Poker

I a not a good poker player. I have not played in many years since I was shortly out of graduate school. Part of my problem is that I am no good at the game, especially if playing with serious players. The other problem is that I do not like to lose money. It is not that I am tight. I just can't see the fun in the gambling. When Foxy and I go to Las Vegas or one of the Indian casinos, we generally give each other a set amount of money, like twenty dollars each, and when it is gone, which seems to happen quickly to me, we quit and just wander about watching others play. Frequently I say to Foxy, "I could just as easily take a twenty dollar bill and hand it to the first person I meet in the casino and be done with it."

Arthur belongs to a poker group which meets about once each month. He invited me to join in and play about three weeks ago. I decided to try, once again to put aside my misgivings and enjoy the evening. We each gave the banker twenty dollars and started to play. The other players kept this novice informed on the workings of each game and tried to help me along. About an hour before the evening was finished, my money was gone, and I watched the action for the rest of the evening.

Last night the poker group met again, and I decided to practice poker on line and see if I could learn some strategies that might improve not only my game but also my attitude. I practiced for several hours over several days in preparation. The evening arrived all too quickly. I bought my twenty dollars of chips, and the play began. My practice sessions seemed to be helping, and I actually won a hand or two as the evening progressed. In one game, called 7 - 27, some of the players work to get close to 7 and the others try to get close to 27. I actually ended up gettng the cards that allowed me to have both a 7 and a 27. That was quite fun. I was able to play the entire evening and ended up with some chips which I could cash in at the end for about eight dollars.

So my poker lessons have cost me thirty-two dollars total over the two nights. This was a small fee to be able to meet some very nice men, and I enjoyed both evenings thoroughly. I do not think that I will ever be much of a poker player, but my attitude has improved. Happy travels.