Steven Breaks Even

When we left Kansas last year, an FBI investigation was underway into possibly illegal action involving house poker games. The biggest name in that case was thought to be a Wichita business owner who's won money in serious tournaments such as the World Series.

The long investigation apparently ended this week, with Brandon Steven making a deal with federal prosecutors. He pleaded guilty to hiding records of illegal poker games, and could have gone to prison for it. Instead, Steven received three years of probation, a lot of community service time - and he must give more than a million dollars, either in poker winnings or hush money.

The four-year FBI investigation may have led to police shutting down open poker rooms across Wichita. We played at several of them during this decade. These days, we only play in legal tournaments at casinos or charities. We try to live by a simple Bible verse:

Avoid every kind of evil. - I Thessalonians 5:22

Sounds simple, doesn't it? Except the King James Version puts it this way: "Abstain from all appearance of evil." A lot of things may appear evil to others, but they're really above-board. The list of items fitting that description can change almost daily, based on the news cycle and social media posts. We have to be careful in all the decisions we make about what we do.

As for Steven, you'd think he would have known better. Secrets come out, sooner or later. If they're not exposed by the FBI, they will at an even higher level of justice....

You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. - Psalm 90:8

The time is coming when Jesus will judge all humans, on behalf of God the Father.

And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened.... The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. - Revelation 20:12

We don't see much evidence in the Bible that "plea bargains" will be allowed then....

...Those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned. - John 5:29

Defense lawyers say Brandon Steven is a solid citizen, who supports youth sports among other things. But this case revealed he has a "dark side." If we're honest with ourselves, we all do. Will you learn from Steven's example, and come "out of darkness" into God's "wonderful light" (I Peter 2:9)?

Safe at Home?

The shutdown of poker rooms in our city this year probably has NOT ended poker games completely. They've simply moved to quieter, more private places.

One website offers to connect poker players with home games. In our city, someone is trying to organize games once or twice a week. If they're kept secluded, they can become a habit. But the key word is if - because if real money is being used in cash games, we'd think police would raid them for being every bit as illegal as what the poker rooms did.

Secret law-breaking is still law-breaking. That's true with the laws of God, as well as the laws of man....

His eyes are on the ways of men; he sees their every step. There is no dark place, no deep shadow, where evildoers can hide..... He [God] punishes them for their wickedness where everyone can see them. - Job 34:21-22, 26

You can try to run from God. But ultimately, it won't work. You might get away with illegal card games now, but God promises a day of judgment:

For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. - Ecclesiastes 12:14

You may think your private home game is a good time. But if it's against the law in your city or county, we think God will consider it evil - and subject to judgment someday.

Are we being killjoys? Some might say so. But we're trying to say the joys of life should be legal ones - with the laws of man and God. Keep it clean, and you should have no reason to hide.

The Private Plan

Steps continue to unfold in our area's crackdown on gambling - which seems primarily to be a crackdown on poker rooms and tournaments.

We've now learned a big tournament was held earlier this month, outside the Wichita city limits - put on in the suburbs as a fundraiser for the football team. The school district and football team websites didn't seem to have anything about it when we checked today (including the fine print about whether there was a required buy-in). But one poker group's Twitter feed indicates it's gone on for several years.

Then there's the move by our primary Wichita poker room. Arrowhead Poker has cleansed its Facebook feed of dozens, perhaps hundreds, of posts about cash games in progress and upcoming tournaments. Now it says this:

Arrowhead Poker Cardroom is a private social club. We offer free texas holdem tournaments daily. Like this page to keep up with current events we are running. We are seeking Spades players as well for future tournament play details to come. 

The poker room's website still advertises daily tournaments - but the "Sunday Showdown" which once had a $75 buy-in now has no price showing.

"Private clubs" have a long history in our state. They go back to a time when "liquor by the drink" was not openly allowed, people would cross state lines to stock up on wine, and a minister with a lost voice box led an anti-alcohol "Life at Its Best" movement warning about "drug suffering."  That all changed in Kansas in the mid-1980s. But we wonder if what Arrowhead Poker is promoting is a first step toward bringing it back.

If you choose to play poker in private to get around local and state laws, keep one thing in mind. You might be able to hide your cash game from police - but you can't hide it from God:

..All who sin under the law will be judged by the law.... This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares. - Romans 2:12, 16

To borrow from a song co-written by the late Glenn Frey, "You can't hide your lyin' eyes." Not from God, you can't. He watches over "the wicked and the good" (Proverbs 15:3).  But that doesn't mean secret acts are bad.  In fact, the Bible also says....

