I guess poker stories aren't of much interest to anyone but another poker player, which is sad because every day at the tables is a story. Sometimes a fairy tale, sometimes a tragedy, each session is evaluated not only by the amount of winnings or losses, but also by time invested, missed opportunities and errors.
**Poker: the art of civilized bushwhacking.
The tight player folds after two cards are dealt unless they're strong. The loose player stays in the game until he has no possibility of winning. The tight player's bet makes the others take another look at their cards and he can sometimes bluff his way to a pot based on his reputation at the table.
**There are few things that are so unpardonably neglected in our country as poker. It is enough to make one ashamed of the species.
In most home games I've played, raising after a check is not permitted, but in a casino, the check raise is a bold move, advancing the pot or bringing the game to an end as the remaining players throw in their cards.
**The commonest mistake in history is underestimating your opponent; it happens at the poker table all the time.
Today's winnings were adequate, a hundred and twenty profit after tipping the dealer a buck a hand for every pot I won and five bones to the floor manager when I cashed out. One twenty divided by three hours equals forty an hour for time invested.
**If, after the first twenty minutes, you don't know who the sucker at the table is, it's you.
The errors will haunt me tonight. Playing a pair of aces to the end when a flush and straight possibility showed up on the board. Reckless play on tilt (while emotionally charged) cost me a stack of chips.
**Poker exemplifies the worst aspects of capitalism that have made our country so great.
I failed to bet a nut flush on the river (final card), thinking that I'd have an opportunity for a check raise. The last man standing decided he'd rather play the river card for free than press his luck.
**I don't produce a product. I don't entertain. But I provide a very real benefit to the economic well-being of society – the redistribution of wealth.
All things considered, it was a good day at the table.
