The Art of the Deal

Our last post mentioned what should have been a big disappointment for us - falling one spot short of the money at a poker tournament. But instead, we wound up with a "bubble boy" consolation prize from the other players. It was three-fourths of our $80 buy-in.

How did we do that? Well, we've never read the Donald Trump book that inspired our title. But here are some things that we think helped our cause - and they could help you in poker someday as well:

1. Be friendly. Some players show up at the table like poker is something between a workday at the office and a prelude to World War III. But we're reminded of a verse our long-time pastor in Georgia quoted often....

A man that has friends must show himself friendly.... - Proverbs 18:24 (KJV)

If Mr. Grumpy Grinder had finished fourth on Sunday night, then stormed away from the table, there's no way the other players would have offered to help him. But we tried to be friendly all evening, and it paid off.

2. Be a good sport. Related to #1, be willing to encourage other players when the moment is appropriate. Consider these words to a church group long ago....

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. - I Thessalonians 5:11

Keep the trash talking to a minimum. We also make sure we shake hands with the player who knocks us out of a tournament. Many of them are stunned when we do that.

3. Develop a sense of humor. Long-time readers of this blog know we wrote a mostly-comedy blog first, and had a subscription comedy service before that. So we've developed a good sense of how to keep things light during a tournament. And believe it or not, the Bible supports laughing....

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.... a time to weep and a time to laugh.... - Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4

There had been talk of splitting the prize money late in the final table. But after we were eliminated, we said tongue-in-cheek to the dealer, "You'll notice no one talked about 'Bubble Boy' money here." That little one-liner inspired the donations!

One of the final three on Sunday night said it was a "very entertaining" tournament. That's part of our goal, but only a part. To borrow from a church bulletin we saw years ago: to get them listening (as in comments about God and Jesus), get them laughing.

If you have other ideas, feel free to leave a comment. And may your poker days be not only profitable, but even a little fun.

Hello, Friends

This year's World Series of Poker is underway in Las Vegas - and as usual, it's far more than one tournament. This year, the "Main Event" is only "Event #65" out of 78 on the schedule.

Courtesy WSOP.com

One of the big early winners is Roberly Felicio of Brazil. He won one million dollars in the "Colossus", defeating more than 13,000 other contestants. Felicio admitted he arrived in Las Vegas "with only one friend" - but as he advanced, other Brazilian residents started rooting loudly for him from the rail.

The skeptic in us wants to ask: Are those supporters really Felicio's friends now?

National pride can create spur-of-the-moment friendships, of course. So can the hope of sharing in someone's big jackpot or success. But a true friendship should go deeper than that....

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. - Proverbs 17:17

Will that person be with you if you don't make the money - or when the money runs out? If so, that's a sign of a real friend. Someone once walked the earth who was willing to be that kind of friend....

The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, "Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and 'sinners.'" But wisdom is proved right by her actions. - Matthew 11:19

Jesus Christ said this in response to Pharisee critics. They couldn't believe a man doing miracles and claiming a relationship with God would associated with such people (Matthew 9:11). But He did, for a reason:

...For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners. - Matthew 9:13

Some believers in Jesus are quick to call Him the "sinners' friend." That's true. But Jesus put very strict requirements on friendship with Him:

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. - John 15:13-14

Some people stayed close to Jesus because He did miracles providing them free food. He realized that, and told them off for it (John 6:26-27). But are you studying the Bible to see what Jesus commands you to do? It's a relationship that should go much deeper, and far beyond the emotions of a poker tournament.

Blackjacked Up

"There's no tournament tonight!" a poker dealer said when we neared the entrance to the Kansas Star Casino poker room tonight.

"Oh yes, there is," we answered. Poker, no. Blackjack, yes.

We qualified three weeks ago for the casino's blackjack championship semifinals. Tonight was the time to determine the winner. Out of 108 players who advanced (including 18 wild cards), 18 would make the final round and the top six would share $20,000 in prize money.

