Memories of "Buddha"

We saw this on Facebook Saturday night, from the place where our poker-playing began....

Goodbye to a great guy and sometime a obnoxious one but he had a heart of Gold..RIP Buddha

He went by "Buddha," (center) but we never were sure of his real name. (As we recall, he hid that for legal reasons.) He was a true larger-than-life poker character - so large that he somewhat resembled a Buddha statue, and sat almost sideways at makeshift poker tables in the Columbus, Georgia area.

He also had another nickname - one we ironically remembered a few weeks ago when we quoted his mic-drop line, "I flopped it" during a poker tournament. After winning some big pots (and he eliminated us more than once), he would announce in a loud voice: "That's why they call me BIG DADDY!!!"

(By the way, that last link includes an example of why the Facebook announcement called him "sometime... obnoxious".)

We interviewed "Big Daddy" for an unusual Father's Day post on our old news-and-humor blog (the blog which led to this one). He talked there about competing in the U.S. Sumo Wrestling Championships. But we don't know if he ever did. Someone with a pro wrestling troupe might have made an interesting discovery.

If Buddha had played in Las Vegas, he could have become a regular on TV poker nights. His size and personality would have made him, well, a "character" - not unlike some pro wrestlers. And let's face it: interesting characters always make TV more interesting. It's true in poker; think about Phil Hellmuth and Doyle Brunson's personalities, which have made them famous.

But after a lengthy illness, Buddha died at approximately age 38. If he was really Buddhist, he never said so. But we shared our faith with him a few times at poker tables, and concluded he was simply not a religious person. If that describes you, consider a verse we mentioned here recently....

And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment.... - Hebrews 9:27 (NLT)

No matter what you believe - or even if you don't - death is inevitable. The big question is what happens after that. Buddhists believe they'll enter "nirvana" or be reincarnated. But the Christian Bible says there will be judgment. How will that happen?

...When the Lord Jesus appears from heaven. He will come with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don't know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus. - II Thessalonians 1:7-8 (NLT)

The judgment won't happen until Jesus returns - and it won't be immediate. Buddha will rest for quite a while....

The rest of the dead did not come back to life until the thousand years had ended.... I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God's throne... And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books. - Revelation 20:5, 12 (NLT)

Jesus is coming to judge - a judgment that includes a "lake of fire" (verse 15). But as we say in poker, you have an "out"....

...People escape from the wickedness of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.... - II Peter 2:20 (NLT)

We quoted the "good news" part of that verse; there's a warning in the rest of it for people who don't really make the effort to escape.

So our sympathies go to Buddha's family and poker friends. May they turn to Christ, not that better-known Buddha - and be able to sing what another "Big Daddy" recorded several years ago.

The "Maverick" Who Played Poker

Many people in the U.S. are remembering a Senator this weekend, using terms such as "hero." John McCain of Arizona died from cancer Saturday. He was famous for many things - but one of his most infamous moments involved poker.

Courtesy Melina Mara/Washington Post

In September 2013, McCain seemed to be distracted during a Senate hearing on Syrian policy. The Washington Post snuck a photographer behind the desks, and found him playing video poker on his iPhone. McCain  confessed to his actions minutes later by writing "Scandal!" on social media.

Check the Twitter comments on McCain's confession, and you'll find many people were appalled by what he was doing. Yet it fit the "maverick" label others attached to him - and it's ironic, considering Maverick was the name of an old TV western about poker-playing brothers.

This leads us to ask: is it good to be a maverick - in the poker world, or otherwise? It might make you famous, but is it a good thing?

Our old hardbound dictionary has these definitions, among several: "One who refuses to abide by the dictates of his group; a dissenter.... One who resists adherence to or affiliation with any single organized group or faction".

We think there are two ways to look at this. It's good to be a maverick if you're coming out of this world. Jesus Christ was the prime example of that....

"Abraham is our father," they answered. "If you were Abraham's children," said Jesus, "then you would do the things Abraham did. As it is, you are determined to kill me, a man who has told you he truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things"... - John 8:39-40

Jesus was a Jew by birth (Revelation 5:5) who challenged the strict religious legalists of His day, such as the Jewish Pharisees. They indeed eventually had Him arrested and put to death. Yet that made the Lord the "maverick" of our salvation.

On the other hand, it can be bad to be a maverick if you're revolting against the ways of God in a lawless way. If that describes you, the Bible offers this advice:

Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. - Isaiah 55:7

 We noted in a 2013 post about John McCain's game that there's a right time and a wrong time to play video poker. At the wrong time, you can even sin against God:

If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as your please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord's holy day honorable, and you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, then you will find your joy in the Lord.... - Isaiah 58:13-14

So as we remember John McCain, we ask - are you a maverick? If so, on which side? We think it's better to be a maverick for the Master.

