New tricks

Most of my life I haven't enjoyed playing golf, playing cards, and hearing a doctor say "Turn your head & cough". I haven't liked golf & cards because I didn't know how to play or the rules of the game. The turn your head and cough deal...that is self explanitory.

A friend of mine has become an avid poker player. I have seen him & played Texas hold'em with him (although I'm sure he plays quite a few card games aside from Texas hold'em). Somehow a group of various friends began talking about cards & poker and it lead into a regular event at his house. He is an extremely gracious host and card dealer who keeps everyone on track (quite a few of us have the attention spans of a news reporter with ADD).

In the past I didn't like being in an environment where I didn't know what was going on but I know enough that playing cards with this group is fun. I am the least proficient card player with the least amount of experience but I have held my own. I use to think if I could play cards and knew enough I would do it just for the money but I don't even care about the money. I do it for the game. I do it for the challenge, luck of the draw, and the competition. I am starting to the see the difference between playing the game and playing the person. There is something curiously fascinating about being dealt a few cards and trying to put a hand together that beats other people & their cards. I am starting to understand the art of bluffing and betting. I'm not claiming to be a great player or having those aspirations. It's just nice to know enough that I don't feel like I hear "Turn your head and cough" when I loose money at the game.