Remember As You Play....

So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. - I Peter 2:1 (NLT)

We heard a preacher read this verse on radio the other day, and immediately thought it had "poker night" all over it.

Can you understand why? Those traits can come up easily at a cash game or a tournament.

The first one is a big one: deceit. Many would say that's a key part of the game. You deceive your opponent into thinking you have a big hand, when you're bluffing with little - and vice versa.

The Contemporary English Version translates it this way: "Quit trying to fool people." And the Bible says that's something Jesus never did:

He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. - I Peter 2:22 (NLT)

So how did a New Testament apostle get away with it? The same Greek root word appears here....

But be it so, I did not burden you; nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile. - II Corinthians 12:16 (KJV, emphasis added)

Is the apostle Paul admitting a sin here? A few Bible translations indicate he didn't - that he was presenting contentions other people made about his ministry. One Bible commentary says there's actually a sarcastic tone to this verse, in a comparison to other ministers:

But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve. - II Corinthians 11:14-15 (NLT)

Those "servants" are called "false apostles" in verse 13.

Our words can deceive. Even a big bet at a key moment can do it. Can you keep that deceitful approach to the poker table? And can you find a way to strain it out of how you play - even if others around you do it?

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves; be you therefore wise as servants, and harmless as doves. - Matthew 10:16 (KJV)

We'll be honest: that warning about deceit in I Peter is a challenge to us as well. Have you found a way to avoid that while playing poker? Your comments are welcome - because we could use some help, too.

Poker Night 548: When Push Comes to Shove

We have some serious soul-searching to do, after tonight's poker tournament at Jack Casino. We'll explain why, after we review a hand that turned our night around....

BLINDS: 200/400

IN THE POCKET: A-5 offsuit

We've won a few modest pots. We've lost a few as well, so we sit at around 10,100 chips - below our starting allocation of 15,000 chips. This hand is worth playing, but carefully. We get in small, and no one raises. As we recall, three players are in at a small table of six.

ON THE FLOP: Ah-2h-3d

We make top pair, and have a straight draw to boot. But the heavy-set man sitting to our left wants to be the aggressor. He bets 800. Given what we have, we certainly call. Now we're heads-up.

ON THE TURN: Qc

That missed for us. Maybe our opponent senses that, because he raises the stakes to 1,600. We suspect he has an Ace - but does he have a better kicker? We still have top pair, so we call with it.

ON THE RIVER: Kh

Another high card only complicates things further. Our opponent doesn't back down, betting another 1,600. We have 7,500 left, and have invested a lot of chips in this pot. We fear he has us out-kicked. So we sense there's only one thing left to do.

"I'm all-in," we say. Consider the fact that the bets have been modest, with no increase on the river. That leads us to think our opponent is not all that comfortable with his cards. Are we right?

"I was afraid you'd hit that flush," he says - and folds! Flush?!?! Oh yeah. Now we notice three hearts are showing. But we didn't have any hearts. Only, well, a "brave-heart" bluff that takes a big pot.

Some big winning cards came after that - including A-10 which turned into three of a kind, and unshown pocket Kings for a Big Blind special win. We cautiously reached the final table with 22,600 chips.

But now comes the soul-searching part. With nine players left, we limped in with A-Q. A man pushed, we called him - and he had A-J!

"I don't feel very good about this, sir," he said.

"I'm sorry," we answered....

ON THE FLOP: J-x-x (don't remember the other cards)

...."But I think you feel better about it now!" Our opponent leads. The table is entranced, as the dealer moves on....

ON THE TURN: Q

But now we lead! And we have a Jack flashback. "Two times ago when I was here [really three], this sort of thing happened...."

ON THE RIVER: J

".... and it just happened AGAIN!!" we exclaim. Another amazing case of the lead changing three times in five cards - with the opponent making a "two-outer" for three of a kind!

The opponent had a few more chips than we did. So we left the poker room mumbling to ourselves. At least we reached the final table again, but a ninth-place finish left us disappointed.

MINISTRY MOMENT: A frustrating loss for another player as the final table approached led him to mutter, "Jesus Christ."

"King of Kings and Lord of Lords," we said in response.

The man said nothing about our reaction. But it comes from a big event that may not be very far away....

I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. - Revelation 19:11

This is a vision about a coming conquering King. Can you guess the identity? Keep reading for more clues....

He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. - Revelation 19:13

The apostle John wrote these words - and he also wrote that "the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning" (John 1:1-2). That Word/God "became flesh" (verse 14), leading to the obvious conclusion that it refers to Jesus Christ. But back to that vision....

On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: King of Kings and Lord of Lords. - Revelation 19:16

Read the entire chapter to learn about the real "war to end all wars." A sword is prophesied to come out of the rider's mouth to "strike down the nations" (verses 15, 21). A time of judgment for all people will follow that (Revelation 20:12). We think it will be far better to be on the right side of Biblical history....

Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection.... they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years. - Revelation 20:6

Only three players won money at the poker tournament tonight. Many more can be part of the first resurrection, to join Jesus as He returns to Earth. Will you accept Him as your Savior, to help make that victory possible?

UPDATED POKER SCOREBOARD: 202 final tables in 548 games (36.9%) - 41 cashes.

Who's Afraid of the Big Banned Bluff?

It's one thing for towns, states or countries to ban poker games. It's another for a specific ad promoting poker to be banned.... and not because it's X-rated.

Courtesy Casino.org

Yet that's happened in Britain to a TV commercial for PokerStars (where we've played for years for free). It shows a man going all-in and winning a pot with 8-3. Britain has a government branch which monitors advertising, and it ruled the ad "could lead to financial harm."

The Advertising Authority explained some viewers (apparently poker newbies) might conclude all you have to do to win in poker is outbluff everybody else. A statement from PokerStars contended bluffing is a regular part of poker, and "not a reckless act in itself."

After thinking it over, we've concluded an absurd example (this ad) is being taken to an absurd extreme (this ban). What should PokerStars show instead? Pocket Aces? They get cracked online on a regular basis. A big winner wheeling around town in a Ferrari? That's equally as unlikely to happen as an 8-3 push.

 Of course, people should use wisdom when they play poker - especially if they dare to risk losing money in it. That's true away from the poker table as well....

Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be as wise as serpents and harmless as doves. - Matthew 10:16 (NKJV)

The people at a poker table may seem as friendly as can be. But in a cash game, make no mistake - they're hungry wolves seeking a profit. And in a tournament, it's safe to assume most of them are playing to win. So whether you bet, bluff or fold, careful play matters. And away from the table....

So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. - Ephesians 5:15 (NLT)

That means not taking absurd poker commercials too literally. But it also can mean not being played as a fool by others who might go bluffing all-in themselves, hoping to scare you out of a good hand. Learning the balance takes time and experience - in poker and in life.