We drew a table in the middle of three semifinal sessions. After finding a great website for practicing casino "skills" for free, we'd developed a strategy for betting our 500 starting chips over 18 hands. We'd bet small at first, and increase the bets as our stack increased and the number of remaining hands dwindled.

The semifinal sessions started well, as we gained 60 on the first hand with a double-down bet. But then came a string of losses which made us concerned. At the mandatory chip-count after 12 hands, we were down to 375 - yet were surprised to find that was second at the table.

Only the table winner would advance to the finals. So some of the five players around us went for broke, and lost. But we gained a big double-down win of 250 on #16 (might we be allowed to make it sound like golf?), putting us at 635.

We failed in the last two hands, betting 200 each time. Yet amazingly, we wound up "heads up" at the table - and the only other man in the running had only 150 chips! Our 235 (a 53-percent loss) won the table, and put us in the finals!

"You have a one-in-three chance of winning money," a bystander told us as we shared what happened. We knew that - 18 reaching the finals; six getting paid. And we knew we had been blessed, because one semifinal table had two players finish above 5,000.

Our final table included a few early triumphs. We advanced near the 700 mark early, then had small setbacks. At the 12-hand count, we stood at 580; players on either side of us were above 1,000.

We were still at 580 when we doubled-down 125 at #15. Our 20 lost to the dealer's 21, and that hurt. A loss of 110 at #16 left only 220 chips and two hands to play. But we won back 110 at #17 - then went for it all on the last hand, and watched the dealer bust!

Final score: 660 chips. We would not win the $10,000 top prize; the two players around us finished above 1,000. But could we make the money?

A casino manager took the public address mike to announce the top six. Sorry, we didn't make it. A man named Lloyd (pictured) won the championship. Our 660 put us in tenth place out of 18.

At a casino poker tournament, tenth out of 108 would have made some money. Thinking back over three weeks of qualifying, there was a maximum of 972 entries - and the top 98 in poker or golf surely would have made us some money. But in this format.... no.

That's OK, though. We drove home thankful to God for the excitement of competing - and for the ability to say we finished in the top ten of a blackjack competition, out of nearly 1,000!

MINISTRY MOMENT: While we watched the first semifinal session to get a feel for the action, we talked to a man about what we and some former co-workers had faced in recent months.

"It's an unfriendly world," he said.

"That's why I'm thankful that Jesus is my best friend," we told him. Then we asked the "Jesus question." That man considers Jesus his friend as well.

"He's kept me vertical," he explained. "My health is fair." Then came a surprising addition. "Jesus.... redeemed me."

We praised the Lord for that short testimony. But do you understand what he means by Jesus redeeming someone?

The Lord redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him. - Psalm 34:22

The concept of redemption goes back to long before Jesus Christ appeared on Earth. David wrote these words during a time of persecution, appealing to God to protect righteous people like himself from evildoers (verse 21). Later on....

...For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. - Romans 3:23-24

Earlier in the day, we heard a pastor on radio talk about old-time S&H green stamp "redemption centers." People used to collect stamps while shopping, then turn them in at the centers for gifts and prizes. You may have a credit card that offers "rewards points" in a similar way.

Jesus redeemed us from our sins, by giving up His sinless life on our behalf:

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. - Colossians 1:13-14

Jesus never sinned. We have. We do. More often that we'd like to admit. But Jesus redeemed us through His blood, shed for us. If we ask God to apply Jesus's blood to our sins, we can be part of God's glorious coming kingdom. That can be more exciting than any night of blackjack.

Will you take advantage of God's amazing offer? Leave a comment if you'd like to know more about how it works.

Across The Line

It was our turn to act, and we wanted to bet. So we reached for one of our stacks, held it out, dropped a couple of chips on the table - and promptly was scolded for it.

"If you move chips past the line, you have to bet them," a dealer reminded us.

