(Distributed May 9, 2006)
TEEN LOSES A BIG HAND, GIVES UP POKER (FOR 6 WEEKS)
Not everyone can handle the ups and downs of playing poker, which appears to be the case with John, who’ll be a high school senior this fall.
* “Hey LuckyDog, my friends and I used to have fun playing in a little home game — with my parents’ approval — until about six weeks ago. That’s when I lost with a big hand and got so frustrated that I haven’t played since. What do you think?” (END ITAL)
Well, John, the short answer is that you did the right thing by quitting. Even if you’re just playing for fun, when the game fries your brain like that, it’s best to stop playing. Which goes for players of all ages, actually.
You shouldn’t do anything (except homework and house chores, John!) that puts you on tilt. Money wasn’t a major issue, but there’s a chance your reaction to losing could strain relations with friends.
Yes, your “cinch hand” should have won easily, and your buddy was a knucklehead to stay in for that miracle card, but that’s poker. The best starting cards don’t always win.
That said, there are lots of parents who let their teenagers have a little Saturday night poker game on the kitchen table. They think that’s better than worrying while they’re out in a car.
* From Ashley: “Say LuckyDog, I don’t play poker but I still read and enjoy your column. Sometimes I get lost because I don’t understand all of the poker terms. What can I do?”
Keep reading, Ashley, and be patient. Poker does, indeed, have its own lingo. I like to explain some of those poker terms as they come up during a column, and sometimes I include a glossary at the end. It takes time and repetition to learn the language of poker.
Watching on TV will help, but remember: Those tournaments bear faint resemblance to a typical nickle-and-dime house game. Pay attention, though, to the narrators and on-screen descriptions to pick up helpful details.
And, don’t forget that Ol’ LuckyDog will answer your questions, too!
* Nick wants to know: “Does it matter how you dress for a poker game? Years ago on Halloween night, many players went to the local card room in costume. I went in drag and opened my blouse to its best advantage. I am overweight so the exposure fit well with my other attributes, which included shaved legs and armpits. Soon the chips started piling up in front of me. WHOOEE!!! Is there an unfair advantage in how one is dressed?”
Well, Nick, in this case I’d say yes, because the other players probably were laughing so hard they completely forgot to concentrate on their cards — and that’s how you were able to take all of their chips!
Many players dress “up” or “down” to play poker. Some always wear a hat. Or jeans. Most important is that you dress comfortably if you’ll be playing for several hours. Ditch the neckties and tight skirts. If you’re headed for a game straight from the office, at least change into comfy shoes.
Another tip: Carry a light jacket, even in summer. Many card rooms crank the air conditioning to frigid levels. It’s difficult to play well when you’re shivering and your teeth are chattering.
You mentioned, uh, cleavage. Perhaps you saw the World Poker Tour event on television two weeks ago at the Bellagio where J.J. Liu of California became the first woman to reach a WPT final table as the chip leader. Her stunning green-and-cream print dress was daringly wide open in front. Bling around her neck, a fancy hat and big green fake eyeball sunglasses completed the ensemble.
Did the outfit give her an unfair advantage against her five male competitors? I’d say no, although they probably were distracted. Solid, aggressive play was her advantage. She didn’t seem intimidated by the likes of living legend Doyle Brunson and former WPT champ Phil “Unabomber” Laak.
Her fourth-place finish was worth $362,000. After busting out, she said, “Those guys are very tough players, but I still will continue to try to beat those boys.”
I thought sure she was going to add: “One way or another.”
E-mail your poker questions and comments to russ@luckydogpoker.com for use in future columns. To find out more about Russ Scott and read previous LuckyDog Poker columns, visit www.creators.com.
COPYRIGHT 2006 RUSS SCOTT
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