Let's open this up for your comments. If this PokerStars ad is out of bounds, have you seen other poker commercials that were even more misleading?

Poker Day 516: Beginner's Luck?

Newcomers in a poker room tend to give themselves away. They ask questions when their turn comes, or puzzle over how to match someone's bet. That could make them easy marks for veterans. Unless.... well, check what happened today at Kansas Star Casino:

BLINDS: 25/25

IN THE POCKET: A-A

That's a nice sight to see in the early minutes of a tournament. We've only lost 25 of our original 3,500 chips. Sitting early in the order at a table of eight, we limp in and hope for pre-flop raises. As usual for us, there are none. About five players are in.

ON THE FLOP: 10-9-7

Two diamonds are showing, so that's a caution flag for us. Players to our right offer 50. They're nibbling. We want a big bite.

"That's not enough," we say - and we raise to 350. Several players take the hint and fold. But a young man who acts like a "newby" calls. We're heads-up.

ON THE TURN: 10

The board pairs, which makes us a bit more uneasy - especially when our opponent bets 200. We suspect he has a 9 for two pair. But our two pair are better, and we want to make sure he knows that.

"400," we say. He calls our raise. Hmmm.

ON THE RIVER: 10

Gulp - a third 10. We now have the best full house. But the newcomer now bets 500. Did the longshot come through for him? We decide not to risk a raise.

"If he has quads, he's got me," we say (stating the obvious). "But I'll call."

Our opponent then turns over.... Q-J! He missed his straight draw, and tried to bluff us away. Our full house means a gain to 4,975.

"Good play," a woman at the table says.

"Be careful - don't inflate his ego," a man in between us jokes. We smile, and offer the opportunity for players to pat our back. No one does.

The newcomer was the first to go bust at our table, while we almost doubled our chip stack to 6,950 at the first break. But then came some explosive hands where several players bet big and topped our A-J and similar hands. We were happy to make it to the second break with 3,600, with 17 players left.

We made six all-in bets from the second hour on. Only one was called - and that was the problem. We forced our way in with Q-10 of clubs and rising blinds. A man to our left called with A-4, and caught an Ace on the flop. While it was another good tournament day, this time we missed the final table by placing 12th out of 50 players.

MINISTRY MOMENT: "For a moment, I thought you had the world's largest orange chip." A man to our right was commenting on one of our new card protectors - a small tape measure we picked up for attending a college soccer match in Oklahoma.

"I brought it to remind me of something," we said as we extended the tape a bit. "Narrow is the way that leads to life, and few people find it. But wide is the way that leads to destruction."

The man knew right away what we meant. We didn't write down his exact response, but it was along the lines of this verse....

Open for me the gates of the righteous; I will enter and give thanks to the Lord. - Psalm 118:19 (2011 NIV)

Thanksgiving Day may be over in the U.S., but we're not sure there's ever a wrong time to give thanks to God for His blessings. And the righteousness described there should not be something we create:

But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known.... This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference.... - Romans 3:21-22

Our righteousness is worthless (Isaiah 64:6). God's righteousness, through faith in Jesus, is priceless.

But let's back up a second. Did our statement about the tape measure seem familiar? It should....

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. - Matthew 7:13-14

These are words of Jesus Christ. What do you think He meant by them? Offer a comment with your thoughts, and we'll compare notes in an upcoming post.

UPDATED POKER SCOREBOARD: 188 final tables in 516 games (36.4%) - 38 cashes. Experiment cost: up $100.

The Tell Overture

If you can figure out when your opponent is bluffing, you're far more likely to succeed at a poker table. But we never imagined there are so many ways to do it.

One man is making a living by telling about "tells." He has at least 16 videos, along with books about things to spot that could tip off a player's hand. For instance: if a player waits for you to act, it usually "will indicate nervousness and hence weak hands."

Maybe so - but here's our question about this. Do videos revealing potential tells actually make some players more likely to include those "tells" as part of their bluffing strategy? The game becomes more than simply a reaction to your cards - it becomes how well you sell that reaction.

Perhaps this is why some professional actors like Don Cheadle have done well in tournaments. They know all about "Hollywooding", as it's called in poker. Some of us call it an acting job. And it's been used to fool people for a long time:

David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of Achish king of Gath. So he pretended to be insane in their presence; and while he was in their hands he acted like a madman, making marks on the doors of the gate and letting saliva run down his beard. - I Samuel 21:12-13

This occurred before David became the Bible's "King David." He was on the run from the then-ruling King Saul (verse 10), who wanted him dead (chapter 19). David apparently was concerned about King Achish as well, so he did some "Hollywooding" to avoid staying long.  Some might call this kind of acting a form of lying....

You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. - Deuteronomy 5:20

....But consider what happened to David. God didn't punish him for what he did. In fact, he gained a total following of about 400 men (I Samuel 22:2) - although we'd note they weren't necessarily the cream of the crop, described as "in debt or discontented".

So we're led to think a little "acting while you're acting," if you know what we mean, is OK. But we'd add this....

Let your moderation be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. - Philippians 4:5 (KJV)

There can be such a thing as "ham acting" - going so far overboard that you're not simply telling, you're screaming.

So what do you think? Are tells that common at the poker table? Have some people "shown a tell" to throw you off the track? And what's the top thing you examine, in considering an opponent's hand?

Bluff and Tumble

As the smoke seems to clear from the crackdown on poker rooms in our city, we're reminded of the woman who was told a business had declared itself a poker room on a liquor license application. She said: "They didn't have to be so honest."

Well, hold on here. If you want to stay in business and avoid a police raid, shouldn't you be honest?

Bluffing, of course, is a part of playing poker. That's a game, you know  But people who make that a way of life risk a lot of trouble.

If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities.... who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? - Luke 18:10-11 (NLT)

Jesus said these words - and as the Son of God, we think He'll have a major "say" in who will be trusted with those true riches someday. Wouldn't it be a good idea to prove to Him how honest you are, with both large matters and small.
 
Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace. - Psalm 37:37 (NLT)

That future is eternal - as in eternal life, serving under God and Jesus Christ.

But the rebellious will be destroyed; they have no future. - Psalm 37:38 (NLT)

Gulp!  Read the last part of Revelation 20 for more details on that. Then ask yourself: which way are you walking? On the side of honesty - or potentially over a bluff, from which you can't return?

I Who Have Nothing

The pocket cards were OK, but not great - 5-6 of hearts.  Neither of them paired.  But by the river, three diamonds were on the table.  There were three cards to a straight showing as well.  And the other two players in the hand were not betting.

"Three thousand," we said as we tossed chips forward.  A bit hesitantly, we admit.  But we did it, and put our best grim poker face on.

One man across the table thought it over for a moment -- then said, "I'll try" and called.  The other opponent pondered, and folded.