Most casino tables have a "line of commitment" around them. If you put chips beyond that line, it's considered a bet.  If you toss your cards past the line before showdown, you've folded.

The "stack reach-out" correction happened to us at our last casino tournament -- not once, but twice. Normally we don't put chips out that way. But we've seen a lot of other players do it in informal games.

It occurred to us after the game that we've gotten into an unexpected bad habit with our chip-handling - a habit that could prove costly one of these days, and turn a good game into a quick exit.

Do you have any habits like that at the poker table?  Are there "lines" you're crossing that you shouldn't?  These are questions we all should ask from time to time - and not simply when we play poker.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. - Psalm 139:23-24

You might be offending other people - even breaking a rule of the game (poker or life) - and not even know it.  There are several ways to discover if you're doing that:

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed... - James 5:16

Some church groups recommend members have "accountability partners."  We suppose that could mean a spouse, but they often put it in the form of a close friend of the same gender - someone who will ask you tough questions about your life, with you asking back. The goal is to keep each other clean in conduct.

Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. - Proverbs 27:6

The approach mentioned in Psalm 139 is more introspective - praying for God's help in finding your faults. It's a concept we've mentioned here before:

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves... - II Corinthians 13:5

However you do it, it's a good thing to do it. Never assume you're doing everything right. We've found that's simply a path that leads to correction and trouble.  Carefully explore your life, and see which side of the line you're really on.

Mister In-Between

Big-time poker may be on cable sports channels.  But it isn't football. Or basketball. Or hockey.

You probably already knew that. But here's why we're pointing that out. Poker players normally can't blame what happens to them on a bad call from the referee. Or poor instructions from the "bench." Or even lousy work by the dealer (although some have tried that). It's ultimately up to you, and the choices you make with the cards you have.

Our last post pointed out how some poker players would rather not talk about God or Jesus Christ. They seem more comfortable talking about people who represent the Godhead.

That happens more often in the Christian world than you might realize. Our last post noted it even happened with ancient Israel asking Moses to be their representative before God. But that's not really how God wants things done.

And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. - Matthew 27:50-51

Why is that detail about a curtain mentioned alongside the death of Jesus? Because it symbolized a major change in worship for believers in God. Before that moment, the temple area was divided into sections....

Hang the curtain from the clasps and place the ark of the Testimony behind the curtain. The curtain will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. - Exodus 26:32-33

Israel was told God occupied that "Most Holy Place," and humans could go in there only one time a year - or better put, one human, in the form of a high priest (Leviticus 16). But the splitting of that curtain changed everything - as the New Testament era brought new symbolism.

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith.... - Hebrews 10:19-22

There's a lot packed into those four verses. The blood Jesus shed when He died for our sins allows us to go before God the Father directly.

When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here... he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood.... - Hebrews 9:11-12

So you can "draw near" to God now, in worship and prayer. Not because of some intermediary high priest. Not because of an angel. Not even because you like some Christian celebrity poker player. As an old hymn says, you can "come to the Father through Jesus the Son."

So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. - Romans 5:11 (NLT)

The poker players we met the other night seemed ready to keep God at a distance, with someone intervening for them. But God wants us to have close contact with Him - and actually become His friend. Are you ready for that kind of relationship? And ready to honor the God who invites you to it?

Funeral for a Poker Friend

Our last post mentioned the death of local poker regular "Bobby" in a car crash. We attended his funeral earlier this week at an Eastern Orthodox Church, keeping in mind these words from the Bible:

The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure. - Ecclesiastes 7:4

Our only contact with Bobby was through what some might call a "house of pleasure" - the poker room.  Yet when we passed through a receiving line after the funeral to meet several relatives, our mention of poker brought an overall positive response. One person noted with a smile how Bobby loved to play the game.

Perhaps some of our fellow players attended the cemetery interment for Bobby the next day. But it was disappointing to see we were all alone on a Monday night, when it came to the poker community paying respects.

