Cash Game

I finally played a cash game again last night. It was a nice, relaxing, friendly .25/.50 game--with the exception of one of the guys that claims to be a strictly by the book kinda guy (he can throw around odds and outs like Rainman), and he gets upset when other people are in the hand and they don't play his way. He kept making comments about one of the women playing, who is relatively new to the game, but whose boyfriend has been playing with us for years. I felt bad for the boyfriend--but I guess he could have defended his girlfriend. I just try to block all his ranting out.

I did pretty good, I only played about 4 hands, and won $20. Until...the very last hand. One of the guys went all in blind, and everyone folded. I looked at my cards and had AQclubs. I thought about it for a second, and decided to gamble, so I went all in also! He still hadn't looked at his cards, so we didn't flip our cards over til the river was dealt. Son of a gun! He flips his cards over and on the river, he paired his 4--therefore, he took my $40!

I'm still not sure if that was a wise gamble or not. We were playing .50 blinds, so to win $20 is pretty good....but with the cards that I had, I was thinking I had a good shot at winning.

Oh, well.....that is why it's called gambling!

A Woman Makes Poker History!

Congralutation to JJ Liu for becoming the first woman to ever reach 2nd place at a World Poker Tour buy-in event!

I can't wait to see this episode! She was heads-up with Ted Forrest. The complete hand replay can be found at the World Poker Tour site.

Having been fortunate enough to see her play live last August in Los Angeles, and to have dinner afterwards, I am very excited for her! This photo is taken after she wins the Ladies of The Night WPT event. She is an excellent poker who plays with grace, humor and a sense of calm determination. How can anyone not love watching her play???

Woooooohooooo! If It's True!

It looks like the politicians in Texas may not be as crazy as in some other parts of the USA. This bill to legalize poker in Texan bars is gaining support in the lone star state.State Rep. Jose Menendez from San Antonio has introduced a bill that would regulate poker and allow up to four poker tables in certain bars or establishments.“This legislation could raise over a billion dollars over the next biennium for state coffers while bringing the game out of legal limbo and into the light,” said Mike Lavigne, treasurer of the Texas Poker PAC.“Texas would finally be able to benefit from rise of Texas Hold’em”

Charity poker tournaments would also be legal. Supporters say it would raise moneys for state programs.

“Charitable poker means more Texans win,” said Lavigne. “Texas charities are losing out on millions of dollars due to the antiquated laws governing the game.”Despite recent federal attempts to eliminate online poker, the game continues to grow in popularity worldwide. As poker related television programming continues to spread in popularity, so do the many new tournaments that attract tourists and visitors. States like California and Connecticut have long been reaping the benefits of the poker boom.

Highlights of the bill:

4 live and/or electronic, raked tables allowed in each establishment that meets requirements
Lottery Commission decides how many tables are allowed in each racetrack
Charitable poker enabled
Mandatory dealer training and licensing (inexpensive)
Licensing for distributors of commercial poker equipment
Money raised will be dedicated to necessary state services
Criminal penalties for dishonest operators
Raises over a billion dollars for state services

Los Angeles Cast of Characters

I know, I know...I'm running behind....so...in case James, Anthony and Mike read this, I just want to let you know that I haven't forgotten...and I certainly plan on writing little blurbs about you, and our table experience.

Oh, I miss playing poker whenever I want! How I would have loved to have driven to a casino today!