That man who called had a 7, which paired the board.  We showed our lack of anything, realizing our grand stunt had failed.

"That was a good bet," the man who folded told us.  He apparently gave up a pair of Kings.

"No, it wasn't," we said, "because he called."

The table had a laugh over this -- but the point was brought home.  We attempted a flat-out bluff, attempting to grab a pot and hoping to scare all the other players away.  But it didn't work, because we got caught.

There's a word in poker for what we tried to do: "stealing" the pot.  In some sports and games, that sometimes can be a good thing -- from stealing bases in baseball to a "pick-six" in American football.  But in the regular race of life, the warning is clear:

You shall not steal. - Exodus 20:15

This is one of God's basics, the Ten Commandments - and if you think Jesus did away with all of those, consider this:

...Jesus replied, "Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, to not five false testimony, honor your father and mother, and 'love your neighbor as yourself.'" - Matthew 19:18-19

We can't recall ever hearing a preacher condemn base-stealing and football interceptions.  Most ministers probably would call it "part of the game."  We'd like to think that's the case in poker as well - especially in a tournament setting, where everyone has put in the same entry fee and there's nothing more to lose.

But if you play cash games and encounter regular chances to bluff your way to a big payoff, this might be an ethical line worth some reflection.

He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands.... - Ephesians 4:28

This verse really seems to be about criminals who refuse to have gainful employment. But what do you think - is there a lesson for poker players here?  Offer a comment, and let's discuss this.  We'll explore this area further in a future post.

Poker Day 423: Fake or Double Take

"If you're learning, this is a good place to do it," one of the managers at Winners Cardroom told a couple of players leaving the table this afternoon.

"Or if you're a cheapskate, like me," we said to him half-jokingly.

We were at Winners because "freeroll fever" has struck local poker rooms -- with several games being played with no chair rental every week.  It means we can play as we once did in Georgia: paying only the cost of food, drinks and tips.  And on Sunday, there's money to be won -- as Winners pays $150 to the tournament champ.

But with other players paying $10 extra for a "double stack" of chips, we'd have to play carefully to gain an edge.  So we tried to strike early....

BLINDS: 100/200

IN THE POCKET: K-9 offsuit

It's the second hand of the day, and we have close to our starting amount at 11,400 chips (2,000 extra for arriving on time).  We have the dealer button.  No one at the full table is raising, so we dare to enter small.  Most of the table is in.

ON THE FLOP: 5-6-7

This 5-6-7 doesn't strike anyone as heaven.  Everyone checks -- and while we have a straight draw, we choose to do the same.

ON THE TURN: 3

That's a miss for us.  But the table checks again -- and since we're last to act, we can try what they call on TV a "stab at the pot."  We bet 700.

"Oh no, you might have a 4," a manager at the table declares as he folds.  Uh-huh.

A young man next to him says nothing - except to raise.  He goes up to 2,200.  The players between us get out of the way, leaving us with a tough decision.  Did he raise because he smelled (correctly) a bluff on our part?  Or is he trying to out-bluff us?  We think it's the latter.  And in a way, we have 10 outs (3 Kings, 3 9's, 4 8's) - so we dare to call.

ON THE RIVER: 8

Thank you very much!  We made the top straight.  Now we hope betting history repeats itself.  Our opponent checks.  We offer 700 again -- but this time, he simply calls.

"I didn't have the 4," we say as we slowly turn over the cards, "but I have a 9."

We never see what our opponent has - but we hit the river well, to take a pot of more than 5,000 chips.

We won a few other hands as well, including a timely deal of Q-Q which brought a third Queen on the flop.  But the cards went dry as blinds went up.  With 12 players left, we went all-in on the flop with A-K and a flop of K-3-J.  A man called us with J-9.  But of course.... a 9 came on the river.  His two pair prevailed, and we were eliminated in 12th place.

MINISTRY MOMENT: We took a small reflector light for our "card protector."  We told a man sitting to our left during the one-hour break we brought it as a reminder to reflect the light of Jesus Christ.

"What do you think of Jesus?" we asked.  "Is he your Savior?"

We might as well have asked the man to turn over his cards before the flop.  He said nothing, simply staring with his best poker face.

"I hope everyone believes in Jesus as their Savior," we said.  He still said nothing.

Maybe he didn't expect our question.  Or maybe he was reacting to Jesus as other people did long ago....

Then Jesus asked them, "Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?"  But they remained silent. - Mark 3:4

"They" were people in the synagogue -- probably Pharisees, who didn't respect what Jesus was doing (verses 1-2).  Jesus refused to back down:

He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, "Stretch out your hand."  He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. - Mark 3:5

The "Lord of the Sabbath" did a healing act in a synagogue on God's Sabbath day.  Then the crowd started talking....

Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus. - Mark 3:6

There's a time when we should be silent when it comes to Jesus.  That time is in worshiping Him and God the Father....

But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him. - Habakkuk 2:20

But if you're silent when it comes to the simple (well, seemingly simple) question of believing in Jesus, that can be another matter.  God can track our thoughts -- so what is your silence about Him really saying?

UPDATED POKER SCOREBOARD: 150 final tables in 423 games (35.5%), 25 cashes.  This was our first final table miss of the year, in six tries.

The Wise Course

In a recent post we asked how you know as a poker player (or elsewhere) you're following your heart, as opposed to good godly counsel.

We think the key lies in a word called wisdom.  The problem is that not all wisdom is good and godly:

But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.  Such "wisdom" does not come from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. - James 3:14-15

These are words which cut to the core.  Why do you play poker?  For fun?  To make money?  To get even with another player, who did something to you in the past?  Your answer may determine the sort of wisdom you're trying to use.

Who is wise and understanding among you?  Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility and that comes from wisdom. - James 3:13

In other words, a wise person doesn't seek self-promotion -- such as stories of how brilliantly you steamrolled the other players at the table.

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. - James 3:17

It's not in the nature of a poker player to be submissive -- but sometimes it's the only logical course.

If K-Q-J-10 are showing and you have a 9, what do you do if an opponent makes a confident big bet?  Realize you're beat, submit to it and fold -- or dare that opponent to prove he holds an Ace?

We realize some of this comes down to reading whether or not your opponent is bluffing.  If you're good at that, it's probably due to the "considerate" side of wisdom - under the definition of "careful thought."

If all of this has convinced you wisdom is running low in your life, remember one more statement from James:

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. - James 1:5

But be sure you ask for God's wisdom -- not that other kind.  Wise words in prayer can matter every bit as much as wise play at a poker table.

