Back in the Game

Well, that didn't take long. Look what was posted on Facebook today about the place where we had our last two poker tournaments:

10 hrs · 

We're not bluffing. We're re-opening our doors TODAY!

With our re-opening and with new city regulations, Nikki's will undergo a few changes.

As Nikki's is a family operated business, our mission is to always put our customers & staff first. Nikki's has and will continue to honor any card player's choice to play for free in our daily tournaments. Chair rentals are an optional charge to maximize a player's comfort during the tournament. As a courtesy to our players, we choose to donate the chair rental fees back to the players as a prize rather than keep the rental profit to our business. Our focus is our players.

Nikki's does not claim to be a gambling establishment. Our business focus is to serve our patrons beverages in a entertaining and safe environment.

Nikki's is currently in operation of scheduling upcoming tournament events.

As a family operated business, Nikki's would like genuinely thank those who showed support at our time of closing.

The "new city regulations" obviously are vague. The next time we visit Nikki's Poker Room, we plan to ask about that.

But based on what they're posting on social media, we're led to conclude people who want to "play for free" now will be allowed to do so. We somehow doubt those players will be eligible to win money; we've faced situations like that a few times in the past.

It all may boil down to what the motive of each player is.  Are you there simply for fun and fellowship? If so, let 'em play for free.  Are you there to build a "poker resume," getting ready to go after a WSOP bracelet? If so, that can be a different matter.

But keep one thing in mind: God in heaven knows your motives - and may well know them far better than you do:

And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts... - I Chronicles 28:9

We think God is far more likely to bless your efforts if you do them for the right reasons.

Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. - Colossians 3:22

This verse could apply to a poker player, abiding by the rules of the game. It could also apply to a poker room, trying to avoid another police raid. God wants us to develop an obedient heart - not only for those we serve around us, but for Him.

We should note Nikki's has another game people can play for free. A big checkerboard with giant checkers sits outside the main poker area. But we don't think even the lesser cable sports channels have reached the point where they're showing "Championship Checkers" - and side bets on a game might get the poker room in trouble as well.