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. - Proverbs 17:17

A short message during the funeral service was given by a church deacon, whom we believe is Bobby's grandson.  The things he said revealed quite a bit.  He noted Bobby "didn't go to church every Sunday.... even most Sundays."

A lot of people have drifted away from attending church services in recent decades. Ask ten of those people why, and you'll probably get at least eight different reasons. Perhaps poker players feel more of a connection with fellow players than with people of faith. Yet the Bible tells us:

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching. - Hebrews 10:23-25

If you have a hope for God's Kingdom, you might find encouragement toward "love and good deeds" at a poker table. Emphasis might. From our experience, we don't think it's very likely. It's far better to have a church connection, to grow in your belief in God and Jesus Christ - and to keep from going off a godly path.

(NOTE: We'll have more to say about the funeral in our next post.)

Nine to Go

The long wait is over. The "November Nine" gather around poker's ultimate final table tonight in Las Vegas, competing for the World Series of Poker Main Event bracelet.

Pierre Neuville of Belgium makes history as the oldest player ever at a Main Event final table. He's 72, and talked with WSOP.com about what he likes most about the international poker circuit: "To meet the world, and to meet them friendly, even if we are fighting so hard at the table."

To meet the world in a friendly way is one thing. To become friends with the world.... well, according to the Bible, that can be trouble:

You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. - James 4:4

Why would God hate the world? After all, didn't He create it? Yes, God did -- but the people of this world have made it a sin-filled place.

Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned... - Romans 5:12

So in God's eyes, if you choose to be friends with this world, you become friends with sin. Our sinless God would much prefer you become friends with Him  -- and with Jesus Christ, who said:

You are my friends, if you do what I command. - John 15:14

Wherever you play poker, do it the way Neuville recommends. "Meet them friendly" - but develop an even better friendship with Jesus. Go through the New Testament to see what He commands of us. Then be daring enough to do it.

OK, enough of the preaching. Who's your pick to win the Main Event - and why?

The Big Harry Deal, Part 2

We're still reflecting on the news about Georgia poker player Harry Brooks -- and finding about his death 11 months after it happened.  What other lessons can we learn from this?

2. Don't get too busy for your friends.  That's the surest way to lose them - as relationships fade away.

Sites such as Facebook are supposed to prevent that from happening, but we noted in our last post how unfriendly that site's timeline really can be.  The Bible has one good example of friends staying close:

After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.... And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. - I Samuel 18:1, 3

In 2015, some groups have taken this "love" relationship to mean something very different than what  we think the Bible describes.  Keep reading for the real story....

Jonathan said to David, "Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord...." - I Samuel 20:42

Their friendship became separated by family drama, but we think David and Jonathan stayed together as long as they safely could. And David honored Jonathan after his death; see II Samuel 9 for how King David did it.

3. Talk with your friends about the greatest friend of all.  Who could this be?

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. - Proverbs 18:24

We're convinced that "friend" can be none other than Jesus Christ....

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.... I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. - John 15:13-15

In a way, we're trying to make friends at poker tables - while introducing people to Jesus, who gave His life for friends.  If Jesus is your friend, stay close to Him.  And also to the people around you, whom you consider friends in this life.

The Big Harry Deal

Poker tables sometimes remind us of the old TV comedy Barney Miller.  They can be filled with interesting characters.  We learned this weekend one of our most memorable characters from the Georgia era of this blog has died.

Harry Brooks never seemed to have the most glamorous jobs.  But when he walked into a poker tournament, he had everyone's respect.  He played the game well, talking and acting out bluffs at times to his advantage.  He made a lot more final tables than we did, during our time in Georgia.

"Big Harry" had some health problems in recent years.  We went to see him in the hospital at one point, and asked here for prayers on his behalf.

But here's the saddest part of all for us -- Harry Brooks died in June 2014.  We never knew about his passing until this weekend, more than 11 months later.  One of his relatives took over his Facebook account (something we don't think Facebook allows), and posted a picture of a gravestone which apparently was only finalized in recent days.