..And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. - Matthew 6:18b

The King James Version says God will "reward you openly."  He wants others to know about the deeds you do for Him - but on the other hand, He doesn't want you to promote them:

So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men.... do not let your left hand know what you right hand is doing. - Matthew 6:2-3

We've heard ministers preach for decades about attempts by big government to encroach on your "right to privacy." But ultimately, that "right" does not exist. The idea is a farce, because God watches it all and will judge based on all. How are you spending your private time - and will it pass the final judgment test?

Poker Day 434: Clash of the Titans

The manager of Arrowhead Poker admits Sunday action starts slowly.  But there still can be plenty of action, even in a one-table tournament.  We faced some big hands today, but we're deferring to one where we simply watched:

BLINDS: 2,000/4,000

IN THE POCKET:  Q-10 offsuit

To be honest, we don't absolutely remember what we had in this hand.  But we know we still had 9,000 chips in the fifth round of blinds, after winning several pots.  And we folded pre-flop, so it must not have been very impressive.  We know Q-10 came up at some point late in the tournament, and it seemed too marginal to play with our chip stack so precarious.

ON THE FLOP: 6h-5h-4h

We murmur noisily at the sight of this - three suited cards in a row.  Seven players are still in the running, including the manager.  As we recall, he made a bet which chased all but one player (the only woman at the table) away.

ON THE TURN: 7h

The plot thickens further - with four suited cards in a row.  Now both players check.

ON THE RIVER: 8c

So there's a straight on the table, but that may be the least of our issues.  The manager now goes all-in.  The woman thinks about it for a moment or two.  Is that a big bluff?  She decides it is, and calls.

The manager turns over.... 8h!  It's not a bluff; he has a straight flush!

The woman shows.... 3h-Ah!  She had the Ace for an old-fashioned "nut flush," and the 3 gave her a straight flush of her own -- but not the winning one.  She's eliminated in seventh place, with a true bad beat.

It was our turn to go all-in a few hands later, as we faced the Big Blind with our last 10,000 chips.  We had K-J, but a man called with A-J.  Two Aces on the board settled the matter, and we were ousted in sixth place -- better, but not in the money.

MINISTRY MOMENT: We showed our "Lord's Supper" card protector to a man on our right -- the one with an artist's depiction of Jesus on the flip side.  "I don't really think he looks like that," we said of the depiction showing a long-haired Lord.

"I don't know," the man said.  "Maybe they weren't able to cut hair back then."

We didn't tell the man this, but that theory doesn't match the Bible at all.  Consider one of the most infamous haircuts in recorded history:

So he told her everything. "No razor has ever been used on my head," he said, "because I have been a Nazarite set apart to God since birth.  If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as any other man." - Judges 16:17

These are the words of Samson - a man who had his hair in seven braids.  When Delilah put Samson to sleep and her friend shaved off those braids, indeed "his strength left him" (verse 19).  In fact....

Then she called, "Samson, the Philistines are upon you!"  He awoke from his sleep and thought, "I'll go out as before and shake myself free."  But he did not know that the Lord had left him. - Judges 16:20

Not only did Samson's strength go away -- the Lord went away.  It's curious to us that Samson bluffed (as in lied to) Delilah three times earlier in this chapter about the source of his strength.  When Samson finally told the truth, God responded by leaving him!

What sort of lessons should we learn from this?  In terms of poker, we think there's one obvious lesson -- don't lie in pressure situations.  Samson may not have realized he was in one, with his invincible strength at stake.

Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth. - Proverbs  16:13

We think this especially applies to the "King of Kings," Jesus Christ.  Would Samson have kept his strength, had he told the truth to Delilah right away?  We're left to guess -- but in poker, we think it's better to say nothing about your hand before showdown, instead of lying and breaking God's command against offering a "false witness" (Exodus 20:16, KJV).

NOTE: There's more to the conversation with that man at the table; we'll get to it in a future post.

UPDATED POKER SCOREBOARD: 154 final tables in 434 games (35.5%) - 25 cashes.  Until more players show up, the final table count will keep piling up.

Sterling Speech

Two players had very early exits in the poker tournament we played Sunday.  As it happened, both of them were African-American men.

"Black folks were the first to donate," one joked after he went bust.

"You'll never own the Los Angeles Clippers with words like that," we said in response -- only half-jokingly.

Like it or not, the big sports story in recent days has been the firestorm over pro basketball team owner Donald Sterling -- now perhaps better called an "owner in limbo."  He's been banned from his team's games and may have to sell his franchise, for race-related comments he said in a phone call.