The Learning Curve

And now today's poker lesson.  Actually, it came from an online chat we played some time back.  While we don't remember all the details, we suspect this was a successful "all-in" moment:

Fish: 　Bluff at a dry potfoolish it only helps the all in player when you chase off the others
Dealer: 　aloncapecod wins Main Pot ($1185)
Me: 　Thank you. (scribble scribble)
Fish: 　I figured that bernadette needs the help
Me: 　We all need help from time to time - right?

We'll leave it up to you to determine if Fish's advice is correct.  Debate it in our comments if you'd like.

But our pretend "scribbling" of the advice is a reminder that there's always something new to learn at a poker table.  Former WSOP Main Event champion Jamie Gold once said on TV he was still "learning" the game.  If he's still learning, shouldn't we all?

And you know, that's true in life as well.  It's good to learn new things every day.  In fact, a book filled with knowledge recommends it:

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. - Matthew 11:29

The "me" here is Jesus Christ.  The Son of God gave advice that is timeless, yet easy for all of us to overlook in the daily rush of things.  But Jesus also said....

Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. - Matthew 5:48 (NASB)

It takes a lifetime to become "perfect" -- or as the original Greek says, "complete."  To learn the sort of perfection Jesus had (as in sinless and holy) takes daily effort.

We recommend quality "learning" time in the Bible - then a conscious effort to apply what God's Word shows you there.

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. - II Peter 3:18 (KJV)

Can you say "amen" to that - because you're doing it?

Poker Night 397: No Respect at All

The late comedian Rodney Dangerfield had a famous line: "I don't get no respect."  In poker, respect has to be earned -- either by becoming a tournament-winning pro, or by doing well on a local circuit.

At Lil Kim's Cove tonight, one man muttered his bet on the flop of 500 received no respect when several people called it.  But could our reputation at the table turn into a big win, when it mattered?

BLINDS: 50/100

IN THE POCKET: Ace of clubs - King of spades

We've been playing a bit on the loose side, which has brought ups and downs in our chip stack.  But we won a pot prior to this with modest pressure bets from start to finish.  Now we've dealt ourselves "big slick," but no one has raised at the table.  We decide to lay low and simply call.  The blinds don't raise.

ON THE FLOP: 6s-8s-2c

So much for having big cards.  They're in the lead only if no one has a pair - and a player across from us bets 300 as if he does.  We choose to hang tough for at least one card, and call.  One other player does as well.

ON THE TURN: 5s

Not big, but still helpful.  We now have a flush draw, and get help when the bettor cautiously checks.  The entire table checks.

ON THE RIVER: 7d (suit may not be precise, but not a spade)

We missed it all -- but the table checks again.  So we try to use "the button" of the dealer playing last to our advantage.  We bet 800, hoping to run off the competition.  It's what we call a "semi-bluff," because we do have high card -- but we're hinting at much more.

"I have to call," the man across from us says.  Uh-oh.  The third player folds.

"I have the 9," he then reveals.  Ouch.  We were so focused on a possible flush that we missed the possible straight on the board.

"You caught me," we admit as we show our cards.  Our stab at the pot leaves us with a big loss.

But the good news is that we recovered from that loss, with some timely cards.  With 5,600 chips after the one-hour break, A-Q brought us a couple of big gains -- first to 10,000, then 15,000.  We held on from there to make the final table, as the two-hour break came.

The fun didn't stop there, as we went all-in with A-Q again at the start of the final table and found a Queen on the flop.  That improved us to 50,000, while other players pushed and failed.  With four players left, everyone agreed to a settlement: a 20-10-10-10 split of the $50 prize money.  The chip leader received $20; we were a weak third at the time.

With play continuing for a "bucket of beers" (the usual second-place prize), another player pushed and failed.  That left three players, and we made a gain after that with pocket Aces.  A few hands later, a second and final settlement was made when the chip leader decided he didn't want Big Dog Poker points.  The man to our right claimed first in points, giving us second.

That chip leader has agreed to buy us a couple of sodas on our next Lil Kim's poker night, since we don't drink beer.  That along with a $10 win made our night successful.  It's our first local cash win since a six-way settlement there in mid-November!

MINISTRY MOMENT: A man to our left dealt with aching teeth during the game.  And for some reason, he started talking about other medical problems.

"If I get tapeworm, can I resist it in the name of Jesus?"

"Jesus can heal all our illnesses," we told him as the next hand was dealt.

He agreed with that, then added, "Can he heal my.... call."  His chips for the next hand were tossed in, as he spoke.

"Many are called," we suggested, "but few are chosen."

"I know," the man responded.  "I've read that."

Perhaps you have not.  They're the words of Jesus:

For many are called, but few are chosen. - Matthew 22:14 (KJV)

What does Jesus mean by this famous phrase?  It comes at the end of a parable about a king who prepared a wedding feast for his son.  Several people were invited, but....

But they paid no attention and went off -- one to his field, another to his business.  The rest seized his servants, mistreated them and killed them. - Matthew 22:5-6 (NIV)

The following verses tell about the king sending out a marauding army, which took vengeance with murder and arson.  Then the king tries again, inviting anyone interested on the street -- but one person is found at the banquet without proper clothing, and is thrown out of the hall (verses 7-13).

So what do you make of this puzzle?  What's the ultimate point of Jesus in this parable -- especially that well-known verse 14?  Offer a comment with your thoughts, and we'll compare ideas in a future post.

UPDATED POKER SCOREBOARD: 137 final tables in 397 nights (34.5%) - 21 cashes.

NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POKER TOTAL: Full tournaments - 283 point wins in 1,394 games (20.3%), 92 final tables, 10 wins, 12 cashes.  No-River Hold 'em - 30 point wins in 113 games (26.5%), 25 final tables, 1 win, 2 cashes.

We actually made two final tables today.  An online No-River Hold 'em game during the afternoon brought us fourth place out of 78 players - but sadly, only first place received prize money.

POKER STARS.NET TOTAL: Pretend cash games - $85,787, up $138.

Poker Night 394: Disarmament Deal

For a moment, we thought the schedule had changed.  A row of tables for two, at The Red Barn -- with flowers and candles on them?!  What sort of heads-up poker tournament was this?

Well, it really wasn't.  "Speed dating," one of the managers told us.  "Trying something new, once a month."

Yet the regular Monday night poker tournament went on at The Red Barn as well.  Dating and poker - together?!  They both could have "hearts" in common.  But we were in a poker fight for survival, starting with a table of nine.  And we faced some heart-pumping moments along the way....

BLINDS: 50/100

IN THE POCKET: Ace of diamonds - Ace of clubs

A couple of players at our table already have been in a big-betting mood.  That cost us some early chips, but we still start this hand with 6,100.  Sitting one behind the dealer, no one raises in front of us.  So with the biggest of pocket pairs, it's obviously our turn.  We raise 500, hoping for a re-raise from someone.  But several players merely call.