Poker Night 539: Spade Work

A few weeks ago on a Wednesday night, we hit a royal flush on the very first hand of a tournament at Hollywood Casino Indiana. We returned there Wednesday night, not really expecting to see lightning strike twice. But lo and behold....

BLINDS: 25/50

IN THE POCKET: Ace of hearts-8 of spades

This time it's about the third hand of the tournament. Unlike before, a full table of ten has gathered - the entire field at this point.

"Looks like a big family pot," someone says as almost everyone calls. We're in the Small Blind, and are delighted to join the party.

ON THE FLOP: 7s-10s-7c

There's a pair.... and maybe someone hit a 10. We'll simply check for now. The "family" checks around.

ON THE TURN: 6s

Suddenly our Ace is no longer the key card. We have three different draws: straight (with a 9), flush (another spade) or a straight flush. We'll simply check again. A bit surprisingly, everyone else does the same. Could history repeat itself?

ON THE RIVER; 9s

Why yes... yes, it can! We hit the straight flush!

"Whoever has the eight of spades is in good shape," we believe someone says. Indeed, but how much is that worth?

A few weeks before, we offered 1,000 with the royal flush. Our lone opponent folded. Now in the leadoff position, we act more reluctant. With a shrug, we say, "100?!?!" That's enough to get two callers; everyone else folds.

"You asked about the 8 of spades?" we say.... but the others in the hand interrupt us.

"I've got an 8," one says. OK, it's a straight. The other man's spade makes him a flush. Now we try again?

"You asked about the 8 of spades?" It's been showing throughout the discussion - and it wins us about 700 chips. We tried to mention our royal flush to a couple of other players, but they move on quickly.

Our gains and losses were small in the first hour, and we reached the break with 10,225 out of a starting 12,000. Things looked a bit bleak in the middle of the second hour, but then nice cards started to come. A few good pots kept us around the starting number, and we made it to the final table on a 17-player night with 9,900.

Those numbers worked right away at the final table, as pocket 9's led to a third one on the flop. Our push wound up eliminating two players! Our high total was 28,400, but we couldn't keep up with bigger stacks.

We held on until four players were left, then went all-in with A-6. A caller showed A-4 - but a 4 on the flop gave him a winning pair. We finished fourth, on a night when only the top two earned money. But two final tables this week give us five out of six in the Cincinnati area.

MINISTRY MOMENT: One of the hot topics at the table was ABC television's sudden cancellation of Roseanne, in the wake of a controversial tweet by Roseanne Barr.

"To borrow from a famous book," we told a dealer, "out of the abundance of the heart, a person tweets."

The phrase stumped the dealer, so we stated the original version - a Bible version, of course:

...For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. - Matthew 12:34 (KJV)

These are words of Jesus Christ, who was openly skeptical of a "generation of vipers" He considered "evil." He used that tough language to describe Pharisees, who were considered the law-keepers of that day (verse 24). Jesus went on to warn....

But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned. - Matthew 12:36-37

This goes not only for TV comedy stars, but poker players. Most U.S. poker rooms have "English only" policies for speaking during hands. OK - but is your English proper? Is it uplifting? Or is it crude and X-rated?

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. - James 3:9-10

Have you considered keeping score for a day or a week about how often you praise someone or something, as well as how often you curse people or things? (Include social media in that count, if you join in it.) Given what Jesus said, God actually might be doing that right now.

If your heart is filled with the Holy Spirit of God, we'd like to think the praise count will be much higher - especially in thanks to God. So to borrow from an old song, count your blessings. And your cursing, if you dare.

UPDATED POKER SCOREBOARD: 197 final tables in 539 games (36.5%) - 40 cashes.

The Game of Love

We've said it before in various ways: humans cannot live on poker alone. You know a poker channel has learned that lesson when it presents.... a dating show.

Chasing Hearts premieres online this week on PokerGO - six weeks of couples on blind dates, with a poker coach analyzing their "action" for possible "tells." We invite you to watch, then tell us how much of a stretch this is.

We're actually going to try to tie this in with poker, by saying we've seen couples play poker together. It's their idea of a "fun evening out", much like others go bowling or visit museums. We've even seen hints of romance develop at poker nights - but those moments happened in bars, so alcohol might have been a factor.

But is this any way to find real love? We can't speak fully from experience here, as we've never been married. But there's a great guidebook on love that many people tend to overlook....

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. - Ephesians 5:1-2

Love should be more than a romantic mood. It should be a life - or perhaps better put, a way of life. It's a way shown by Jesus Christ when He walked on Earth. And believe it or not, Jesus never said the words, "I love you," to anyone.

...Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. - John 13:1b

Jesus showed His love in many ways. In this chapter, He washed the feet of His disciples - apparently including the one who was about to betray Him (verses 26-27). Then Jesus said this:

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. - John 13:34-35

These words were spoken primarily to men - but there's no evidence Jesus meant this in a homosexual way. His point was to show compassion toward other people in general. And in addition...

If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. - John 15:10

The entire chapter says much more about what Jesus considered real love. We'll leave that for you not only to read, but apply to your own life.

If your idea of "love" is built upon game-playing, we think that's rather shallow. A deep love comes from compassion toward others and obedience toward God - and to borrow from an old song, is there really a greater love than that?

Perfectly Timed

The more we ponder our last poker tournament, the more we think about the hand we saw, but couldn't play - the "bad beat" shown on ESPN. We mentioned how Vanessa Selbst had pocket Aces, and developed a full house with Aces over 7's.

But Gaelle Baumann (pictured) had pocket 7's which turned into quads by the turn. One bet led to a raise, and Selbst was put all-in and eliminated. Selbst was wise enough to ask Baumann if she had quads after calling.

The timing of the cards was terrible for Selbst. But it was perfect for more than Baumann. It was perfect for ESPN, which had the two ladies at a feature table playing "live" on a Sunday afternoon (tournament rules require a 30-minute delay). A lot of poker hands can be mundane, but that was great TV drama.

We can think of Someone else who has a tremendous sense of timing....

...A faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, and at his appointed season he brought his word to light.... - Titus 1:2-3

God lives beyond time and space. He had no "beginning" in eternity past, as hard as that is for humans to understand. Yet God timed out a "season" for bringing meaning to Old Testament scriptures - especially the prophecies of a messiah.

...This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus.... - II Timothy 1:9-10

When the time was right, Jesus came. In fact, some Bible scholars say Jesus's ministry began in exact timing to fulfill prophetic times of Daniel 9 - a topic too complex for us to explain here.

But there's one remaining time mystery in the Bible. It's one many have tried to figure out, sometimes to their own embarrassment....

"Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." - Acts 1:11

When will Jesus Christ return? Lots of believers want to know. While we don't know for sure, it's a good idea to be ready for Him now....

So you must also be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. - Matthew 24:44

The Boy Scouts would say, "be prepared" - even for the return of Jesus. To miss out on that could be the worst play of all.

One Game or Another

The bet on the river was substantial - 600 or more, as we recall. And we missed our shot at the best hand.

"As they say on that show," we said pointing at the giant TV screen across the table, "'That's too much!'"

A man to our left knew what we meant right away. We were in a mid-morning poker game where for a change, the casino did not show talking heads discussing sports. They put The Price is Right on the big screen - a game show we admitted in advance would make things awfully distracting for us. (Although, come to think of it, some of the sound effects on The Price is Right would make poker games more entertaining to watch.)

For many big-time poker players, the key to success is staying focused - getting locked in on every hand, including your cards and your opponent's tendencies. An event nearby with people jumping up and down over winning "A new!!!! CAR!!!!!!" certainly doesn't help.

But if you think about it, our lives are full of distractions. Sometimes players even bring them to the tables, in the form of smartphones (even if they have their favorite music loaded for their earbuds). We need to follow some timeless advice along these lines....

Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. - Joshua 1:7

A new leader named Joshua was receiving guidance from the Lord (verse 1). While the focus of this "pep talk" was about having courage, Joshua was advised against going off-course in his life. The key to that was in obeying the "law of Moses" - a law really given by God years before.

Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left. - Joshua 23:6

 Joshua clearly remembered the lesson, because he repeated God's guidance in his farewell address. The world is filled with things that can take you off-course, away from a focus on God (I John 2:15-16). That's why, even today....

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. - Hebrews 12:2

Jesus stayed focused as well - on His purpose for coming to Earth, and for eventually rejoining His Father in heaven.

We hope you focus well - on the cards and conditions as you play poker, and on God's ways as you walk throughout the week. But before you do that, please comment for us. What's the worst distraction you've ever faced at a poker tournament - and how did you deal with it?

The Show That Never Ends

Our background involves working in television. So we're not sure how we missed this - but we learned only the other day that there's now a non-stop poker TV network.

Poker Central actually has been around for more than a year. It fulfills our old joke about turning on cable TV and finding a poker game somewhere, because it shows nothing but poker at every hour of the day and night. It has poker tutorials on weekends, but that's the only time the format changes. There's not even a late-night infomercial about how to spend your poker winnings on cheap real estate.