We're assuming that gravestone picture sent Harry to the top of our Facebook timeline.  But to be honest (and yes, we know we're getting off the poker theme here), this explains one of our biggest frustrations with Facebook. What used to be a "timeline" has become so jumbled and random that we probably miss most of the posts by our friends.

But we also must be honest with ourselves, and take some of the blame for the lack of knowledge. We get so busy that days can go by without a single Facebook check -- and we've never really made a habit of reading newspaper obituary pages, especially in places where we don't live anymore.

So we can draw several lessons from the life and death of Big Harry:

1. If you really have "friends," spend time with them.  We've heard ministers challenge church congregations about how many "Facebook friends" they really know.  Are they merely online connections - or is there personal contact?

The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend.... - Exodus 33:11

Of course, this was long before Facebook or telephones.  But God had conversations with Moses, when Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt.

Some poker players prefer to gather in their own groups for games, because that's who their closest friends are.  We can understand that, in a "home game" situation.  But we can also understand why some people don't think that's fair when it comes to tournaments, because it appears the group is stacking the odds in their favor.

NOTE: Our thoughts on the death of Big Harry will continue in our next post.

Friends With Better Lives

If you're going to have a poker night at your house, who would you invite?  Probably people you know well, such as friends from work or the neighborhood.  A poker game at your neighborhood club might work the same way -- but we've seen nights where things can get a bit testy.

The Tournament Director might want to run things like a "real tournament" in Las Vegas, with blind random draws for seats.  We've heard players complain over the years they prefer to sit with their friends, because it's the only time of the week when they can get together.

We can understand the desire to be with your buddies.  But doesn't that overlook something?  You might wind up making new friends at a more random table -- friends who can change your way of thinking, or even change your life.

Consider Someone whose "friends" didn't seem logical....

While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. - Mark 2:15

Jesus was "followed" by the Pharisees, the religious leaders of the day (Matthew 12:38).  But their following was more in skepticism, looking for a flaw or a reason to have the Lord punished (Matthew 12:14).  Jesus likely was aware of that - and so He grew closer to people who were of a different class. 

The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, "Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and 'sinners.'"  But wisdom is proved right by her actions. - Matthew 11:19

....For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners. - Matthew 9:13b

Jesus wants to be your friend, even if you've lived a sin-filled life.  But make no mistake: He wants you to turn from those sins you're in.

You are my friends if you do what I command. - John 15:14

If you need help developing that kind of friendship, leave a comment. We'll be happy to help.

The Purse and the Posse

We had forgotten about 2011 World Series of Poker Main Event champion Jonathan Duhamel -- until we came across an update on what happened after he won the title.

You may recall Duhamel's home in Quebec was robbed as he slept, and the thieves took his Main Event bracelet along with cash.  But you may not have heard his former girlfriend has pleaded guilty to the crime.  The girlfriend apparently conspired with at least one other man to do it; two other suspects await trial.

This case is a sad reminder that success in anything -- whether it be poker, athletic sports or business -- can come with a risk.  King Solomon apparently knew that well, because he wrote....

The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends. - Proverbs 14:20

Wealth brings many friends, but a poor man's friend deserts him. - Proverbs 19:4

King Solomon had it all, at least for the time when he lived.  His stash of gold alone might have rivaled Fort Knox (I Kings 10:14-29).  But in addition....

He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray.... So Solomon did evil in the eyes of the Lord; he did not follow the Lord completely, as David his father had done. - I Kings 11:3, 6

How many of those 1,000 ladies were faithful to God?  We don't really know -- but it appears too many of them were not, and King Solomon paid spiritually for it.

Some people cling to the wealthy like mosquitoes to your skin -- sticking around only for what they can draw away.  If you're successful in poker, consider that carefully.  Times of trial reveal who your real friends are -- but the time to evaluate those friends probably should come much sooner.