ON THE FLOP: 10h-Jh-7c

This doesn't seem too threatening.  But a player to our right acts like it is.  He bets 2,500.  Could he possibly have a straight -- or more likely three of a kind?  With a bit of skepticism, we call.  A couple of others do the same.

ON THE TURN: 6h

The presence of a third heart is exactly the last thing we want to see.  Now the man to our right throws out 7,500 -- more than enough to put us all in.  In a way, this bet doesn't make sense.  If he has a flush now, why did he bet so much on a flush draw one card before?  Is it all nothing but scare tactics?

We ponder this quietly for about ten seconds, realize we only have 3,000 chips left and finally decide.  "I'll let his chips do the talking.  I'll fold."

Yes, we back down from "pocket rockets."  But a man across the table from us does not.  Instead, he raises to 20,000 -- and stacks built to overflowing from purchases of beers and jukebox music go to battle.  The man to our right calls.  At least we're likely to find out if we were right.

ON THE RIVER: Kc

Now all parties check -- and the man to our right who scared us away shows Q-8.  He bet a small fortune with nothing but a straight draw, and he missed!

But the man across the table didn't miss.  He shows A-6 of hearts.  He made the nut flush on the turn, and gains more than 25,000 chips.

Call us chicken if you wish.  But we smelled trouble, and we were right -- even if the trouble came from a different direction than we expected.  We lived to play another hand.  And we wound up winning several after that, including two big pots with J-J in the first hour, then with A-K in the second hour when a King came on the flop.

We had 20,000 chips at the two-hour break -- then were dealt A-J, which has replaced K-9 as the "Rodney special" for a bonus.  We went all in, even though the woman before us pushed with much more.  She had A-K, and won a big pot because no one even gained a pair by the river.  It was another close call for us -- but another missed final table, as we finished in 11th place.

MINISTRY MOMENT: Before that woman eliminated us, we asked her about her relationship with Jesus.  She told us God has helped her in an unusual way.

"I'd probably be in prison by now," she said -- explaining she wanted to kill her ex-husband at one point years ago.

That woman believes God calmed her down, and gave her peace of mind.  Jesus offers to do the same thing for you....

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. - John 14:27

We've personally needed this sort of spiritual peace several times in recent months.  So how do we obtain it?  The Bible offers this answer:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-7

Be thankful as you pray, for whatever blessings God has given you -- even if it doesn't seem like He's given you many.  Then ask (or sing) for His spirit of peace to dwell in your mind, heart and life.  If you have "Christ in you" (Colossians 1:27), that should mean the "Prince of Peace" is inside.

UPDATED POKER SCOREBOARD: 136 final tables in 394 nights (34.5%) - 20 cashes.

Poker Night 389: Turn and Twist

We don't celebrate Valentine's Day.  (Click here for a thought-provoking explanation why.)   So tonight was simply another Thursday night at the poker room for us.  For everyone who gathered at Lil Kim's Cove, the only "hearts" they might appreciate would be for making a flush.

BLINDS: 100/200

IN THE POCKET: A-J offsuit

We burned ourselves in one early hand when we tried a "bluff bet" with A-6 on the flop.  No Ace was showing, and a man who held a King made a winning pair on the river.  So now with about 6,500 chips, we want to rebuild.  But these nice high cards come early in the betting order.  We decide to limp in, and no one raises.

ON THE FLOP: A-Q-3

The right flop for playing some "class AA" hardball.  We lead the betting with 300.  A couple of players fold, but two others on the other side of the table call.

ON THE TURN: 5

We still have top pair, and probably could make a more aggressive bet at this point.  But the man next in line tends to play on the wily, scheming side.  So we set out another relatively modest bet of 300.  He responds with a few seconds of staring.

"I'm not sure if my two pair is better than your two pair," he says.  We stare back and say nothing.  (You'll notice we do not have two pair.)  Then he raises: "1,500."

A woman between us in the order calls the 1,500 bet, but she's not the focus of our attention.  We're wondering if the man really meant what he said.  After a few seconds of introspection, something tells us he's bluffing.  "I'll call," we decide.

ON THE RIVER: 8

We still have only one pair.  But then comes the best thing we could have seen -- as the man who raised on the turn folds.  He doesn't even check!  The woman checks, and so do we.  Our Ace tops her Queen for a better pair -- and our risky read turns out to be correct.  (The man never reveals what he had.)

That was our highlight of the night, as we didn't win any pots after that.  Potential victory seemed ours with 7-8 when the flop had a 7 and the river brought an 8.  But a man to our left made a big raise, and this time our read was wrong: the 8 gave him a straight.

We held on well into the second hour, but finally had to go all-in with 10-8 of clubs in the Big Blind.  The board didn't pair, and we missed the final table by finishing 11th.

MINISTRY MOMENT: At the one-hour break, we asked a man to our right if Jesus was His Savior.  He said yes, and told us he's been "blessed." Then a man next to him added a couple of examples.

"Wakes me up in the morning -- and lets me get to sleep at night.  That's a blessing, too, you know."

He's absolutely correct about that.  And that's a blessing you might not consider very often.

In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat -- for he grants sleep to those he loves. - Psalm 127:2

It's one thing to be sleepy because you're lazy.  The Bible has something to say about that, too....

I went past the field of the sluggard.... A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest -- and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man. - Proverbs 24:30, 33-34

But if you're productive and work hard six days a week (as the Ten Commandments advise), a time of rest each week on the Sabbath can become a welcome gift from God:

The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether he eats little or much.... - Ecclesiastes 5:12

Work hard, get your rest as the Bible advises -- and you'll thank God in the morning for a good night's sleep, too.


UPDATED POKER SCOREBOARD: 134 final tables in 389 nights (34.4%) - 20 cashes.

NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POKER TOTAL: Full tournaments - 283 point wins in 1,366 games (20.7%), 92 final tables, 10 wins, 12 cash prizes.  No-River Hold 'em - 25 point wins in 97 games (25.8%), 19 final tables, 1 cash win.

We had a strong finish in a Sunday afternoon tournament, placing 24th out of 1,079 players.  Too bad only the top seven won money, and no points were awarded.

POKER STARS.NET TOTAL: Pretend cash games - $86,838, up $1,118.

Poker Night 386: Counsel Meeting

When poker players get together, what are they most likely to talk about?  At our first table at The Red Barn tonight, they talked about the most logical thing -- poker hands.  But should you believe everything they say?  And more importantly, should you do what they do?

BLINDS: 50/100

IN THE POCKET: K-K

We have yet to win a hand, and start this one in the Big Blind with about 6,150 chips.  People around us are analyzing the prior hand, where a woman to our left limped in with pocket Aces and saw them get cracked by a full house on the river.

"You should have raised -- something like 2,500," the man who's dealing tells her.  "No one would have called."

The Small Blind at our immediate right corrects him. "I would have called."