If other TV channels can show non-stop baseball, shopping or cooking, we suppose there's room for a channel like this. But with all due respect, we hope no one is watching Poker Central 24 hours a day. That might be a sad sign of poker addiction. Besides, there might even be better ways to spend your time....

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

Unless you've been staring at playing cards too much, you probably know there are other "activities" beyond the poker table. The real question is: which activities are the best use of your time?

Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.... Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. - Psalm 90:1, 12

These words were prayed by Moses. He spent many days in contact and communication with God, especially in the last 40 years of his 120-year life. As a result, God gave Moses some of the most detailed wisdom ever received. You can find it scattered through the Biblical books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.

Time in the Word of God can be time well-spent - especially if you apply what the Bible says you should do. And beyond that....

Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. - Psalm 84:10

A good way to understand being in God's "courts" is to worship in "the house of... God." It certainly beats playing poker in a smoke-filled basement, where the game could be illegal. And we think it also beats watching endless hours of poker on TV - because too much sitting can ruin your health.

A little poker on television? We see no problem, if everything is clean about it. But watch in moderation, much as we suggest you play in moderation. Spending time with the original "King of Kings" can be even better in the long run.

Beyond the Table

You may have a favorite place to play poker. But why is that your favorite?

During our years at poker tables, we've been driven primarily by two things: cost and convenience. We'd rather not pay a steep buy-in (even though that can mean limited payoffs at the end of a tournament) -- and we'd rather not drive a long way to play.  (Our main poker place in Georgia was walking distance from home.)

Now a writer has listed his top ten desires in a poker room. A couple of them were things we hadn't considered before - such as USB plug-ins for charging devices.  But there's one we're really not sure about: TV's showing sports channels.

Following a pro or college game is OK, when you're out of a hand and the drama between players gets lengthy.  But big plays on-screen when you're trying to make a big move with chips can be downright distracting.

We think the best poker players focus on the table, their opponents and what they're doing.  And if you want to have success away from the poker room, the right focus matters as well.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. - Hebrews 12:2

Our NIV Study Bible notes with this verse it's all about "concentration." (And we don't mean that old TV game show.)  Get distracted by other things in life, and you might wander away from the best things - the things of God.

But my eyes are fixed on you, O Sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge - do not give me over to death. - Psalm 141:8

Other people can lead you astray -- especially if their thoughts and minds are fixed on this world. It's a world that the Bible says is "passing away" (I Corinthians 7:31), while the things of God can last forever.

So let's discuss this in the comments section. What's the main reason for your choice of a poker room?  And what do you think the perfect room should include?

A Poker Thanksgiving

One of our most curious Thanksgiving Day memories comes from the last decade, in the city where we used to live. After working in the morning, we took advantage of a discount coupon at a shopping mall restaurant. It was open at 1:00 p.m. - but with no trace of Thanksgiving at all.

There was no special turkey dinner on the menu.  So we dined on steak and broccoli with cheese -- and we looked up at the TV screens in the restaurant to see poker players, instead of football games.  It was an ESPN World Series of Poker marathon.

Over the years. the usual Thursday night poker spots in our cities have closed for Thanksgiving.  But this year is different; one poker room plans to open in the late afternoon (although it doesn't mention any tournament play).

So to borrow from our last post: are you a thankful poker player? Perhaps you've had a lousy year, and see no reason to be thankful. But the Bible reminds us....

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. - I Thessalonians 5:16-18

We can talk about joy and prayer another time - but our focus here is about giving thanks. We think it should go beyond wishing friends a holiday greeting and serving food.  It should be about expressing thanks to the One who makes all things possible, including our lives.

For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God. - I Corinthians 11:12

As radio host Michael Baisden used to say: "Everything is everything."  God provided the ingredients for everything at a poker table -- from trees for wooden tables to a brain for you to read opponents and make winning moves.

We're thankful for a year where we haven't played many live tournaments, but we've gone 10 for 17 in making final tables.  One of them brought a third-place cash win.  But all of them have brought opportunities to share the things of Jesus Christ with fellow players and others who may be listening.

If you need reasons to give thanks, check our Biblical list.  Then tell us - what one thing are you most thankful for this year?

Sharks and Lions

The big story in the poker world right now is the arrival of "card sharks" -- and we don't mean that old TV game show.

People apparently are targeting top online poker players for snooping.  Criminals infect the players' computers with a bug, which lets them look at the players' hands -- and even steal their online winnings.

It should go without saying that stealing is wrong (Deuteronomy 5:19).  And we can understand why players would be concerned about that. But did you realize you could be targeted by a notorious "thief" -- even if you only play poker at a neighborhood hangout once a week?

Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. - I Peter 5:8

It may sound wild at first, but the Bible warns Satan is after human beings.  Some people see Satan in this additional warning from Jesus....

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.  I am come that they may have life, and have it to the full. - John 10:10

We realize this could refer to false ministers (verse 8) -- but Satan wants to turn people away from the "life" Jesus offers.  It's the offer of eternal life, to live with Jesus forever (John 4:13-14).  So how do you escape this "lion"?

Resist him, standing firm in the faith.... - I Peter 5:9

Of course, this requires having "faith" in the first place.  The Bible recommends putting your faith in God:

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who believes in him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. - Hebrews 11:6

Seek God by studying the Scriptures every day and asking for His help in all that you do. God will help your faith to grow, so you can be wise enough to outsmart the lion which is after your life -- and probably the "sharks" along the way as well.

Poker Night 391: Leading Ladies

The news of this week includes the resignation (forced, some say) of a New York television news anchor.  Police say he strangled his wife (also a news anchor) in a rage, attempting to kill her -- except he wound up with an arrest and a bloody nose.  We bring this up here because ladies also can be lethal in poker at times.    Check what happened tonight at Lil Kim's Cove....

BLINDS: 200/400

IN THE POCKET: Q-Q

Our table has been a bit like the TV series The Office -- a place with a lot of characters.  A quiet young woman across the table is playing like a newcomer, but winning large pots.  The Tournament Director next to her is having trouble remembering who's dealing -- even when it's her turn.  And a man to our immediate right is being what one player calls controlling, with provoking pre-flop and post-flop raises.

Because of him, we've folded a couple of promising hands which would have wound up winners. This time he's at it again, raising pre-flop to 1,400.  Then we see our big pocket pair and decide it's time to fight back.  Starting this hand with 5,250 chips, we re-raise to 3,000 -- a move which clearly surprises him.  He calls; the rest of the table folds.

ON THE FLOP: 10-2-2

This is where it helps to pay attention to what other players are saying.  They've hinted our opponent likes to bet big with any Ace.  There's none showing here.  He checks.  So the next step seems only logical.

"I'm all-in for 2,250," we say -- and we feel confident about it.  But after a moment, the man quietly calls.  Then we show our Queens.  He keeps a poker face, and says nothing.

ON THE TURN: 5

Good.  One more....

ON THE RIVER: 8

Now our opponent shows his cards -- A-10.  Our read was correct, and we double our holdings to 11,000.

History repeated itself a few hands later, when we were dealt Q-Q again.  A King came on the flop, and we played it cautiously.  But the Queens combined with 7-7 on the board to give up a winning two pair, and a gain to about 30,000.

Like Monday night, those two big wins were enough to get us to the final table -- only on this night, there were only enough players for two tables.  Probing bets failed us there, and we wound up going all-in after the two-hour break with 9-9.  That "Ace-anything" player caught an Ace on the flop, and wound up eliminating three players in all.  We finished tied for seventh (eighth in points).

MINISTRY MOMENT: An Ace on the flop in one early hand was not what one player wanted to see.  He folded before the flop, and cried: "Lord, have mercy!  JESUS!!"

"Jesus truly is merciful," we told him from across the table.

We suspect he was more focused on the Ace he folded than the advice we gave -- but we meant what we said about Jesus....

For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. - Hebrews 2:17

Who is this "he"?  Someone who became flesh and blood as we are, yet was a minister serving God -- and somehow was able to be our atoning sacrifice through His shed blood.  This chapter of the Bible leaves no doubt who this is:

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. - Hebrews 2:9

Jesus's death opened the ways for "bringing many sons to glory" (verse 10) - as in eternal life.  Believers no longer are in bondage to "their fear of death" (verse 15).  Have you accepted the offer of freedom which Christ provides?

UPDATED POKER SCOREBOARD: 136 final tables in 391 nights (34.8%) - 20 cashes.

NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POKER TOTAL: Full tournaments - 283 point wins in 1,375 games (20.6%), 92 final tables, 10 wins, 12 cashes.  No-River Hold 'em - 25 point wins in 100 games (25.0%), 20 final tables, 1 win, 2 cashes.   One-table Sit-N-Go's - 8-13-10-4-4.

A lot has changed at NLOP in the last week or so, and we need a separate post to explain it all.  But the big news is that Wednesday afternoon, we won money in a biweekly No-River Hold 'em Championship tournament!  We finished fourth out of 141 players (the top six win money) -- and had big gains along the way when we hit quads on the flop, not once but twice!

POKER STARS.NET TOTAL: Pretend cash games - $85,819, down $1,019.

Getting Ned-led

In years gone by, scoffers might have called a Christian a "holy Joe."  But in the 21st century, the name on the label has changed.

