Poker for the ladies

Canada -- "You got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em."

Never a truer statement has been uttered by a country western star. If only I had the wits about me to heed those words last weekend.

Though it should be noted that the Texas Hold 'em tournament in question was the first time I had ever played poker in my life. Consequently, I didn't know when to fold 'em, or when to check or when to raise ... etc. Nor did I expect my opponents to be so hardcore.

The purpose of this showdown was to win a seat in B.C. Lottery Corporation's 3rd Annual Women's Poker Classic, which raises money for breast cancer research. I naively thought that because this game was for charity that the mood would be light. I was wrong.

While I'm sure most of my opponents were there in part to support a great cause, they were also there to kick some ass, starting with mine. Even after a private lesson courtesy of the ladies at Edgewater Casino, I stank and the she-sharks smelled it on me.

Along with inexperience, there was a big-time intimidation factor - courtesy of my opponents. For instance, several of them wore shades (thought they only did that on TV). One particular lady took her bluff-blocking look to a whole new militant level with wraparounds and a camouflage hat. This only added to the overall surreal feeling of playing a cutthroat card game on a sunny Saturday morning.


Meanwhile, another table mate took me under her wing, and told me in a whispered tone that I should put a chip on my cards, you know, as an extra precaution from possible sneaky peeks.

Then, on a break, another gambling gal (this one from the 'Wack) couldn't help but ask, "Um, why are you in this tournament?" Fair enough.

"The Cause," I replied in a self-righteous tone.

"Oh right, the cause," she said, still not sure what to make of a nerdy city slicker who doesn't know her full houses from her high straights.

So she offered the only piece of advice she could: "You should start watching poker on TV." Sounds fun, but I think I'm gonna pass.

Good luck, ladies!

WANNA BET?

- The finals will be held at Cascades Casino in Langley from February 21 to 24. This tournament offers $285,000 in winnings and will raise upwards of $46,000 for breast cancer research. To register, call 1-877-750-1501 or visit Cascades Casino. For more info, visit www.bclc.com.

News Added: 22 February, 2008

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