"So you would have one caller," the dealer says.  "But that's a lot better than four callers."

At about this point, we look at our cards.  No one has raised.  These aren't Aces, of course.  But we decide a big raise like the dealer's describing would be.... well, too obvious.  So we try something different.

"Raise - 300 more," we say.  Four players call.

ON THE FLOP: Q-A-5

Ugh.  That Ace was the last thing we wanted to see.  The Small Blind checks.  We make a continuation bet of 500.  The dealer and Small Blind call; everyone else folds.

ON THE TURN: 10

Now we want to see if anyone's ready to bet their Ace.  We check.  So do the other players.

ON THE RIVER: Q

This gives us two pair -- but still not a lot of comfort.  After the Small Blind checks, we bet 700.  The dealer has a big stack of chips and is ready to use it.  He raises 3,000.

"I fold," the Small Blind says.  That leaves us with a big decision -- and a small confession.

"After listening to this discussion, I should have done what you said.  I fold."

We conclude the dealer had an Ace, for a higher pair.  Instead, he stuns us -- and turns over K-6!  He made a big bluff to steal the pot.  Then we show our pair, which would have prevailed.

"You folded pocket Kings?!" the Small Blind asks.

"Too many hands beat me," we explain.  "An Ace beats me.  Another Queen beats me."

The winner then offers another moment of instant analysis.  "Your best guess was to assume I had a Queen, because I didn't bet when the Ace came out."

"Unless you were slow-playing Aces, after all that talk."

The dealer adds a straight also was possible, based on the board.  He doesn't fault us for folding.  We're left to kick ourselves.

That was our best shot at a pot all night, until we went all-in early in the second hour.  We had 8-8 in the Big Blind, and a third 8 came on the flop.  Trouble is, that 8 was a heart -- and the river brought a fourth heart.  A man across from us had the King of hearts for a flush.  Our final table run ends at three, as we were eliminated in 15th place.

MINISTRY MOMENT: Another topic at the table tonight was the music on The Red Barn's jukebox.  One song which sparked discussion was Pearl Jam's performance of Last Kiss.

"That was a hit 50 years ago," someone said.

"And who recorded it first?" we asked in a sudden round of trivia.  "J. Frank Wilson and the Playboys."

"It was J. Frank Wilson and the Cavaliers," a man across from us recalled.  A check of Wikipedia confirms he's correct; we forgot the Playboys was Gary Lewis's 1960s group.

But our main point about Last Kiss involved the song's refrain.  "It says 'She's gone to heaven,' and the Bible doesn't say you go to heaven when you die."

One man across the table wished people did go to heaven.  Yet Jesus said....

No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven -- the Son of Man. - John 3:13

We realize that goes against what a lot of Christian ministers say.  But they're the words of Jesus, who should know what He was talking about.
 
Yet as we noted in a recent post, a resurrection day for the dead is coming.

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we will all be changed -- in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.  For the trumpet will sound, the dead shall be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.  For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. - I Corinthians 15:51-53

The Bible says this life is not all there is.  Are you making plans for another one -- one where you can live forever with Christ?

UPDATED POKER SCOREBOARD: 134 final tables in 386 nights (34.7%) -- 20 cashes.

Poker Night 381: Te'o-ing?

"So the question of the night is this," we said as we shuffled the cards for dealing at Lil Kim's Cove tonight.  "Who would make a better bluffer at a poker table - Lance Armstrong or Manti Te'o?"

The Tournament Director standing over our table was the only one who offered a comment.  He chose Armstrong, because the cyclist lied about using performance-enhancing drugs for years.

In local poker games, we've never seen any drugs passed or received offers of any.  In fact, the only "illicit substances" we face are tobacco and alcohol -- and we don't think the latter really enhances your play at all.  But bluffing?  That can happen anytime, from anybody....

BLINDS: 100/200

IN THE POCKET: A-J offsuit

We won one early pot and split another, bringing us to this hand at about 12,000 chips.  These are nice cards, but at this table of seven with occasional raising we don't see a need to hurry here.  We call, and no one raises.

ON THE FLOP: 8c-5c-5s

This "toll-free flop" doesn't seem to thrill anyone.  The play checks to us, so we try a "please get lost" bluff bet of 400.  It runs most of the table off, but two men call.

ON THE TURN: 8s

Two pair on the table makes things intriguing.  A man wearing lots of orange stares at us for a couple of seconds.  We stare back.  He checks.  We're not sure what's up here, but we realize he might have a full house.  We also realize if he doesn't, we have the top kicker.  We also check; so does the third man.

ON THE RIVER: 7c

A third club on the board complicates matters, especially a mid-range card.  The Orangeman (who says his trim is black, as opposed to Syracuse University's blue) pulls out 3,000.

"No one's going to call that, man," a player out of the hand says.  "You bet too much."

"Someone's going to call it," the bettor insists.

"Well, it's not going to be me," we say.  There are too many potential hands which top our Ace kicker, so we fold.

"It's not going to be me, either," the third man says.  He also folds.

The pot winner then shows his cards -- Q-6 offsuit!  His bigger bluff worked, where our modest bet on the flop did not.

We scored a big pot at the one-hour break with two pair to jump to 10,500.  But the Orangeman outplayed us again after the break, not once but twice.  First we limped in "under the gun" with pocket Aces, hoping for a big score -- but two Queens came on the flop, and he held a third.  His betting and our calling dropped us to the minimum 500.

Then forced to go all-in at the Big Blind with 4-6, a 4 landed on the river.  But this time, the Orangeman held the pocket Aces.  Our best-laid plans might as well have been tossed in a juicer; we finished 20th, and became the first elimination at our table.

MINISTRY MOMENT: We don't remember what cards came out, but one early flop made a young man to our right say, "Oh!  Lord!  Jesus!  Have mercy!"

"Jesus is a merciful Being, isn't He?" we said to the man -- and he sounded like he agreed with that.

Have you ever had the notion that God the Father is a mean "law enforcement officer", while Jesus the Son is loving and merciful?  That idea isn't really accurate.  Find a Bible, and check a few verses which show why....

For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by oath. - Deuteronomy 4:31

 These are words from the "farewell address" of Moses to the nation of Israel.  Even though he saw God punish many people with death (read Exodus 32 for one example), he still called God merciful.  But Who was this God that communicated with Moses, anyway?

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning. - John 1:1-2

Verse 14 explains this "Word" walked the Earth as Jesus Christ, but was eternal in origin.

For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea.  They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea... they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. - I Corinthians 10:1-4

Do you grasp what the apostle Paul is saying?  Jesus was with Moses and the nation of Israel during their wandering in the wilderness!  We can conclude from this that the "God" who interacted with Moses was God the Son, who became Jesus.

