On Thursday night we had the opportunity to pick her brain on the 2009 WSOP, her dream matchups at the final tables, her future and some golden jewelry.

Let’s get into it:

CarbonPoker: Thanks for sitting down with us, we know it’s a busy month.

Clonie Gowen: Any time, guys.

CP: Now that the WSOP is finally here, what events are you going to be playing in?

Clonie: I don’t have a plan. If I feel like playing, I will play that day. I will mostly focus on cash and play about 15 events.

CP: Do you have any favorite players to play against? Is there a dream matchup for a final table?

Clonie: Obviously me! Kristy Gazes, Robert Williamson, Michael Binger, Lee Markholt, David Williams, Antonio Estanfadari. MANY more. Way too many to name them all.

CP: Lots of friends – is there a place for friendship at the table?

Clonie: It is a game. So when you’re playing with friends, they understand the game. So yes, you can have friends – you just want to take their money. That’s all. If we were playing basketball, I would want to get the ball and score. It’s the same with poker.

CP: Very diplomatic answer. I see you’ve done this before.

Clonie: Once or twice. ☺

CP: Do you still find much time to play poker online?

Clonie: LOL. Not anymore…

CP: After all of this controversy, what’s next for Clonie Gowen in the poker world?

Clonie: Who knows? It isn’t over yet. I am just trying to stay focused and move forward in life.

CP: Everybody knows that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but is this the year for a gold bracelet?

Clonie: My goal is to do the best I can every time I sit down at the table. If I win a bracelet, that is just icing on the cake. But it isn’t the bracelet that’s important to me. I don’t need a trophy to know my ability at the poker table. Having my bank account fat – that’s worth a lot more than a bracelet.

CP: Good luck in Vegas.

Clonie: Thanks! And good luck to you all at CarbonPoker.