Why bring up this incident here?  Because we've known plenty of players over the years who like to talk about race at the poker table.  They might use the "N-word" to their friends, and justify it by noting they're African-American.  Others might use race-related "humor" in putdowns, a bit like Don Rickles without a censor.

Some people seem to get away with such language now, while others do not.  Yet mark these words, from Someone who was very careful with them:

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

We admittedly have stumbled with our own words at times (spoken and written), with costly results.  Jesus warns here wrong "careless" language will face an answer -- perhaps not now, but eventually.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. - II Corinthians 5:10

They don't have to be words or actions done in public, either.  Some say Donald Sterling was "set up" because a girlfriend recorded what he probably thought was a private phone conversation made in his own home.  Yet Jesus warns:

So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. - Matthew 10:26

.... your Father, who sees what it done in secret, will reward you. - Matthew 6:18b

The Biblical evidence seems clear: there's no such thing as a "right to privacy" when it comes to God.  He can see all, and Jesus ultimately will judge all.  Given that knowledge, what are you saying about other people (or about God) - even when no one is watching or listening?

Thanks-Living

It's a bit embarrassing to admit this, but we often forget to tip dealers at poker tables after we win hands.  Perhaps it's because the game is built so much on taking -- and we became used to having the players act as dealers in other poker tournaments at other places.

How much should you tip a dealer in a poker room?  While the 15-percent line at restaurants is commonly known, no one ever gave us good advice for poker.  We found one online article which actually recommends a 33-percent tip in some small cash games.  That can feel like a lot, if your chip stack is small.  But it errs on the side of giving.

We bring this up because today marks a day for giving thanks in the U.S.  Some people say "thank you" is one of the hardest things for people to say in our society.  So a tip for your poker dealer is one way to offer thanks in a physical way.

But in reality, Thanksgiving Day should be a time for thanking the One who provides all our blessings -- even the physical strength to sit down at a poker table and win pots.

You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. - II Corinthians 9:11

Many people, groups and businesses use this time of year to perform charitable acts -- but many times they come across as self-promotion.  We think there's a better way to be generous, in a way which will make God happy:

But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret.  Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. - Matthew 6:3-4

Giving thanks, as well as tips, can be every bit as effective in private.

What's that -- you say you see nothing to be thankful about?  We disagree.  We went through the Bible, and found dozens of reasons to be thankful to God.  Read this Bible study article for the list, along with other thoughts about thanksgiving.  And may you be thankful every day, not simply at a table with a turkey.

Telling It Like It Is

We aren't playing much online poker these days (although an upcoming schedule change could allow more).  But one opponent we've met over the years has the screen name "FloodofSins."  One recent day at National League of Poker, he was eliminated....

Dealer: 　mks wins Main Pot ($3,400) with Two pair, aces and fours
Me: 　Sins purged. :-)
kingkupkake: 　its a confessional
Me: 　I confess....
Me: 　I have no pair here. :-)
We wrote that final line during the following hand -- and we told the truth; we had no reason staying there long.  But that word "confessional" started an interesting conversation.  We'd ask you first: are you a confessor?

Plenty of people keep their poker hands secret, both when they fold and when they win before a showdown.  The general rule is that you don't have to show your cards unless a showdown requires it.  To have a relationship with God, that won't work at all.  For starters....

"Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?" declares the Lord.  "Do not I fill heaven and earth?" declares the Lord. - Jeremiah 23:24

You can try running from God.  The prophet Jonah did, in the first chapter of the book named after him.  But Jonah quickly realized he can't hide.  God can see everything we do -- even the sins you think you're hiding from everyone on Earth.

He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. - Proverbs 28:13

This sort of confessing can work on many levels.  If you do something which upsets another poker player, going to that player with a humble apology can heal a damaged relationship.  That can be true in our dealings with God as well:

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. - I John 1:9

The "he" in this case refers to God.  There may be times when you need to confess your faults to other people (James 5:16) - but only God can ultimately forgive sins, through the blood of Jesus Christ.

For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. - I Timothy 2:5

Our online chat will continue in a future post.

I've Got a Secret?

"Thanks for giving me your house key," we said to our older brother as we stayed with him for a day during our recent vacation.

His response threw us for a moment.  "Did you win?"

No, we didn't win at the poker room we visited.  But he won the discussion, by knowing one of our locations without our even bringing it up.

Our brother might have guessed at the visit based on this blog, or our recent habits.  But it turns out he had to review his computer's online browsing history for some kind of Internet activity -- and he noticed we'd called up a couple of casinos in the area, looking for a place to play.

