San Manuel to host Duke poker tourney

HIGHLAND - From the low-stakes poker rooms of Montana to the high-stakes world of Las Vegas, Annie Duke has ascended the ranks of professional poker to become one of the best players in the world.

This former Ivy Leaguer, who studied psychology and English at Columbia University and pursued a doctorate in cognitive psychology from the University of Pennsylvania before embarking on a career as a card shark, is noted for her ability to read players as well as the cards.

"I tend to think women are better readers than men anyway. It's a game of smarts, not physicality," said Duke, sitting in the Tukut Lounge at San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino on Tuesday. The casino was graced with the poker maestra's presence in support of the upcoming Annie Duke $100,000 Hold 'Em Poker Tournament at the casino on Oct. 25.

Qualifying for the tournament begins on Sept. 24 at the casino. Players must have a valid Club Serrano Card before registering for the event.

Duke is lending her name, face and presence for the tournament and will appear on billboards and in newspaper ads, mailers and on the casino's Web site throughout the next month to promote the tournament, said Jill Philbrook, director of marketing for the casino.

On the day of the tournament, Duke will greet players and serve as master of ceremonies.

"I'm so excited," Duke said of her role in the tournament. "I'm very happy to have my name associated with (San Manuel)."

The Concord, N.H., native credited her brother, professional poker player Howard Lederer, as the driving force behind her career. In 1994, he suggested she try her hand at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. She wound up placing 13th in the tournament and knocked her brother out of play.

In her first month of playing competitively, Duke won $70,000. Her winning streak and obvious aptitude for poker was enough for her and hubby Ben to pack up and move to Las Vegas so she could pursue poker professionally.

It turned out to the best move of Duke's life.

Since then, the highlights of her career have been winning the World Series of Poker bracelet in Omaha in 2004 and later that year $2 million in the No-Limit Texas Hold'em winner-take-all, invitation-only WSOP Tournament of Champions.

Duke now serves as a consultant for the online poker site UltimateBet.com.

For those aspiring to the world of professional poker, Duke recommends devouring as much information on the game as possible, and to just practice. She said there's a wealth of books and Internet resources available.

Most importantly, though, Duke recommends playing within your means. Don't go broke.

"It's one of the funnest recreational past times there is, as long as you stay witin your means," she said.

News Added: 19 September, 2007

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