So if Jesus was merciful thousands of years before appearing in the flesh, why would He be any different in the New Testament?

On hearing this, Jesus said.... "But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.'...." - Matthew 9:12-13

If you have questions about this, read our complete Bible study about the subject of mercy.

UPDATED POKER SCOREBOARD: 131 final tables in 381 nights (34.4%) - 20 cashes.

NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POKER TOTAL: Full tournaments - 280 point wins in 1,321 games (21.2%), 90 final tables, 11 cashes, 10 wins.  No-River Hold 'em - 22 point wins in 87 games (25.3%), 17 final tables, 1 cash win.

A change of computers reduced our online action in the last week.  But we finished eighth in a 324-player late-night tournament early Wednesday, after placing ninth out of 111 in a No-River Hold 'em game last Friday.

POKER STARS.NET TOTAL: Pretend cash games - $86,394, down $3,200.

Truth or Consequences

Do you remember a Fox Sports Net poker show a few years ago, where the players were wired to heart monitors?  The theory was that their pulse rates increased when they held big hands.

Now there's scientific evidence that people who lie also have a higher heart rate, as their blood pressure goes up.

So it's a risky move to bluff -- but apparently more dangerous to your body if you state the bluff to others.

Have you ever noticed your body changing during a poker tournament?  If so, what happened? (Please do not mention your stories of drunkenness; we're not counting that.)

Poker Night 346: Looks Can Be Deceiving

Maybe it was due to the DNC (Democratic National Convention).  Maybe it was the VMA's (Video Music Awards).  But the poker turnout was sparse at Lil Kim's Cove tonight -- not even enough to fill two tables.  Making the final table should have been easier.  Yet we still had to earn it -- so we were looking for letters, with a different pattern.

BLINDS: 25/50

IN THE POCKET: A-J offsuit

We used to call this combination "Allmendingers" -- before the NASCAR driver with A.J. in his name was suspended for drug use.  They're still good starting cards, early in the evening.  But we decide to limp in with them, waiting to see if others at our table of six raises.  No one does.

ON THE FLOP: 2d-4c-8d

We don't exactly recall the suit of the 4, but we know we don't have diamonds.  Or a pair, for that matter.  We check, and are helped when the entire table checks with us.

ON THE TURN: 9d

Now three diamonds are showing.  But when the players ahead of us check, we sense an opportunity: "200," we say and bet.  A couple of men are wary of us and fold; two other players call.

ON THE RIVER: Jc

Some might say we were bluffing before the river.  Now we really won't, as we've made top pair.  So we increase the bet to 400.  Our remaining opponents apparently were chasing something and missed, so they fold.  We win the pot -- and the only people who know what we really had are reading this blog now.

Other cards paid even bigger dividends for us during the first hour -- as a suited Q-9 turned into three 9's, followed by A-8 leading to triple-8.  But then hands such as A-6 and A-4 went sour, as flops were missed and others bet big.  Our stack dropped from a high in the 19,000 range to about 8,900 at the one-hour break.

Things looked bleak in the second hour when A-K failed to pair on the flop, and we had to fold to big bets.  When we dropped to 4,500, we went all-in with K-K -- but thankfully, they prevailed.  Then we took the very next pot with Q-10, when both cards paired on the flop!  That rallied us to 27,500, providing enough cushion to make the final table.

Once we arrived there, we took a big loss when A-Q failed.  Then we tried another push with 10-10 and 6,500 chips left.  But a player to our left made his own two-pair flop with Q-8, and that was enough to win.  We wound up tied for fifth, as another player was ousted with us.  If that counts as a "top-five finish," it's our second in a row at Lil Kim's.

MINISTRY MOMENT: A surprising compliment came our way during the second hour from a man across the table.  "I've never seen you get mad."

"I realize it's just a game," we answered.  But then we added:  "You haven't seen me when I'm playing online, and my Internet connection fails."

The praise actually belongs to God, if we're able to keep our emotions in check during tournaments.  A "poker face" during a hand is one thing -- and that can be nothing more than a good acting job.  We think an even disposition throughout an evening takes more than that.

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment.... Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. - I Peter 3:3-4

Peter actually directed these words toward wives.  But we would ask: is God's Spirit sexist?  Aren't the traits of gentleness and quietness good for men to have, as well as women?

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace.... gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no law. - Galatians 5:22-23

Peace of mind can lead to a calm quietness, even when the storms of life attack us.  For an example of how Jesus displayed this, read Mark 4:35-41.  Then when you pray for peace -- whether in world events or your family -- pray for God to give you a peaceful Spirit first, to deal with it all.

UPDATED POKER SCOREBOARD: 123 final tables in 346 nights (35.5%) - 19 cashes.

NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POKER TOTAL: Full tournaments - 266 point wins in 1,135 games (23.4%), 82 final tables, 10 tournament wins, 10 cashes.  No-River Hold 'em - 10 point wins in 47 games (21.3%), 9 final tables, 1 win.

We came close to victory in a No-River tournament on Labor Day, finishing fourth out of 108 players.

POKER STARS.NET TOTAL: Pretend cash games - $82,168, down $172.

Liar, Liar, Deck on Fire

It's admittedly an article about romantic relationships.  But when we found an article online today about how to spot a liar, we couldn't help thinking about poker.

So spill to us: when you're at the table, what tips you off to someone bluffing - or outright lying about a hand?  You can be confidential if you wish.

Poker Night 334: The Ways of Escape

"I need a second-hour rally," we said to ourselves after the first hour of play Monday night at The Red Barn. Nothing seemed to be working for us.  Pocket 8's in the Big Blind were overpowered on the flop.  A-3 looked promising when the flop brought an Ace, but a woman stayed in with 6-9 and made two pair at the river.  The hour ended with us holding a meager 1,850 chips.

We didn't think of our self-talk as a prayer -- but maybe it was, because things started happening for us in the second hour.  First we dealt ourselves A-Q, and a successful push advanced us to 5,000.  Then we moved to a different table, and this happened....

BLINDS: 1,000/2,000

IN THE POCKET: 5-8 of spades

Ugh -- this isn't the sort of hand you want for a desperation all-in bet.  But we're in the Big Blind, and we have no choice.  We're forced to go all-in for our last 2,000, sight unseen with these cards.  Several players around us call.

ON THE FLOP: 8-4-2 (suits don't matter)

Hmmm -- maybe there's hope for us yet.  The table checks to the dealer.  But then he makes a massive bet in the 10,000 range.  Everyone else folds, a couple expressing frustration as they do.  No complaints from us, though....

"Well, you gave me top pair," we say as we show our cards.

The dealer almost ashamedly turns over K-7!  He made a massive bluff, and may have done us a big favor.

ON THE TURN: 5

Wow - a second pair!  If we can avoid a straight....

