'OH MY He's Going All In!'

Last night we began the '2005 Must International Poker Champions League' After the discussion at one of our after work 'alcohol appreciation' sessions turned to Poker, I suggested we play a few games, cuz I wanted to learn how to play properly. I'd seen the World Poker Tour on TV, and its fantastic. When I initially flicked to it, I thought 'Fantastic, something to put me to sleep.' 5 hours later I was still watching. I dunno what it is but its enthralling.

Anyway, from there, we talked about it some more, and decided to have a trial run last night. We were playing Texas No Limit Hold 'Em, winner take all, with a $40 buy in and no trips to the ATM, to make sure we keep it friendly. $1 until the final two, when it bumps up to $5.

For those who don't know, Texas Hold 'Em is the one where each person has two cards, and there is a communal set of five in the middle from which everyone makes a hand. I'm glad that's what they chose, because it's a whole lot better than the five card stud business or whatever it is that we used to do during High School.

Of course, since I'd barely heard of the format before last night and the others were seasoned veterans, I got taken to the cleaners. But it was still heaps of fun. Zach (representing America) bowed out first, then me, with Tim (UK) being the eventual winner over Kjell (Norway). To be honest, I was having as much fun watching them as I was playing.

So we've decided to make this a monthly thing, same rules except a $100 buy in. In the meantime, anyone else up for a game? It'd be nice to play with people possessing roughly the same amount of experience as me, as opposed to:

Kjell: Regularly played in Norway with his mates, one of whom has won over US$2 million playing internet poker, and another whom has actually lost digits for failing to pay gambling debts.

Tim: Wears sunglasses when he plays, veteran of the game due to his weekly 'Naughty Nights in Soho' sessions since he was 18.

Zach: Recovering gambling addict (as well as a raving coke head and an 'adult beverage connoisseur'). Had a regular game going back in the OC, complete with professional table w/marked felt, shuffler and chips. Gave it all away after losing $2 500 in one hand of blackjack to a friend, then upping it to $5 000 after going double or nothing.