Author to share his passion for cards at book fest

Hold 'em is his game.
And depending on what poker Web site Richard Sparks is playing on, he's known as Rocketeer, Mastertone, AceAusage, Grellit or Tovjstf.

All his names took some thought and reasoning, except the last - created by his daughter running her fingers across the computer keyboard.

Although he is an avid poker player, Sparks, who is based in Los Angeles, considers himself a writer first. He has written comedy, plays, operas and TV series.

Sparks fused his two passions when he penned "Diary of a Mad Poker Player: A Journey to the World Series of Poker." He will talk about the book and the current worldwide fascination with poker at 5:15 p.m. Saturday on the Arts Center Stage at the Palm Springs Book Festival.

His story is not the typical poker strategy guide, although readers may learn a thing of two about the game.

"It's about the philosophy of poker and how it relates to the world around you. You can learn about other people and yourself, your strengths and weaknesses," Sparks said.

He notes his lack of patience as his personal weakness. As for the game itself, Sparks calls it one of skill, deception and luck.

"It's a brutal game. I don't know why I play it," he said.

In his next breath he explains why.

"It's fun, it's fascinating, it can be very expensive, but it can be very rewarding."

Poker is hotter than ever, but that wasn't always the case. Five years ago, Sparks said, casino poker rooms were closing.

"Now they can't open them fast enough," he said.

Sparks credits the influx of Internet poker and the glamour of televised hold 'em tournaments for the game's increased popularity.

Also, stories like that of Chris Moneymaker, the 2003 poker world champ, lend inspiration to amateur poker players everywhere. The Tennessee accountant, at the age of 27, turned his $39 entry-fee in an online tournament into a seat at the 2003 World Series of Poker. He walked away with $2.5 million.

For Sparks, the most money he's walked away with is $3,000. He's yet to win a big tournament.

"Losing is much more painful than winning is pleasurable," he said.

Although he plays poker online, sometimes up to six hours, Sparks prefers live poker.

"I tend to lose concentration and try things I wouldn't in a live game," he said. "You can call it creative playing if you're being polite, or stupid if you're being rude."

In live games he can analyze his opponents, watching for the subtle frown, smile or hint of agitation that gives him a notion of his opponents' cards.

"A good tell is when someone takes a deep breath and a sigh," he said.

Sparks' ears have been known to twitch when he bluffs.

He estimates he would last a couple hours playing with poker world champs, who would ultimately figure him out and take him out of the game.

"I stand the same chance at getting good cards as world champions or a novice. It's how you handle your luck and prepare. It's a game of situations really, not a game of cards," Sparks said. "Point being that your cards are only a small part of the puzzle. How you look at the rest of the puzzle determines how well you will do in a poker game."

Sparks has a sequel to "Diary of a Mad Poker Player," in the works. It will include more on the World Series of Poker, the institution of Gamblers Anonymous and the ugly side of poker.

Sparks and his wife, also a poker player, keep each other in check - making sure they remember it's a pastime and meant to be fun.

"If you don't go over your head, it can be very entertaining," he said. "But it's like any other potential addiction and there are poker casualties"

By Kelly O'Connor

News Added: 14 April, 2005

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