ON THE RIVER: Q (as best we recall)

A couple of men gripe at the dealer, about running them off winning hands.  "We were trying to take him out," complains one man -- and he does not mean a late-night dinner after the tournament.

"Thank you very much," we say as we drag in a 12,000-chip blessing.

Several hands later, A-9 brought a 9 on the turn -- good enough to advance us to 24,000.  Then in the third hour, A-3 looked beaten when a man had a pocket pair and two Queens were on the board.  But an Ace landed on the river, to keep us alive again!

After a divided pot where we were forced to play 2-2 in the Big Blind and a third 2 arrived on the flop, we survived to the final table.  But our run ended there, as 10-4 in the Big Blind failed to bring a pair for us.  A double-takeout ended our evening with an eighth-place tie -- and also thanks to God for helping us escape defeat at least five times.

In fact, a song on Christian radio as we drove home expressed our mood very well: sometimes "miracles just happen."  (But for believers in God, should there really be any "just" about it?)

MINISTRY MOMENT: A fierce argument developed in the first hour, over a hand where the dealer turned over a card too soon and apparently cost a woman a big hand.  We had folded our cards and didn't really pay close attention.  But the woman went to the Tournament Director to say something, then returned with a loud voice to berate the dealer for his error.

"I apologize," the dealer said several times with equal loudness.  "Nobody is [insert expletives here] perfect!"

We bowed our head at our seat and let other players calm things down; one man stood and took charge right away to cool the tension.  Several players reminded the woman everyone can make mistakes when dealing cards.  They're correct, of course.  All of us are human.  For those who might disagree....

If we say that we have not sinned, we are fooling ourselves, and the truth isn't in our hearts. - I John 1:8 (CEV)

In fact, when the complaining woman's turn as Dealer came, she tried to send cards to an open seat for a moment.  A quiet word of correction resolved that.  No one "rubbed it in" (well, at least not to her face).  How easy it is to see the faults of others, instead of focusing and working on our own....

You're nothing but show-offs!  First, take the log out of your own eye.  Then you can see how to take the speck out of your friend's eye. - Matthew 7:5 (CEV)

There's much more that we can say about this situation -- but we're posting late at night, so we'll share more in an upcoming post.

UPDATED POKER SCOREBOARD: 119 final tables in 334 nights (35.6%) - 19 cashes.

Poker Night 327: Hey, Big Spender

A trek to the final table at Lil Kim's Cove is much more challenging these days, compared to five years ago -- especially for players like us, who don't spend much to gain extra chips.  It can be an uphill climb against mountains of stacks.  But tonight, great cards came our way -- not once, but several times.  We won one big pot when pocket Kings held up.  Then J-J brought a third Jack on the flop, to give us another big win.  But how long can a big roll go?

BLINDS: 1,000/2,000

IN THE POCKET: 10-10

Those huge wins have inflated our stack from 12,000 chips at the one-hour break to more than 120,000.  Three tables remain in action, and now we see another pocket pair in the Big Blind.  No one raises ahead of us, making it tempting to raise -- but we choose to check and watch.

ON THE FLOP: 10-8-6

These "three ten-ors" are ready to perform for us.  And remembering what happened online the night before with Q-Q, we don't hesitate to use our big stack.  It's a privilege we haven't had often lately at Lil Kim's, so we bet 20,000.  A man across from us calls; everyone else folds.

ON THE TURN: 5

With the blinds getting high, we doubt this card helped our opponent.  So we don't slow down; we bet 20,000 more.

"He's making it tough for me," our opponent admits.  Yet he calls, which makes us wonder why.  Players at this table have been chasing straights and flushes with large bets all night, but our guess at this point is that our challenger has an "overpair" -- maybe pocket Queens?!

"Nine!" our opponent calls as the card before the river is burned....

ON THE RIVER: 7

Aha!  He must have been on a straight draw, and missed it.  Or maybe.... well, what maybe?  We're not sure, so we check.

"I'm all in," our opponent says quietly -- counting out 39,500 chips.  He's talked a bit about "going home" during the game, and then he called for a card which didn't come.  We conclude this is an "I dare you" bluff.  OK, we'll dare....

"Since you didn't get a 9, I'll call."

"I've got a big straight," he reveals.  Our opponent has 9-6.  He had the 9!  "I lied," he confesses.

"I could have told you he does that," a player out of the hand confirms.  A misleading word combines with our opponent's stubbornness to gain him more than 80,000 chips -- and in one hand, we lose about two-thirds of our huge stack.

We played cautiously with our remaining 45,000 chips after that.  And as other players pushed in vain, we advanced to the final table.  Once there, we pushed on the flop with a low pair -- but it persuaded the table to fold, giving us a nice rebound to the 70,000 range.  With four players to go, we folded 9-9 when a man went all-in on the flop.  He was eliminated by the chip leader -- but in the process, a 9 came on the turn which would have brought us a big win.

That left three players in the tournament -- and the chip leader had another man and we incredibly dominated.  That other man proposed a split of the prizes.  After a moment of thought, the leader graciously accepted it!  He won $50 and the "bucket of beers" coupon awarded for second place; we took away $20 along with the third player.

So we played two live tournaments this week, and cashed in both of them!  Our records show that's only happened once before -- two years ago this week.  That's a summer "heat wave" we don't mind at all.

MINISTRY MOMENT: We donated blood earlier in the day -- and won a drawing for a prize there, too!  (We haven't claimed it yet, so it's still a mystery.)  We mentioned this to the chip leader at the final table, and noted it recalled Jesus shedding His blood in our behalf long ago.

"I have Jesus in my heart," the man quietly said -- indicating he preferred to leave the discussion at that.  But it wound up being mentioned around the table moments later.

The phrase "Christ in your heart" is the stuff of hymns, and sometimes can sound like a church cliche.  You may be surprised to learn that exact phrase is not in the King James Bible.  But the concept is there....

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.... - Ephesians 3:16-17 (NIV)

Did you notice there are two "outside influences" which can come into you?  There's not only Jesus, but the Holy Spirit of God.  If you'd like to know more about bringing these blessings of God into your being and life, leave a comment with an e-mail address and we'll explain more to you.

UPDATED POKER SCOREBOARD: 117 final tables in 327 nights (35.8%) - 19 cashes.  By the way, tonight marked our first final table at Lil Kim's since 1 March.

NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POKER TOTAL: Full tournaments - 242 point wins in 1,016 games (23.8%), 77 final tables, 7 cashes plus 2 other wins. No-River Hold 'em - 6 point wins in 35 games (17.1%), 5 final tables, 1 win.

We nearly scored a win at NLOP this week, too -- finishing second out of 63 players in a Wednesday qualifying tournament.

POKER STARS.NET TOTAL: Pretend cash games -- $79,444, up $870.