I have played poker for over 40 years now and have to say I am decent at the game. My favorite is dealer’s choice with a table of friends, or seven card stud. About ten years ago the game of Texas Hold’em ruined poker for most of the other variations. Its popularity has most people thinking it’s the only game around now. I started off hosting poker tournaments every week in Hawaii, then when I moved to Arizona I started having one once every three months or so, with a rotating trophy. Joe Holcombe and Tom Elliott have continued the tradition, with Joe having one each year and Tom hosting one during the Kentucky Derby. Yesterday was at Joe’s and my luck was not with me.
In poker you want a bad hand that you know to fold, or a great hand you know that will win. The worst is to have the second best hand. I had pocket nines and hit a third nine on the flop. So, I think my set is a winner. My opponent paired up aces and stayed to the river, and we were all in. We turn over our cards and Skip, a great guy, says, you’ve got me. I no sooner rake the chips over than people at the table point out that he hit a flush on the river, unbeknownst to him or I. So, since board rules, I slide all those chips back. I had him covered, so I was still in, but weakened. I build back up my chips, once again get a set, and once again someone rivers a flush on me. Almost out again.
Now, I am nursing my chips, trying to find the right moment to double up. I have Q9 offsuit, but I limp in as the big blind. The flop hits, rainbow flop, with another Q and 9. Two pair, Q’s and 9’s, I push all in as my moment had arrived. Vicky Boone calls me. And…she hits her flush on the turn and river. I am gone. My best friend Scott and my fellow writer Andrew were also early casualties.
Still, three things made the day very enjoyable. First, Vicki was very happy to take me out of the tournament, as I had done the same to her before. You can’t help but enjoy someone being that happy. Second, the winner was a young kid named Robert, who sat with his face bright red and his hands quivering for the last thirty minutes because it meant so much to him. I was glad to see him win. Lastly, it was a great time. We probably had fifty or more people, thirty-one players, and lots of great food, cigars, and socializing. Thanks Joe for another great time!
Michael Bradley - Time Traveler 