For many of the members of the DPL, our monthly get-togethers are a chance to have a few beers, visiting, bemoaning our bad beats, and most importantly, play good competive poker. But is that the end of it? For us (since Penny has become a pretty damn good player), it is not only the chance to play against some of the best players in this area, but also a chance to learn. Before the DPL, when I played in a casino event, if I finished in the top 40%, I was happy. Now a placing outside the top 20% would cause me some grief. Playing against very good players will elevate your game.
When you go to a casino, where do you head for? The slots, video poker, blackjack, craps, or to the poker room to see what games are being played or when their daily tournaments are scheduled. I could not argue against any of above choices; hell, I love them all, but when we go to school, it makes sense to test our skills. I tell Penny that even in a $100 event, I could lose more money on the casino floor in the same time as I would lose in a tourney. The most entertaining part is the stories and the memories of playing against players from around the nation. Here is just a few:
1. While watching one of own DPL members play in the WSOP circuit event a couple of years ago in Hammond, In, we saw his hold cards,   . The play was folded to him. He hesitated and folded. At first, I thought it was a good move; just wait for a better opportunity. His rationale was that since there were five others behind him, he didn't want to get into a situation where he would have to call a raise or forced into an all-in decision with dueces. The flop came out    . This was a lesson for all of us who were witnesses. Pairs rule!!
2. When playing some tournaments several years ago in Tunica, an elderly gentleman was in each tournament. He had one move, all-in. No raises, no calls, no checks, nope, just commit all your chips. After several of these moves, I looked across the table and asked if he had any other moves. He glared at me and said that if I want to play with him, that was the rule. I called with   . He had   suited. The aces held and he left in a huff. The other players told me that he plays two or three times a week and never cashes. That was at Sam's Town. The next day at Harrah's, I saw some of the same bunch of players. We chatted for a bit and one said, "Hey Decatur, here comes your buddy." Sure enough, here is the old codger himself ready for action. By the second blind period, he was gone. Now this example is oversimplified, but you tend to recognize players and their styles at different casinos over the years. Poker is a great game (namely for me) because of its social nature. Nobody cares about you losing on a slot or video poker machine. Poker stories are another thing entirely. The stories and people you meet will stay with you and them forever.
3. Recently I played at the Gateway Classic. On my right in the Senior Classic was a retired doctor. He was, as many of the seniors are, a steady player. At one point, I nearly knocked him out, but he rivered a flush to stay alive. We chatted all night. You can bet if either of us are at a touney in the future, we will remember each other. About midnight, I flopped a set of tens, My doc called with four hearts, he caught the fifth heart on the turn sending me to the rail. Before I went to bed (at 2:00 AM), he was at the final table as one of the clear chip leaders. No matter what your chip count, keep reminding yourself that you still have a chance.
4. Now my wife is loving the game and I can look forward to her playing against me and testing our skills and luck against each other. She has the edge so far. She cashed in the Sams Town tournament that I finished 27th out of 40 and last Monday, she knocked me out of the first game at the Elks. I had  preflop, the flop came out   . I went all in, she called with an . People were having a hoot: "you're going to sleep on the couch tonite!!" Not so fast there folks, runner-runner . I looked at her angelic face and said, "How could you play that!!?" Her reply, "I just felt lucky!" We both laughed and hugged. The couch was vacant that night.
The more you play against different players and different styles, the better you will be not only in the DPL, but in the other outside action as well. The DPL is an academy of poker and we are gearing up for another fun-filled, but hopefully educational experience. Lets get the cards in the air.
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