Jerry Young, better known on Phenom as KCG, is one of those players whose love for poker runs deep. A true veteran of the game, Jerry has been playing cards since he was a kid, learning the ropes at his grandparents’ table and never looking back. These days, he’s best known for his passion for mixed games, where creativity, adaptability, and feel matter just as much as raw math. If there’s a new variant running, chances are Jerry is already in the game figuring it out.

Based in Kansas City, Missouri (yes, there’s a difference), Jerry wears a lot of hats. He’s a dealer, a writer, a lifelong card guy, and someone who genuinely loves the people and stories that come with poker. Live poker is his first love, fueled by characters, conversation, and the shared experience that only a table full of cards can bring. On Phenom, he was drawn in by the deep mixed-game offerings and the constant evolution of new formats.

Jerry brings a sharp mind, a big personality, and decades of perspective to every table he sits at. Whether he’s battling in triple draw, splashing around in something obscure, or just talking poker philosophy, he’s a reminder that poker is supposed to be fun, social, and a little bit wild.

Jerry “KCG” Young

Name: Jerry Young

Screen name: KCG

What do you specialize in: I play everything so I'd say mixed games. Will take ya on in open face Chinese poker as well.

Occupation: Dealer. Writer.

City residing in: Kansas City, Missouri (not Kansas, and yes theres a difference)

Tell us about your Family: My son just turned 21 years old a month ago. This is after I turned 50 a month prior, and his Grandma (my mother) turned 75 a month before me. All monumental birthdays in the same year. As far as significant other, I have a beautiful and feisty lady I have been with for 8 years and I have a step daughter who is going to make me a Grandpappy in February. My own family is loving and loud, and adding my girls family who are Italian and Hispanic brought me more love and they are even louder. Family is everything and I love them all.

Pets: None in the house but there is a little lizard who lives outside the house I say hello to.

How long have you been playing poker: Since I was 8 around my Grandparents table for nickles and dimes. My Grandpa hated me playing with all of the adults, but Grandma shut him down and let me in. While the other kids were playing kids stuff on holidays, I was with the adults crushing them for 3 or 4 dollars.

What drew you to poker: Probably just because the adults were doing it. I was always drawn to older things even though I did PLENTY of kid stuff. Something about the cards just called me.

Favorite poker game: I always say 2-7 Triple Draw but I love them all. The one I'm really into at the moment is Archie 66 (obviously a variant of Triple Draw).

Favorite starting hand: 6-7 of spades and it was my favorite wayyyyy before this stupid kid thing thats caught on. Thinking about changing it because of that. 6-8 is also a favorite. I call it Marta and Im going to make that name go world wide. Ask me the story and Ill tell ya.

Live or online: Definitely live because I love the people and characters. Ive probably played with someone from every country and Ive done it live. Its my absolute favorite thing about poker.

Favorite poker room: Whichever one Im winning in, so none of them. j/k

Poker Pro you admire most: I would say Ivey because of success, but Phil Laak is my favorite. He has so much fun and zest for life, so to me thats something more to admire than the success. Id do anything to hang out with him for just one day.

Biggest poker win: Probably an HPT Main Event that I just missed the TV table in. Although Ive played for over 20 years, I havent played a ton of huge tourneys as far as buy in price. Ive played a few WSOP events and although I didnt do well, the experience is always the best out there. I have a family and most of my winnings go to other things.

Best poker experience: In the mid 2000's I wrote for a poker magazine named American Poker Player based out of Las Vegas. (It is now defunct and didnt last long) I had an assigntment to write an article from a fans point of view at the World Series. While out there, I got to attend two private parties. One was a movie release for the documentary No Limit and it was held on top of the Palms. All these millionaires and rich people and my friend and I were the best dressed. Go figure. Then after we got to go to a private party for Full Tilt, the online site. Every big name pro was there and even movie stars. I ran into Mekhi Phifer from 8miie. It was cool.

Poker pet peeve: Players who tank after someone else tanked. You had plenty of time to be ready. I despise you.

If you could sit down with any 5 people to play poker with, who would you pick: Phil Laak obviously, Ivey, Goerge Carlin, Mike McDermott, and my Grandma.

Phenom Nemesis (all in fun): Benpro (Can never outdraw his crap 10s and 9s in triple draw and when I say never, like never).

What brought you to Phenom: All of the mixed games. I love them all and when a new one is created, I jump right in to learn. Phenom offers more than anyone so Im there!

Hobbies outside of poker: Basketball and music mostly.

Favorite sports teams: The dynasty known as the Kansas City Chiefs. Enjoy our down year. We will be back and under your skin.

Favorite types of music and bands to listen to: I am a hip hop junkie and have been since 1984. I own over 1000 hip hop albums and love it. I finally visited the birthplace of hip hop two years ago.

Favorite TV show: Breaking Bad is the GOAT. As far as comedy, Shrinking is the best show Ive watched in the last decade.

Favorite meal: Fried chicken and gravy from my Grandma (RIP). I settle for the same meal at a place called Strouds here in KC.

What are you usually doing when playing online: Watching sports talk during the day, or catching up on TV shows at night.

Any final words: If you only play hold em then you are a hold em player, not a poker player. The mixed games are so much fun. Live a little and get in these mixed game streets. Phenom has them all. Ill see ya there!

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