harman and Annie Duke.

MM: Do you attempt to match their style?
MR: I really don't. Right now -- I just play smart and to win!!

MM: Any final words you have for our readers?
MR: The words I live by: The harder you work, the luckier you get, and Keep the Faith.

So, there you have it. Is she a model that plays poker, or a poker player that models? From the above, I'd say she's both. And she has goals like any other poker player, be they male or female. I will hopefully have the pleasure of seeing her at the event she mentions. And if she manages to bluff me out of a big pot, I'll make sure that you never hear about it. Oh, and guys, she's single. But you might want to brush up on your poker skills before you ask her out.

72 and sunny in Redondo Beach.

Next time, we’ll talk about poker. Be there. Aloha.

Mike "Matches" Malone

Editor's note: Matches Malone has been writing for us for a couple years now, and you can read his blog notes at @ PokerAllStar.com