Trash Talk & Hors D'oeuvres

Ladies' Poker Night is a funny thing; it's a little more refined than the usual game, but the trash talk still manages to sneak in at a few crucial moments. The canapes and cocktails were delectable, with Peach being the drink of choice...peach schnapps, peach cider, peach coolers...a little disconcerting for even the girliest of girls. Even though almost every one of us is at some crucial stage of our stop-smoking program, it seemed we were playing in a burning building. And then, there's the pot. I personally cannot smoke pot and play poker. It amazes me the savvy with which some people can...most of my friends are seasoned professionals. Shuffling alone would prove much too daunting a task.

The 3rd game ended the evening around 5am. I won the first 2 games, but was out, and dealing to the last 2 standing by 4am. It was one of those "all-in-gone-wrong" episodes, not really a victory, but rather a confusing combination of several too many beverages and an uncovered bet, with both players grabbing for the chips at the end of the hand. A split pot was not entirely a fair solution, but our newest player didn't seem to mind an equal number of chips, as chip value hasn't proven a particularly relevant factor in her world to this point. She is learning fast, however, and playing some really nice hands. I sure hope she doesn't hold a grudge.

I still love to play with the guys, but Ladies' Night is a refreshing change. The biggest differences, to my untrained eye, would have to be as follows:

mini eggrolls and shrimp cocktail VS stale potato chip remnants
home-made cookies VS home-made bongs
Chianti VS Canadian in a can
Cat Stevens and the Cars VS Slayer and Sabbath
passive aggressive pandering VS pugnacity and porn

My favorite line from Ladies' Night... "I got three aces...suited."