"Hey, it's Ned Flanders," a man said when he spotted us at a live poker tournament the other night.

Come to think of it, we look a little bit like that character from The Simpsons.  But we think that man called us by that name because of the character's attributes.  Ned Flanders is the "extremely religious next-door neighbor."  Perhaps that fits us, too -- as our longtime Pastor preached against The Simpsons within two weeks of its premiere, so we hardly ever watch it.

Considering a lot of local poker is played at bars and nightclubs, the thought of a Christian stepping inside and sitting at the table might seem odd to some people.  But we think part of the duty of a believer is to live your faith so that people can see it:

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. - Matthew 5:16

When Jesus said these words, He probably realized not everyone around Him would praise God for what He did.  In fact, the Lord wound up crucified -- and several early apostles were put to death for their faith as well.  (Review Acts 7 for one example.)  Yet the Bible advises....

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. - James 1:2-3

....But he who stands firm to the end will be saved. - Matthew 24:13

Compared to the torture some believers have faced over the last 2,000 years, we realize being called the name of a cartoon character is incredibly tame.  So we're dealing with it.  And we're ready to face even worse things, should they come.

But we'd close with this question: since the Bible warns even worse times are coming for the world as a whole, are you ready to face them?  Without God and Jesus Christ in your life, can you really count on clinging to anything?

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.... where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf.  He has become a high priest forever.... - Hebrews 6:19-20

One on One

It seemed a little different for us today -- "Resurrection Sunday" (others call it Easter) without any poker to watch (and blog about) on TV.

For several years, NBC started the annual National Heads-Up Poker Championship broadcasts in early April. But there was no weekend tournament in Las Vegas in March 2012.  The event was called off, apparently due to a lack of sponsorship -- another aftershock from the federal crackdown on online poker almost a year ago.

So we can't watch poker pros and amateur celebrities staring down each other across the table.  How about developing another kind of personal relationship instead?  We're talking about a relationship with God, through His Son Jesus Christ.

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"... - John 21:15a

Jesus asked Peter this question not once, but three times -- matching the three times Peter denied knowing Jesus before the crucifixion.  Each time, the Lord's question cut a little bit deeper.

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?"  He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."  Jesus said, "Feed my sheep." - John 21:17b

The Greek word for love is different in verse 17, than in the verses before.  Strong's Exhaustive Concordance indicates Jesus changes from a social or moral love to an "affection" or "personal attachment."  That's the kind of love Jesus wants us to have toward him -- a love from the heart, not simply the head.

So how many times does Jesus need to ask you this big question?  Are you simply "heads-up" with the Lord of the universe -- or are you going farther?

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. - Ephesians 3:17-18

Poker Night 295: Look Before You Leap

Professional poker tables are built so ten players and a dealer can sit comfortably, yet have a good look at the action.  At local free tournaments, things can be very different.  That made a difference for us tonight, during one hand at Lil Kim's Cove....

BLINDS: 25/50

IN THE POCKET: 2-3 of spades

We're in the big blind, enjoying a fairly big start.  We won an early hand with two pair, moving us well above 10,000 chips.  So when a player adds 100 ahead of us, we don't mind giving this "lowball" connection a try.  We call.

ON THE FLOP: J-8-3 (no spades)

We must note at this point we're seated at one end of two card tables, set up next to each other and covered with a green felt tablecloth.  The cards are being dealt at the other hand, so we have to strain a bit to see the cards.  We want to check, but the original raiser bets 200.  Hopeful with bottom pair, we call.

ON THE TURN: J

We have to stand up to see this card.  There's no improvement for us.  But the entire table checks.

ON THE RIVER: 2

Herein lies the problem.  We know we have two pairs - 3's and 2's.  But looking from the far end, we thought the face card on the flop was a King.  So when a man to our immediate right bets 250, we feel confident and double the bet to 500.  He calls; everyone else folds.

"Two pair," we say turning over our cards.

Our opponent turns over 8-7 -- and he's awarded the pot.  Only then do we realize what the flop really was!  The board showed a pair of Jacks, so his second pair beat ours.

Our vision was a lot better the rest of the night -- winning two big pots when we hit first a full house on the flop, then a club flush.  We reached the one-hour break at more than 24,000 chips.  But we took a sizable loss in the second hour with K-J of clubs, when we suspected a player was making an all-in bluff and called it.  He actually had K-K -- but wound up getting topped by a second player who pushes with K-Q and made a straight.

We held on from there to reach the final table.  But the draw for dealer put us in the big blind immediately with our last 10,000 chips.  We were dealt J-10 and had some hope, but another player made a full house to take another player out along with us.  It was a satisfying evening, all in all -- finishing tied for eighth, our best showing since late December.