A Player Outside the Door

It was well after dark Monday, when we stepped outside to go to the car and drive to a poker tournament.  Four people were chatting in two separate conversations near or apartment door.  We thought little of it, said "Hello" when someone greeted us and walked on by.

"Hey," one of the four people then said when we were halfway down the sidewalk.  Instinctively we stopped, knowing he was talking to us.  It was based on years dealing with beggars whose path we crossed -- strangers who summon up the courage to get your attention, so they can make a pitch for money.  A few times, they've even gone door-to-door at our apartment complex.

We turned around, walked back a little -- and found the man who called us was someone who attends other poker tournaments.  He explained he used to live in our apartment complex.  "I wondered why you didn't say hello to me," he said.

Well, we had in a quiet way.  But we never looked at the group, to see who was standing outside the door.  (It was hard to see in the darkness, anyway.)  We also presumed the four people outside were talking with a neighbor -- and that none of the people in his circle of friends would also be in our circle of poker players.

We drove to poker night and became increasing upset -- with ourselves.  By simply walking past a group of people, we had failed a command of Jesus:

You are the light of the world.  A city on a hill cannot be hidden.... let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. - Matthew 5:14, 16

One way to be a "light" is to be friendly toward others.  Yet for some Christians, who read their Bibles closely, this can be a challenging concept.  Why?

You adulterous people, don't you know that friendly with the world is hatred toward God?  Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. - James 4:4

The man who stopped us Monday has challenged our belief in God at times.  Some might contend he's no "friend" at all.  But consider the example Jesus set....

When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"  On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.'  For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." - Matthew 9:11-13

We never even looked to see who any of the people outside the door were.  We actually didn't want to interrupt them.  But Jesus probably would care enough to check, and engage with that group -- doing the work of calling people to walk with Him.

Based on the population of our area and the number of regular poker players we face in live tournaments, the odds of a "regular" standing outside our door on a Monday night were about 4,500:1 -- far higher than the odds of hitting a "one-out" straight flush on the river.  Yet it happened.  And not only did we miss it, we were totally unprepared for the possibility.

When we see that man again (wherever it might be), we plan to ask for his forgiveness.  And we hope to learn a lesson from it: "checking" and "reading" other people goes far beyond the poker table.  It can be all about building good relationships.

As we finished writing this, we heard an old song on Christian radio which seemed perfectly timed to put an exclamation point on this personal lesson.  Maybe you could use it, too....

NOTE: We'll have more to say about "light" in a future post.

A Friendly Game

Awhile back we mentioned the dilemma we faced over what to say when we eliminate an opponent.  We were challenged online for writing "sorry."  So recently we've tried something else.  From a National League of Poker chat....


Dealer:  flopblogger wins Main Pot ($3,345) with Four of a kind, fives
dukerdot:  nice
Me:  Good try friends
Me:  Thanks
Dealer:  flopblogger wins Main Pot ($45) with High card, ace
drummer266:  who said anything about friends
drummer266:  lol
Me:  :-)

We know, we know -- some people take poker very seriously.  Their reactions to losing big pots at the river can make that obvious.  But we try to be friendly in our approach to tournaments.... or should we?

You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God?  Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. - James 4:4

At first reading, you might conclude a Christian is supposed to cut off all contact with non-believers.  In fact, we know a few sects which practice that -- even to the point of children separating completely from unbelieving parents.  But what does "the world" mean, exactly?

Do not love the world or anything in the world.  If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For everything in the world -- the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does -- comes not from the Father but from the world. - I John 2:15-16

We don't have to look far to find items (or even people) which spark sinful cravings and lust in people.  But notice how Jesus explained this in a prayer for His disciples....

My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.  They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. - John 17:15-16

There's a distinction between living in this world and being of this world.  We also think there's a distinction between friendly with "the world" and its sins, compared with the other people living and playing poker around us.  After all, Jesus also said this:

Jesus replied, "Friend, do what you came for."  Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. - Matthew 26:50

Jesus called the betraying disciple Judas Iscariot a "friend," even though the Lord knew a plot against His life was unfolding.