There's a lesson for all of us to gain from this -- especially if you're "sneaking out" to play poker without telling your family or friends.  Does someone close to you oppose your poker habit, perhaps because you're gambling away vital money?  An ancient leader named Moses warned....

But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the Lord; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out. - Numbers 32:23 (emphasis ours)

How does it "find you out"?  Smart people (like our brother) can track down your online habits, to see if they're for your good or harm.  And suspicious minds can follow you around in other ways (check TV series such as Cheaters for proof).  Whether or not you're good at hiding your trail, keep in mind:

The sins of some men are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. - I Timothy 5:24

That "place of judgment" ultimately is the judgment seat of Jesus Christ, where everyone will stand someday (II Corinthians 5:10).  We think it's best to follow the advice of a hymn, and "live transparently" -- with your activities open before God and man.  And even better....

In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not cannot be hidden. - I Timothy 5:25

If you're hiding a bad gambling habit, work on developing a good one in its place -- one that's a lot less expensive, and maybe others will appreciate.

The Ultimate Push

Some online poker players take audacious names. In a Saturday night game, we spent a long period of time with someone named "PokerGod863". When we won a big pot, this chat ensued....

Dealer: flopblogger wins Main Pot ($4715) with Three of a kind, nines
Me: A real God would have known I had a 9. ;-)

Our opponent didn't respond. But our point is that the real God is all-knowing.

"'Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?"' declares the Lord...." says Jeremiah 23:24. You can't hide from God -- not your "hole cards," and not your deepest secluded sins. The game continues:

Dealer: pokerGod863 wins Main Pot ($4180)
Me: Here's hoping everyone here knows the real God....

We didn't plan to go beyond that statement unless someone responded -- and someone did:

MackinawGirl: i do but i dont think he plays poker
Me: But sending His Son was the ultimate all-in moment.

"He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all...." is how Paul describes God in Romans 8:32. Don't overlook the rest of that verse: "....how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" The gifts include eternal life for those who seek "glory, honor and immortality...." (2:7)

MackinawGirl: i guesss that would be the DEGREE all in moment
Me: Well, before there were sponsorships for those things. :-)
MackinawGirl: true

You might say God loved us to the "n'th degree" -- because "while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Do you love God enough to give up your secret sins, and seek His most wonderful gifts?

A Clue and an Invitation

Well, let's reverse the order of that.

First the invite: We're going for the big crowd and the big bucks tonight -- playing in the Texas Hold 'em tournament at Club H2O on Veterans Parkway. Register at 7:30 p.m. ET, get down to business at 8:00.

(We should note one of last week's top winners didn't finish playing until 1:00 a.m. This could be a long night.)

Now our new clue, as to what sort of hand we might have:

4-4 = Obamas. (Get it?)

Get a Clue

Some online poker players openly tell you what they have, as if they don't care. We don't mind dropping hints, as opposed to blatantly telling all.

Some pocket hands have a lingo of their own. Example: A-A = "Pocket Rockets" or "American Airlines."

K-K = Krispy Kremes.

Here are a few clues we might drop, if you ever play us....

A-Q = Al-Qaeda. (Not nice, admittedly.)

A-J = McClungs. The late A.J. McClung was a Mayor Pro Tem in our city, and the main football stadium in town is named in his honor.

A-10 = Xavier. Top basketball team in the Atlantic 10 conference.

K-10 = Ada. Ada, Oklahoma is where you'll find KTEN-TV.

K-9 = woof. (Obvious.)

8-9 = WLS. The "Big 89" on AM radio for years in Chicago.

We'd say more -- but we'd be giving too much away now, wouldn't we? :-->

Peek-a-boo Straight?

The player to my right raised me. I assumed he had a straight which beat my pair or two, so I folded and he took the pot.

Then when he threw the cards face down on the table and before the next dealer started shuffling, I couldn't resist. I reached for the cards, and looked at what he had.

"You're not supposed to do that," the man said to correct me. "That's not good etiquette."

He made a good point, and taught me a lesson. At some friendly tables, looking after the hand would be no biggie. But at a tournament (as this was), I could be in trouble. I could be sneaking a peek at an opponent's strategy.

So at a big-time poker table, secrets have some protection. And there's some Biblical backing for that. "Discover (reveal) not the secret of another," says the margin of my King James Bible in Proverbs 25:9.

If you really need to know a secret at the table, trust God to reveal it to you in the course of time. "For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest." (Luke 8:17) Otherwise, we suggest not worrying about it.

P.S. That man to our right was bluffing.