MINISTRY MOMENT: We took our "last supper" card protector tonight, and it reminded a man to our right of something he saw on The History Channel.  "They said Mary....."

"Mary Magdalene?" we suggested.  Yes, that was her.

"Mary Magdalene was at this," the man recalled hearing.  "There were women at that supper.... But I know you shouldn't believe everything you see on The History Channel."

We told the man we didn't recall seeing that detail from Scripture.  After the game, we went home and found this:

When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. - Matthew 26:20

That same phrase "the Twelve" appears in Mark 14:17.  Luke's account makes clear who they are....

When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. - Luke 22:14

Those apostles (called "disciples" elsewhere in the Gospels) included Judas Iscariot -- who left during the dinner and reported Jesus to authorities, leading to Christ's arrest and eventual crucifixion.  We don't think there were "holy seat-fillers" back then to take Judas's place, either male or female.  So based on the Bible evidence, we're led to conclude Mary Magdalene was not at this Lord's Supper -- but we must add the Bible does not specifically say where she was.

What should we make of this detail?  If this historic Passover meal was a "for men only" event, does it mean women are barred from taking the Lord's Supper today?  We know of no Christian group taking that approach -- as they all seem to follow the guidance of the apostle Paul.

You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.... There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. - Galatians 3:26, 28

So this "table of the Lord" is much like free poker tournaments -- open to all without regard for race, gender, economic status or nationality.  That's what real Christian unity should be all about.

UPDATED POKER SCOREBOARD: 107 final tables in 295 nights (36.3%) - 17 cashes.

NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POKER TOTAL: Full tournaments - 191 point wins in 832 games (23.0%), 66 final tables, 7 cashes.  Our online play is likely to diminish in March, due to other commitments including preparation for the Passover season.

POKER STARS.NET TOTAL: Pretend cash games - $74,387, up $1,494.

The Original True Blood

Our last local poker night brought up the TV series True Blood -- and when we heard title, we thought of Jesus the Savior.

Sound strange?  We don't mean Jesus Christ was a vampire.  What we mean begins with this verse....

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:6

If Jesus is the truth, it logically follows that His words are true.  And since John 1:1, 14 indicates Jesus was (and still is) God, we can apply these words....

See how I love your precepts; preserve my life, O Lord, according to your love.  All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal. - Psalm 119:159-160

And the blood of "the truth" is filled with importance for humans, even today....

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.... In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.... - Ephesians 1:3, 7

Have you accepted the blood of Jesus as your redemption price, to have your sins forgiven?  Any attempt to use someone else will be.... well, false blood.

Poker Night 278: The Gun Clubs

There was an old-fashioned "stick-up" on the avenue near our home the other day -- as a man was robbed of his wallet, and apparently slugged in the process.  At the other side of the avenue tonight, we carried some weapons of our own from time to time.  It was poker night at Lil Kim's Cove -- and sometimes cards are referred to as "rockets" or "bullets."  But that wasn't what we had....

BLINDS: 100/200

IN THE POCKET: J-9 of clubs

We're "under the gun" -- which in poker slang means we're first to act pre-flop, sitting to the left of the big blind.  We haven't won a hand yet, and hold about 4,000 chips.  But something tells us to give this suited medium-high combination a try, so we call.  Several players get in, with no one raising.

ON THE FLOP: Qs-9s-8c

We have middle pair and a draw, so we're not in a mood to stick our neck out yet.  We check; so does the entire table.

ON THE TURN: 10c

That's the right draw for a straight -- and it sets up a potential perfect river card, as we've developed an open-ended shot at a straight flush.  But we're more concerned about taking this pot than hitting that long shot.  When the play checks to us, we bet 1,000.  Several players do the math and fold; one person across from us calls.

ON THE RIVER: Kc

We didn't hit the jackpot, and three clubs are now showing.  But we don't really consider that chance of someone having the Ace of clubs for a "nut flush."  With our straight becoming a flush, we bet 1,000 again -- and our opponent fold, realizing we have something.

But all in all, the night was shaky for us.  We reached a high of 6,000 chips, then lost 3,100 of them in one hand when our pocket Jacks lost to a woman who turned a 3 in her hand into three of a kind on the turn.  Then we folded two low clubs which would have made another winning flush.

We finally pushed in the big blind with A-Q, but the board didn't pair for us and another woman made pocket jacks.  Final standing: a lowly 22nd.

MINISTRY MOMENT: The talk of the table turned to television tonight.  One woman asked an admitted fan of the Twilight movie series, "Do you watch True Blood?"

"No," the fan answered.  "I don't like scary stuff."