So we consider other poker players "friends," whether they're Christians or not.  But to borrow from Facebook, we consider fellow believers to be "close friends."  How close are you to Jesus - the Savior who desires to be your friend?

Walking, Talking Suited Connectors

"Do you agree with that message?" we asked a man who saw our "Jesus as your Savior" coin during last week's tournament in northwest Florida.

The man said he did.  Then he told us about a change one of his sons has experienced since attending church.  "He was 100 percent improved.  But since a new pastor came in, he's 300 percent improved."  The father explained the change came because the new minister shared a lot of common interests with his son.  (We didn't ask if poker was one of them.)

We agreed there are times when the right minister can make all the difference in turning around someone's life.  In poker terms, it's like being dealt two strong cards with something in common.  Ace-King of spades is considered a far better potential hand than Ace-4 offsuit.

But a good relationship with a pastor is really "small potatoes," in the big picture of life.  The most important thing is developing a right relationship with God.  The Bible indicates there are good and bad ways to do that....

Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and brag about your relationship to God.... You who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? - Romans 2:17, 23

Paul goes on to point out we've all broken God's law at some point.  That's known in the Christian world as "sin" (3:23).  But thankfully, God provided a new way to build a relationship with Him - through a "God" who became human:

The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.... Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant. - Hebrews 7:18-19, 22

God will let you come close if you accept Jesus as your Savior, and repent of your sinful past:

Come near to God and he will come near to you.  Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. - James 4:8

Has a minister helped you draw near to God, at some point in your life?  If so, this is a perfect time to say thanks - as October is Clergy (or Pastor) Appreciation Month.  Even a simple card or e-mail certainly would be welcome.  And don't forget to thank God for those who help build closer relationships, both with Him and with Christ.

Poker Night 268: Broken-Hearted

The talk was about friendship at our Lil Kim's Cove table -- but as one woman put it: "There are no friends at the poker table." Would you consider what happened in this hand a case of friendship, or something else?

BLINDS: 100/200

IN THE POCKET: 10-9 of hearts

We won a nice early pot with two pair and a top-kicking King, so we have about 9,800 chips. Now we have suited connectors, so we're afraid to try them. No one raises at our table of six.

ON THE FLOP: Ah-Jh-6h(?)

We're not exactly sure about the third card -- but we know we made a flush on the flop. One player ahead of us bets the minimum 200, and we're happy to raise 500 more. A man to our left calls. So does the first player.

ON THE TURN: Ad

That seems nice and harmless (possible full house notwithstanding), so we bet 700 more. The man to our left calls again; the man to our right folds.

ON THE RIVER: 4h

"Be careful now," our remaining opponent says as we ponder our chips. Yeah, he has a point. A fourth heart is not exactly what we wanted to see there -- especially if our opponent was chasing with a single heart. But if a flush is the issue, only two cards beat us.

"OK - 1,000," we respond. Our opponent calls it - then says something we didn't want to hear.

"I've got the Queen." Sure enough, he hit a higher flush on the river! We're thankful we took his advice.

That hand turned the momentum of the evening against us, as we lost a few other promising hands after that to players striking it rich on the turn or river. We finally felt compelled to push with 7-9 of hearts in the big blind -- but they didn't pair, and two players with matching A-J for two pairs combined to knock us out. Sixth place at this table is a disappointment again.

MINISTRY MOMENT: There were several tonight, but we noted the return of Elaine -- the weakened woman in a wheelchair, who's now out of the hospital. She told us she spent about three weeks there, and slipped into a coma for three days.

"I've been praying for you," we told Elaine.

She appreciated that. "It helped," she declared, "because I'm here!"

We asked you to join us in praying for Elaine, and we thank you if you did. But we'd prefer to give the real praise to God -- because we simply followed Biblical instructions.

