The Golden Rule and Poker

When I was really young, my father taught me the "Golden Rule". You remember it don't you..."Do unto others as you would have other do unto you". Pretty good rule if you ask me.

Unfortunately that rule doesn't really apply to poker. I don't want someone slowplaying the nuts on me when I have a connected hand. I don't want you calling my huge pre-flop bet with a crappy hand. etc.

The good thing about the Golden Rule is that if you use it correctly, sometimes you end up meeting people that use it correctly too. This year I have been able to meet quite a few people like that through our newly created poker club.

Don. (aka Doc, Don Juan the Magic Wand, Doc Holiday) Don is an opinionated man with a strong sensibility and moral integrity. Don is probably the best poker player I know. He's been playing since before I was born (which does elude to his mature age!). But most of all he is a good friend. He'll help you out in a pinch and won't think twice about it. He'll also bite your head off if you screw something up...but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Todd. (aka Gene Petto) Todd is a newer poker player like myself. He's a funny guy with a strong work ethic, and he is an easy guy to be friends with. He is also willing to bend over backwards to help out. He doesn't have a problem trash talking when he wins either (which is nice because if he dishes it out, he has to take it!!!) Todd has a son the same age as my youngest daughter which gives us a bit more in common, and we sometimes trade stories about our kids to make sure we aren't crazy (which doesn't make sense until you have kids!)

Tom. (aka T-Rex, Damn Yankee) Tom is a Yankee from Conneticutt so he has a higher hill to climb than most people. :) Tom is a very good poker player, and his consistent play helps me elevate my play. He also is a good friend that is willing to help out with just about anything. Tom is that guy that when he hears that you are going to build a poker table, swing set, or whatever he tells you that he'll help out without you needing to ask. Yeah - he's that guy!

Andy (aka AC Green) Andy is the smart friend we all probably need in our lives. He is always willing to help out, and never has a bad word to say about anyone (except maybe Tom - but it's ok, he's a yankee!) He is a very good poker player, and if you know what you're doing - you could drive him crazy with just the right sized bet! Andy and I can talk shop (IT, computers, gadgets, etc) at a level that overwhelms most people and that is a good thing. He will also help you out if you're in a bad spot.

It has to be considered a good year when you can meet new friends like these. I feel lucky and fortunate. I have gotten to know quite a few other good guys this year and I don't want to leave them out, so here they are in name:
Lance (Rance), Marc, Nick (Skorp), Phil (Bleepity Bleep), Tracy, Tony, Robert, Ken, Steve, Tim (Timmay!), Al, Mike, Chad, Gerald, J-Bo, Randy, Ryan, Corbin, Krissy.

If I missed you, it's only because I still have kids and I haven't found the mind that I lost.

-m²