Cruising and Poker … It Doesn’t Get Any Better

Cruising: I have two main pastimes in my life — poker and cruising. How lucky am I to be able to combine the two? I am a partner in a company called Card Player Cruises, and we host poker cruises around the world. Right now, I’m writing this column from the comfort of my cabin aboard the amazing Oasis of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world. It’s so large that I have to go outside to see if it is moving. The Oasis of the Seas is a floating resort, with a rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink, miniature-golf course, carousel, zipline, Surfrider, disco, full casino, multiple pools and Jacuzzis, and a spa and fitness center. There are 24 eating establishments on the ship and lots of food in the poker room, so you won’t go hungry!

The entertainment on this ship is the best that I’ve experienced on any ship or at any resort anywhere. I saw Hairspray, featuring talent as good as or better than when I saw it on Broadway, a comedy show with two stand-up comedians, a jazz show, an ice show, a grand production show called Come Fly With Me, an improv show, and a headliner show that showcased Earl Turner. The Aqua Theater is the site of the Oasis of Dreams aqua show, featuring high-dive performances, synchronized swimming, gymnastics, and trampoline acts. Its fountain shows actually reminded me of the fountains at Bellagio.

Our poker room has 12 tables, with live games of $1-$3 and $2-$5 no-limit hold’em, $2-4, $4-$8, and $10-$20 limit hold’em, and a $15-$30 mixed game. We conducted five tournaments, with buy-ins in the $75-$230 range. A complimentary poker seminar was well-attended, as was the poker class for beginners. Card Player Cruises has a no-abuse policy that is strictly enforced, to ensure that our passengers have a good time. Please check out our website at www.cardplayercruises.com to read about our new itineraries, prices, and how you can earn a free cruise.

Poker Hall of Fame: I am honored to be among the 10 people nominated for the 2010 Poker Hall of Fame. When I began my poker career 30 years ago, I never could have imagined that my name would be alongside some of the biggest superstars in poker: Chris Ferguson, Barry Greenstein, Jennifer Harman, Dan Harrington, Phil Ivey, Tom McEvoy, Daniel Negreanu, Scotty Nguyen, and Erik Seidel. Congratulations to the other nominees and to the final inductees this year, and thanks so much to each of you who nominated me for this prestigious honor.

Tournament Ruling: I overheard a discussion recently about proper dealing procedures in the following tournament situation: Player A bets 2,500 and Player B says, “Raise,” and puts in 6,000 in chips. Should the dealer automatically pull in the 2,500 from each player and announce the amount of the raise? Some people thought that the dealer should not touch the chips until he is asked the amount of the raise. They felt that bringing in the chips helps to influence Player A’s decision, since he now has a visual of the situation. Others thought that the dealer should automatically bring in the chips that make up the call and then announce the raise amount, because it speeds up the game and makes the raise clear. What do you think?

Glutton Special: I recently saw an ad for an all-day pass for $34.99, good at seven buffets in town.

Twitter Report: I can’t believe that so many poker players have Twitter accounts. I finally succumbed to peer pressure a few months ago and now tweet under the name Firstladypoker. I still don’t get it, though … why does anyone care what I had for breakfast?

ESPN Coverage of the World Series of Poker Main Event: I’m glued to my television for two hours every Tuesday night, watching the WSOP main event. ESPN has done a great job of covering lots of hands while still bringing many personal stories to the viewers. Two of my favorites have been about the success of the Mizrachi brothers (all four cashed in the main event) and about Gary Kostuik, who developed a serious muscular disease and decided to live his bucket-list dream of playing in the main event. He was still in on day six, and appeared to be having the best time of his life. When he went all in with A-9 and got called by A-10, he seemed so sad as he said, “I don’t want to stop playing.” I’m sure that the rest of the viewing audience was as thrilled as I was when he caught a 9 to keep him in the tournament.

National Poker Month: Thanks to all of the cardrooms around the country that hosted fundraising tournaments during the month of September for Poker Gives. By the time this column appears, the money raised will have been distributed to four charities: Special Olympics Nevada, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Intrepid Fallen Heroes, and Step by Step Foundation. Thanks also to everyone who played and made donations. Poker Gives is a 501©(3) nonprofit organziation.

If you have any poker-related questions, please contact me at [email protected]. ♠

Linda is a partner in Card Player Cruises and teaches for WPT Boot Camp. She is available to host seminars and corporate functions, and can be reached through her website at www.cardplayercruises.com.