Poker Odds and Ends

Amazing … Our poker world makes me laugh sometimes. I was amused to hear the following announcement made repeatedly to the spectators during the recent World Series of Poker: "Please do not bother the poker players while they are playing poker. They will be happy to sign autographs and pose for pictures during their breaks."



Razzmatazz … At the World Series of Poker, I overheard one spectator ask another, "What exactly is razz?" The seasoned spectator replied, "Think of it like seven-card stud, only upside down."



Seniors Event … This one was overheard in the ladies room during the World Series of Poker: "I really want to play in the seniors event, but I don't want anyone to know that I am old enough to qualify."



Another player joked about the seniors event: "Do you suppose they get a nap break every few hours?"



Emergency … The "powers that be" were faced with a lot of difficult logistical challenges during the World Series of Poker. They were very creative in finding a partial solution to the long lines at the men's restroom during tournament breaks; they decided to convert the women's restroom that was closest to the tournament hall into a second men's restroom, and asked the women to use the restroom at the far end of the hall. I wonder if the men's restroom doubled as a second women's restroom during the ladies event?



Poker is Catching on Big-Time … The New York Times recently debuted a weekly poker column written by James McManus. The column, titled "Poker," will be featured weekly in the sports section of the Times. According to the newspaper, the column will "cover the world of poker, including its lore, lingo, home games, games held online, and major tournaments." You may already be familiar with Jim's writing; his best-selling book Positively Fifth Street chronicles his writing assignment for Harper's Magazine that led him to enter the championship event at the 2000 World Series of Poker and make the final table for a prize-money win of more than $250,000. Congratulations, Jim!



Lemons to Lemonade … I recently was scheduled to speak at a poker conference in Toronto that was cancelled at the last minute and postponed for a few months. Since the conference promoter had already bought me a nonrefundable airplane ticket, and since I had never been to Toronto, I decided to go and visit some friends in the area and see the local attractions. My Canadian friends quickly organized a poker seminar, followed by a poker tournament to benefit the local food bank. The generous group of players donated several thousand dollars to the charity, and a good time was had by all.



The following day, Don and Eva Bent drove us to Niagara Falls, New York, to visit with Mike Gainey, director of poker operations for Seneca Gaming and Entertainment. The casino is very impressive, and the poker room was in full swing with all tables occupied. A luxurious hotel is being constructed on the property, and will be finished in time for their big poker tournament in January. The entire poker management staff joined us for a gourmet meal in the steakhouse. They are very enthusiastic about poker and were excellent hosts. Thanks for the wonderful evening!



No Free Lunch … The Ferrari dealership at Wynn Las Vegas has started charging a $10 entrance fee, but it doesn't seem to have stopped the throngs of people from waiting in line to enter and gawk at the cars. I must be missing something here, because I just don't get it.



Thriving Las Vegas … An all-time monthly record was recently set as 3.9 million visitors came to Las Vegas in March. No wonder it's been tough getting into a poker game lately.



Come Visit … Speaking of visitors, you are invited to browse my new personal website at www.Lindapoker.com. Your input is welcome.



Now, let's play poker.

Linda is available to host poker events, corporate functions, and seminars. You can contact her through her business website at www.cardplayercruises.com.