Oklahoma Hotties May 2014

About eight years ago, Jan Fisher and I were hired to present a poker seminar at a casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The phone rang a few days before we were due to go to Oklahoma and Karen Fisher was on the line. I had met Karen at a ladies tournament in Oceanside, California. Karen is part of a wonderful group of women who call themselves the Oklahoma Hotties. At the time, there were about 20 members of the group and their common interest is their love for poker.

Karen explained that the Hotties weren’t going to be able to attend our seminar because it was on a day that conflicted with their home league. Apparently they get together once or twice a month and play at one of the member’s home. They play for prizes like an entry into the WSOP main event, poker entries into ladies events, poker cruises, etc. Karen asked what we would charge to come to her home and give the Hotties a private seminar. Since we were going to be in the area anyway and since we love teaching women (and men) how to improve their poker games, I blurted out, “Can your group cook?” She replied, “You’d better believe it!” It was the first time we agreed to do a seminar in exchange for a home-cooked meal.

When we arrived at Karen’s home, we could smell a fabulous aroma before going inside. Each of the Hotties had baked or cooked their “best dish.” We had a meal fit for royalty… fried chicken, chicken and dumplings, fried catfish, chicken and noodles, cornbread, Southern style green beans, homemade bisquits, potatoes and gravy, pecan pie, mud pie, etc. We became good friends that day!

Over the years, we have done many seminars for this amazing group. The membership has expanded and most members of the group play very good poker. They have had deep cashes in the main event and the ladies event at the WSOP. They have won lots of regional tournaments. Along the way, we went from being their poker mentors to being their friends. They are like family to us and we look forward to spending time with them.

Twice a year, we go to Branson for a few days with 8-10 members of the group. There, we shop, cook, eat, play poker, and go to shows. We love hanging out with each other. We just had another great Branson trip and then drove to West Siloam Springs together to play poker at the Cherokee Casino. As I am writing this, they are almost to the final table of the $230 no-limit event and four Hotties are still in the hunt for the trophy. I’m so proud of this group!

This is my first trip to the Cherokee Casino in Siloam Spings. The poker room is spacious and comfortable, and the players and staff will make you feel at home. I will be presenting an Omaha/8 seminar at 11:30am on May 17 followed by a $230 Omaha/8 tournament at 1pm. Jan Fisher and I will present a no-limit hold’em seminar at 11am on May 18. Everyone is invited. We will be hosting a $100 ladies no-limit event after the seminar on the May 18. Please stop by and say hello!

Linda Johnson
Card Player Cruises