Poker Mirrors Life

Besides being fascinating, it is widely accepted that history should be studied in order to learn from the errors of others, thus enabling us to alter our actions in a positive manner.

Recently while traveling, I enjoyed a fabulous three days in St. Petersburg, Russia, the capital until the Bolsheviks (Communists) took over less than 100 years ago.

Check out the picture. It is part of the façade of Catherine's Palace, also known as the Summer Palace, because it was one of several palaces used by the czars during their reigns. Peasants spent a lifetime hand sewing and beading dresses that czarinas might have worn once. Elizabeth had 15,000 dresses – and common people were starving. And we wonder why there was a revolution!

Then, along came poker players. I know that it's a leap, but allow me. First, they just wanted a game, then they wanted nice facilities. That was followed by trained professional dealers, and then lower fees. Yes, the rake is far less today than it was in the old "snatch" games. Of course, free lunches were thrown in. Now, people complain if they have to pay rent (time) in advance. Nowhere else do people ever ask for free rent.

So, am I saying there is going to be a revolution in the poker-playing community? No, but we are seeing an evolution to fewer rooms and less tolerance for poker rooms from management.

Legitimate poker rooms will listen to complaints about service and quality, but we must let them make a reasonable profit or they will close their doors.

On that same trip, I finished my cruise in Stockholm. Many of us have known Chris Bjorin for years as being one of the finest people in poker, but virtually none of us know his family. Because his wife, Pia, is a major player in the Swedish diplomatic community, she doesn't have time to watch Chris play Omaha or handicap a soccer match.

My wife, Jan, and I were treated to a delightful day with the Bjorins, including a gourmet home-cooked Swedish dinner from Pia. It was the absolute nuts.