And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. - James 5:15

No, we didn't ask Elaine about her sins. But we now hope she considers her experience carefully, and chooses to travel in a godly way. (She's already resisting the urge to resume a smoking habit, which is a good start.) This as well is a gift from God....

Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases. - Psalm 103:2-3

"But wait," you may be saying. "I know someone who lived for God for years, and they suddenly died." Indeed, all humans will die someday (Hebrews 9:27). But the Bible promises....

All these people were living by faith when they died.... they were longing for a better country - a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. - Hebrews 11:13-16

Without faith in God's coming "holy city" and kingdom, the future indeed is hopeless. With that faith, the present becomes much more meaningful. Will you accept God's promise, and look to Him for both physical and spiritual healing?

UPDATED POKER SCOREBOARD: 100 final tables in 268 nights (37.3%), 15 cashes. The slump has grown to no final tables in seven, and one in the last 13.

NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POKER TOTAL: Full tournaments - 161 point wins in 729 games (22.1%), 55 final tables, 7 cashes. Three-card UFC - 2 final tables in 12 games, one win.

POKER STARS.NET TOTAL: Pretend cash games - $56,563, down $174.

Gathering Around the Table

At our last live poker night, a man told us he was saved and baptized -- then said he was attending a local church.

Admittedly, some people don't think very highly of going to church. Take this discussion we had during an online game earlier this week:

Me: Happy Sunday to all.
IwillLose: you to
imca25: to you as well
VeryMetal: hello
IwillLose: we need to be in church insteed of poker
VeryMetal: Im an Atheist so I will say no on that
stackdaily: who goes to church nowadays
Me: It's OK - I was in church yesterday.
VeryMetal: plus it is 1pm
imca25: we are in poker nascar church
imca25: poker starting and nascar starting
Me: The right church group can be a good thing.

Poker seldom is played as a "team sport" (unless you're part of a local league, like our city has). So independent-minded players might not see any need for a "support group" like a church congregation can offer. But consider these words....

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!... Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12

And these words were written long before Jesus first mentioned the word "church" in the New Testament gospels! Even small church groups can be beneficial if they're built around the love of God and practicing the principles of the Bible.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching. - Hebrews 10:24-25

Perhaps your poker buddies provide moments of encouragement and friendship. If they do, good. But even better is the support which can come from people with a spiritual motive, instead of a selfish one -- building on God's compassion, which is greater than anything humans can produce.

(P.S. Yes, we do go to a church service on Saturdays. If you'd like to know why, do a search of this blog for "Sabbath.")

Friends With the Hi-Lo

Some people play in free local poker tournaments simply for the friendship and fellowship. We see nothing wrong with that. But sometimes they want all their buddies to gather at the same table to play -- and that can be a thorn in the side of other players, who think the Tournament Directors are "playing favorites," or giving certain people protection.

In a high-stakes tournament at a casino, that never would happen. Your seat might be determined by a blind draw or computer randomization. By comparison, free games for a small prize tend to be more informal. "Fun and games" are supposed to come first -- although the seriousness of the play and the drama of a final table can change all that.

In our last post, we talked with two players about making pre-game agreements -- and we mentioned God is "no respecter of persons." That concept comes from the book of Acts:

Then Peter opened his mouth and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that fears him and works righteousness, is accepted with him. -- Acts 10:34-35, KJV

Other translations say God "does not show favoritism" with a person. But The NIV Study Bible adds this note: "He does, however, respect his character and judge his work."

The first half of James 2 explains this farther -- indicating you shouldn't play favorites based on someone's financial standing or wardrobe. "But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers," warns verse 9.

This admittedly can be a tough balancing act. But we take these verses to mean you should try to be friends with everyone you meet at a poker table -- whether you've known them for years, or they're playing for the first time. The attitude they display and the things they do can determine how deep you want the friendship to go.

(P.S. The way those people play poker can determine whether you want to privately paint targets on their chests, and aim to eliminate them early. All in fun, of course....)