The title led us to turn to a man on our left and quietly say, "That title brings me back to this."  We tapped the "Jesus as your Savior" coin we'd shown him earlier in the evening.  The man smiled, and nodded a bit as if he understood.

That's nice -- but do you understand?  Why would True Blood make us think of Jesus the Savior?  Offer a comment if you'd like; we'll explain in a future post.

UPDATED POKER SCOREBOARD: 102 final tables in 278 nights (36.7%), 16 cashes.

NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POKER TOTAL: Full tournaments - 172 point wins in 761 games (22.6%), 59 final tables, 7 cashes.

POKER STARS.NET TOTAL: Pretend cash games - $67,582, up $5,925.  We scored gains in seven of eight sessions in the last seven days, including two with jumps of $2,000 or more.

Poker Night 208: Threes to Please

"That's not a raise," a man across the table from us said tonight during an early hand at Lil Kim's Cove. With the blinds at 25/50, we raised 100. He eventually made big bets, and ran us off two pair which probably would have won. So if you can't beat 'em, join 'em -- right?

BLINDS: 25/50

IN THE POCKET: 3-3

The hand we surrendered cost us a lot of chips. But we won most of it back in the hand prior to this one, when we followed the man's example and shoved all-in with four diamonds on the board. (Yes, we had the nuts.) Now we're first in the order, and we limp in. Several players do.

ON THE FLOP: 5-3-5

Jackpot! A woman ahead of us checks, and we know what to do with a full house.

"Fifteen-hundred," we announce. "It worked for him" -- referring to a bet that man across the table made against us earlier. That man appears stunned that we bet so much now. But he calls, as does the dealer.

ON THE TURN: 8

Why slow down? We bet 2,000. Our opponents decide we mean business, and fold. Then following that man's example, we don't show our cards -- and we repeat his words: "I don't want to give away my strategy for the next hand."

(By the way: did you notice our last post occurred at 3:33 p.m. U.S. ET? Then 3-3 paid big dividends? Naah -- we think it's coincidence.)

We won a couple more nice pots as well, then chose to play tight defense in the second hour after a big loss to a well-hidden three of a kind. We survived to the final table with one minimal 500-dollar chip -- then won the draw for dealer, and endured past the two-hour break.

When we finally had to go all-in with J-4, we were outgunned by a woman whose K-Q both paired. But we went home relieved and satisfied. A seventh-place finish broke that looooong streak of missing final tables!

MINISTRY MOMENT: "You going to cut?" a woman to our left asked at the semifinal table. We admittedly were distracted by the TV on the wall behind our seat, and what channel was on.

"They're showing TBN -- Trinity Broadcasting," we pointed out. You certainly don't expect that at a bar like Lil Kim's Cove. And the captioning was on, so we could read everything ministers such as Dr. David Jeremiah said.

"Some people here probably could use that," we said -- and the woman next to us agreed. Admittedly, no one else seemed to pay much attention to the screen or the message. But if it's on, someone could -- and who knows where God might get someone's attention.

UPDATED POKER SCOREBOARD: 84 final tables in 208 nights (40.4%) - 15 cashes. Live heads-up record: 2-3.

NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POKER TOTAL: Full tournaments - 90 point wins in 488 games (18.4%), 37 final tables, two cashes.

POKER STARS.NET TOTAL: Pretend cash games - $23,599, up $1,395. The next Million-Dollar Challenge freeroll is this Sunday, but schedule commitments may prevent us from playing.

Return of the Challenge

We apparently missed the first episode of this season's "Million-Dollar Challenge" on Fox -- the poker show where Daniel Negreanu is star, coach and funnyman.

After watching this afternoon's program, we'll say this: losing heads-up to Vanessa Rousso is one thing. But losing to a Playboy Playmate -- wow, that has to sting a little.

Which leads us to ask: what's the most embarrassing poker loss you've ever had? (Take that question in any direction you wish.)

Cheating does not pay

If you think you can cheat at a poker table and win, think again. People are always watching -- including some you might not expect.

Watch one example from a recent TV commercial (episodes 7 and 8). How they found matching playing cards is a mystery to us -- but then, we don't cheat.

Poker on Fox

Tuned in to the "PokerStars.net Million Dollar Challenge" on Fox, after a football game today.

Playboy playmates -- playing an "ordinary person" with a coach?

Daniel Negreanu -- in an isolation booth??

Two words: game show. (And that's not a compliment.)

No wonder Doyle Brunson isn't thrilled by it. It didn't thrill us, either.

(Well, except for that "dome of silence" Chris Moneymaker ordered. Sometimes with Negreanu, that would be a good thing.)

What did you think?